Welsummer chicken farming is popular for both meat and eggs production, because it is a very good and productive dual purpose breed. And it is valued for both meat and eggs production in most of the areas where the breed is available.
The Welsummer is actually a Dutch chicken breed which was developed in the 1900’s. And the breed was named after the village of Welsum in Holland. But the breed was actually developed in the area along the river Ysel to the north of Deventer, Holland.
Dutch breeders developed this breed from the partridge Cochin, partridge Wyandotte and partridge Leghorn, the Barnevelder and Rhode Island Red chickens.
The Welsummer chicken is mainly popular for it’s colorful eggs production, and is very large in size. The breed appear in 3 color varieties namely the Gold Duckwing, Silver Duckwing and Partridge. There is also a Bantam variety of this breed available which lay light brown eggs.
However, as these birds are good for both meat and eggs production so starting Welsummer chicken farming business commercially can be profitable.
How to Start Welsummer Chicken Farming
The Welsummer chickens are relatively strong and hardy birds. So starting commercial Welsummer chicken farming business is relatively easy and simple. It’s just like starting a commercial chicken farming business with any other domestic chicken breeds.
Here we are trying to describe more information about starting and operating a successful Welsummer 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 Welsummer chicken farming business. You can start with either day old chicks or mature birds depending on the price and availability in your area.
You can purchase the birds from any of your local chicken breeding centers or existing farms. Ask for help from an expert if you are a beginner. You can also search your local online classified websites for purchasing chicks.
Housing
Making a good housing system is important for Welsummer 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. So, try to make a very good house/shelter for your chickens.
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 Welsummer chickens are classed as a heavy breed. And a mature bird will generally require around 5 square feet of housing space.
Feeding
This is the most important part of Welsummer chicken farming business. Because good and nutritious food not only helps the birds to grow better, but also helps them to stay healthy. So always try to feed your chickens with good and nutritious foods.
You can feed your chickens either with ready-made/commercial poultry feeds or you can prepare the feeds of your own. Whatever you feed, ensure that it is good and nutritious for your birds.
The Welsummer chickens are excellent foragers. So allowing them to range freely will help you to reduce feeding costs.
Never feed your chickens with contaminated or polluted feeds. And always provide them with enough clean and fresh drinking water as per their demand.
Breeding
Like many other domestic chicken breeds, the Welsummer chickens are also very good breeders. If you want to produce fertile eggs, then you just have to keep good ratio of roosters and hens in your flock. Generally one mature rooster is enough for breeding around or up to 10 hens.
Caring
The Welsummer chickens are very calm and friendly in nature and it’s very easy to handle them. They are also very strong and hardy birds. So they will require less caring and other management.
Although taking additional care will help the birds to grow better and stay healthy. Inspect their health on a regular basis for any signs of diseases or illness and take necessary steps if you notice anything wrong. Vaccinate your chickens timely and always try to keep good contact with a vet in your area.
Marketing
Chicken products have very good demand and value in the market throughout the world. So you don’t have to worry much about marketing your products.
You will probably be able to easily sell your products in the local or any nearest market. Although it will be better if you can set your marketing strategies before starting this business.
These are the common steps and ways for starting and operating a successful Welsummer chicken farming business. Hope this guide has helped you! Good luck & may God bless you!
