Egg farm businesses today
Egg farming is a massive industry due to the high demand for eggs i n modern society. Eggs are the primary ingredient in most of our food recipes and are an integral part of our diet. Starting a chicken egg farm is a profitable business. Yet it does require a certain level of knowledge and experience before starting. Here is a step-by-step guide and a few tips to help you get started.
Step 1: Keep your goals clear
Before starting on your farm, be clear on your goals. Is your primary intention to make money? Are you concerned about animal welfare? Is chicken farming a passion to you, and money is only a bonus?
A lot depends on your motive behind starting the farm. If you want a profitable business that thrives for many years, then you have to consider many factors like the quality of eggs, customer satisfaction, animal welfare, and your type of farm. You also have to keep your target consumers in mind. Do you intend to sell eggs to the local store? How are you going to market your eggs? Is it going to be a big business or just small enough for your space?
Chicken egg farms will also demand a lot of your time and attention. So you have to be ready to commit yourself to the job. This wouldn’t be a problem if you are starting an egg farm as a hobby, but if it’s a part-time business to you, you need to spend enough time, at least during the initial stages of the project.
Step 2: Research the farming laws of your state
Before starting a chicken egg farm, make sure you learn about the legality behind it. Every state has different laws regarding the type of farming allowed, the number of hens, and how you can sell your eggs. Visit the website of the agricultural department of your state to learn more. It is important to follow federal laws on agriculture.
You may also need to have a permit to start your farm. Inform the relevant department about your intention to start a farm. Not complying with these laws can result in you being fined or, worse, even imprisoned. So this is an important step in your chicken egg farm.
Step 3: What is your budget?
Your budget would depend on the type of egg farm you want to have. Be sure of how much you are able to spend so you can plan your far accordingly. Determine how much you can spend before you start seeing a profit.
Your budget would depend on many factors. For example, you must take into consideration the location of your farm and whether you own the farm or are going to rent it. Prices of sites would differ depending on the location. You also would have to decide on the type of feed. Chickens can also be grass-fed, but they would also need an additional diet to increase egg production. And the better the type of feed, the higher the quality of the chickens and eggs would be.
Decide if you will be able to hire employees with your budget and decide on their salaries. Taking care of layer chickens can be a lot of work, depending on the number of hens you are planning to have. Do you need additional muscle to do the marketing and selling? Decide with your budget in mind.
You may also need to spend some money on online marketing if you are planning to go large-scale. Consider investing in some advertising and marketing strategies. In addition, you may also need reliable transport for your business. You could also provide an egg delivery service to customers if you have the means of transport. In this day and age, home deliveries are common and important for the growth of any business.
In addition to all the expenses mentioned above, make sure you also have some reserves to fall back to in case there is a change of circumstances in your state and feed prices, or other basic necessities go up. As we have all had experience with sudden lockdowns and gasoline prices shooting up, it’s always best to be prepared.
Step 4: Select your type of layer farm and chickens
There are many types of chicken farming. Eggs can be produced in factory farms using a battery cage system within a small space, or there are deep litter farming options. Choose the type depending on your goals. If animal welfare and the quality of the eggs you sell are important to you, then try free-range chicken farming or organic chicken farming. If profit is your goal, you could go for battery cage systems or deep litter farming. Refer to my articles on each of these types of farming for a better idea.
You also have to be sure to pick the right breed for your type of farm. Some chickens are better at egg production than others. Some good-layer chickens are Hybrids, which can lay up to 280 eggs per year, and the Rhode Island Red, which can produce about 250 eggs annually. Other types include Leghorn, Sussex hens, Plymouth Rock hens, Ancona hens, Barnevelder, Hamburg, Marans, and the Buff Orpington. Consider the behaviors of each type and how they would respond to your type of farm. Some chickens, like Rhode Island Red, are best for free-range farming, while the Leghorn tends to be restless in urban environments.
Step 5: Feed for your chicken
The type of feed you give your chickens is an important factor in both the quality and quantity of your egg production. Study the nutritional needs of layer chickens and aim at providing the best for them. Do not compromise with cheap types of feed because though it may save you money, it will cost you quality eggs.
There are many types of food you can give your chickens, like pellets, mash, crumble, chicken scratch, chickweed, cabbage, bok choy, melon, and squash. Avoid foods with too much fat or salt. And don’t give onions, avocados, chocolates, or dry beans as they can interfere with egg production and make the sick.
Chickens must also be given proper medical care when they fall sick and proper hygiene must be maintained to prevent the spread of diseases. Protein helps them in producing eggs, so make sure to add a good source of protein to their diet.
Step 6: Handle the eggs with care
Eggs are fragile, and the slightest mistake can cost you your entire business. So make sure you use the proper methods for collecting, storing, packaging, and transporting your eggs. Eggs must also be kept at a specific temperature of 45 degrees to prevent them from hatching and contracting bacteria. You also have to have your eggs graded according to U.S. Grade standards.
Always discard cracked, bloody, rotten, or damaged eggs. This would ensure the reputation of your farm and increase customer satisfaction.
Step 7: Start selling your eggs.
Now is the time to reap the benefits of your hard work. Sell your eggs for an appropriate price. You would want to include all your costs, like transportation, chicken feed, and medications, into the price of your eggs. Don’t overprice. Be sure to sell at competitive prices so your eggs will sellout faster.
Summary
Starting a chicken egg farm can be pretty complicated, but if you do it properly, as soon as chickens start laying eggs, you will start seeing a good profit. Keeping your goals clear, planning your budget, selecting your space and chickens, following the legalities of your state, and giving your chickens good food and care are important factors that determine the success of your business. Have customer satisfaction as the ultimate goal in your mind, and your business will surely be the great success you want it to be.