California Gray chicken farming is common and popular business in the United States. It is a very good dual purpose breed which is raised and valued for both meat and eggs production. The hens lay very large sized eggs and the meat is also of very good quality.
The California Gray chicken is actually an American breed of domestic chicken which was developed by James Dryden during the 1930s. And name of the breed came from the California State, United States.
The breed was developed by crossing White Leghorns with Barred Plymouth Rock chickens. Barred Plymouth Rock chickens are a very popular and heavy dual purpose breed with alternating black and white stripes. On the other hand, White Leghorn chickens are of white color, small in size and excellent white eggs layer.
A White Leghorn hen and a Barred Plymouth Rock rooster were crossed for creating the California Gray chicken. The California Gray chicken is not as large as the Barred Plymouth Rock chicken, but is heavier than the White Leghorn Chickens.
However, as these birds are good dual-purpose birds, so starting commercial California Gray chicken farming business will be profitable. The hens lay larger eggs and the breed is also good for quality meat production.
How to Start California Gray Chicken Farming
Starting California Gray chicken farming business is relatively easy and simple. Because the California Gray chickens are comparatively strong and hardy birds as compared to many other domestic chicken breeds.
Even the beginners can raise them. Here we are trying to describe more information about starting and operating a successful California Gray chicken farming business from purchasing birds to caring and marketing.
Purchase Chickens
First of all, you have to purchase very good quality, healthy and disease free birds for starting California Gray chicken farming business. Because you can’t expect to have good profit if the initial stocks are not good.
You can purchase either day old chicks or mature birds depending on the price and availability in your are. The mature birds are costly, but the day old chicks are much cheaper. We recommend starting with day old chicks.
You can purchase the chicks from any of your nearest chicken breeding centers, poultry chick suppliers or any existing California Gray chicken farms. Ask for help from an expert if you are a beginner. You can also search your local online classified websites.
Housing
Making a good, comfortable and secure housing system is a must for California Gray 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 and materials for building the house can be any depending on your budget. The house can be of full concrete setup or can be made of low cost and easily available materials, such as bamboo, wood etc.
Just ensure that the house is safe and comfortable for your chickens. Install good ventilation system. Because good ventilation system helps to remove the gas from inside the house naturally.
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 on a regular basis.
The California Gray chickens are classed as a heavy breed. And a mature bird will require around or up to 5 square feet housing space.
Feeding
Feeding the birds with very good quality, and nutritious food is the most important part of California Gray chicken farming business. So always try to feed your chickens with enough good and nutritious food.
You can feed your birds either with commercial poultry feeds or you can prepare the feeds of your own. Just ensure that the feeds are good, nutritious and healthy for the birds.
Never feed your chickens with contaminated feeds. And always provide them with enough clean and fresh water as per their demand.
The California Gray chickens are good for raising in both confined and free range system. But raising them in free range system will reduce the feeding costs, and it will also improve the quality of meat and eggs.
Breeding
Like many other domestic chicken breeds, the California Gray chickens are 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 and healthy rooster is enough for breeding around or up to 10 hens.
Caring
The California Gray chickens are relatively strong and hardy birds. So they generally require less caring and other management. Although taking additional care will help the birds to grow better and produce more.
Monitor your birds on a regular basis for any signs of diseases or illness and take necessary steps if you notice anything uncommon. Vaccinate your birds timely and always try to keep good contact with a vet in your area.
Marketing
Marketing chicken products is not a problem. Because both meat and eggs of chickens have very good demand and value in the market. So you will probably be able to sell your products easily 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 running a successful California Gray chicken farming business. Hope this guide has helped you! Good luck & may God bless you!
