Scots Grey chicken farming is a very common practice in it’s native area. It is a dual purpose and very old breed which was originated from Scotland. And it has been breed for more than two hundred years in it’s native area.
The breed was popular in Scotland until about 1930 and was formerly known as the Scotch Grey chicken. The breed has also been known over the years under different names such as Scotch Grey, Chick Marley or Shepherd’s Plaid. And it has made it difficult to trace it’s precise history.
The breed is not grey at all, although it’s name is Scots Grey chicken. Rather it is black and white striped with metallic iridescence also called Cuckoo or Barred in the poultry world. Currently the breed is on the “Native Poultry Breeds at Risk” list of the Rare Breeds Survival Trust.
Today the breed is pretty rare, and it is bred mainly for exhibition purpose. There is also a bantam variety of this breed available.
However, as these birds are dual purpose birds, so starting commercial Scots Grey chicken farming business can be profitable if you can manage everything perfectly.
How to Start Scots Grey Chicken Farming
Starting commercial Scots Grey chicken farming is just like starting and operating a chicken farming business with any other domestic chicken breeds.
The Scots Grey chickens are relatively strong and hardy birds, so starting commercial Scots Grey chicken farming business will be relatively easy.
Here we are trying to describe more information about starting and operating a a successful Scots Grey chicken farming business from purchasing birds to caring and marketing.
Purchase Chickens
First of all, you have to purchase very good quality, disease free and healthy birds for starting your Scots Grey chicken farming business. Purchasing very good quality birds is very important, because good quality birds are the key to successful business.
You can start your Scots Grey chicken farming business either with day old chicks or with mature birds depending on the price and availability in your area. The mature birds are generally sold at a very high prices in the market. On the other hand the day old chicks are much cheaper. So we recommend starting with day old chicks.
You can purchase the chicks from any of your nearest poultry chick suppliers, chicken breeding centers or any existing Scots Grey chicken farms. Just ensure that the chicks are good and healthy enough. You can also search your local online classified websites for purchasing birds.
Housing
Making a good, secure and comfortable housing system is very important for Scots Grey chicken farming business. Because a good house not only helps the birds to stay healthy but also helps them to stay free from all types of predators and adverse weather conditions.
The type of the house can be any depending on your budget. It can be of full concrete setup or you can build the house with easily available and low cost materials such as wood or bamboo. Just ensure that the house is good and comfortable for the birds.
Install good ventilation system inside the house to ensure flow of sufficient amount of clean and fresh air. Good ventilation system also helps to remove harmful gas from inside the house.
Make the house in such a way so that you can easily clean the house. The Scots Grey chickens are classed as a large breed. So a mature bird will require around or up to 5 square feet of housing space.
Feeding
Feeding the birds with very good quality and nutritious food is the most important part of Scots Grey chicken farming business. Because god food not only helps the birds to stay healthy, but also helps them to grow better. So always try to feed your chickens with enough good food.
You can feed your chickens either with ready-made/commercial poultry feeds or prepare the feeds of your own. Just ensure that the food is good and nutritious for your birds.
Never feed your chickens with contaminated feeds. And always try to provide them with enough clean and fresh water as per their demand.
The Scots Grey chickens are good for raising in both confined and free range system. But raising them in free range system will help you to reduce feeding costs. And at the same time it will help you to produce better quality products.
Breeding
Like many other domestic chicken breeds, the Scots Grey chickens are also naturally very good breeders. They will breed easily and produce fertile eggs for hatching if you keep good ratio of hens and roosters in your flock. Generally one mature rooster is enough for breeding around of up to 10 hens.
Caring
The Scots Grey chickens are naturally very strong and hardy birds. And they generally require less caring and other management. Although taking additional care will help the birds to grow better and produce more.
Monitor your bird’s health on a regular basis for any signs of diseases or illness. And take necessary steps if you notice anything wrong. Vaccinate them timely and always keep good contact with a vet in your area.
Marketing
Marketing chicken products is not a problem. Because both meat and eggs of the chicken have very good demand and value in the market. So you will be able to easily sell your products in the local market. Although you should set your marketing strategies before starting this business.
These are the common ways and steps for starting and operating a successful Scots Grey chicken farming business. Raising these chickens is very easy and simple. Hope this guide has helped you! Good luck & may God bless you!
