Speckled Sussex chicken farming is done for both meat and eggs production purpose, because it is a pretty good dual-purpose breed of domestic chicken. It was originated in the early of 19th Century in Sussex county, England.
Today the breed is not only available in England, but also available and popular in many other countries. It is a good dual-purpose breed, and it is mainly famous as a table bird.
The Speckled Sussex chickens have many color varieties. And the breed has also a bantam version which is about 1/4 of the original version.
The breed was developed mainly as a table bird. But today it has become a good dual purpose chicken breed and it is suitable for both meat and eggs production.
Although, the Speckled Sussex chickens are not among the top egg layers. The hens generally lay about 4 eggs per week. But the breed is very good for quality meat production.
You can start Speckled Sussex chicken farming business if you want to raise a calm, curious, pretty, gentle and friendly bird. The breed is also good for raising as pets and they lay large light brown to tinted colored eggs.
How to Start Speckled Sussex Chicken Farming
Starting Speckled Sussex chicken farming business is just like starting a chicken farming business with any other domestic chicken breeds. So, you will be able to start this business easily.
Here we are trying to describe everything about starting and operating a successful Speckled Sussex chicken farming business from purchasing birds to caring and marketing.
Purchase Chickens
Before starting Speckled Sussex chicken farming business, try to determine whether this breed is available in your area or not. If available then consider purchasing very good quality, healthy and disease free birds.
You can purchase birds from any of your nearest chicken breeding centers or existing farms. Ask for help from an expert if you are a beginner. You can also consider searching your local online classified websites.
Housing
Making a good, comfortable and safe shelter or housing system is very important for Speckled Sussex chicken farming business. Because a good house not only keeps the birds healthy but also helps them to stay free from all types of predators and adverse weather conditions.
So, try to make a good and safe house for your birds. Install good ventilation system and ensure flow of sufficient amount of fresh air and light inside the house. And make the house in such a way so that you can easily clean the house.
The Speckled Sussex chicken is classed as a heavy chicken breed. So each mature bird will require around 5 square feet of housing space.
Feeding
Good quality and nutritious feeding is the most important part of Speckled Sussex chicken farming business. So, always try to feed your chickens with very good quality and nutritious food.
You can either feed your chickens with ready-made/commercial poultry feeds or prepare the feeds of your own. Just ensure that the feeds have all required nutrients as per the demand of a dual-purpose chicken.
Never feed your chickens with contaminated feeds. And always try to provide your chickens with enough clean and fresh water as per their demand.
Breeding
Like many other domestic chicken breeds, the Speckled Sussex chickens are also naturally very good breeders. They will 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 10 hens.
Caring
The Speckled Sussex chickens are calm, curious, gentle and friendly in nature. They are also very strong and hardy birds. So they generally require less caring and other management.
Although taking additional caring will help the birds to stay healthy and grow better. Vaccinate them timely and always try to keep good contact with a vet in your area.
Marketing
Marketing chicken products is not a problem. Because chicken products have very good demand and value in most areas. So you will probably 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 steps and ways for starting and operating a successful Speckled Sussex chicken farming business. Hope this guide has helped you! Good luck & may God bless you!