Ixworth chicken farming is very popular business in the area where this breed is available. It is a dual purpose breed of domestic chicken which is raised and valued for both meat and eggs production.
It is actually an English breed which was originated in the village of Ixworth in Suffolk, England. The breed was developed during the 1930s by Reginald Appleyard and named for the village of ‘Ixworth’.
The Ixworth chicken was created as a fast growing and high quality meat breed with reasonable laying abilities. And it was bred from White Indian Game, Jubilee, White Minorca, White Orpington and White Sussex chickens.
The Ixworth chicken is among the very rare chicken breeds, which almost disappeared in the 1970s (it has since gradually recovered). There is also a bantam variety of this breed available.
However, as these birds are larger in size, so they are very good for meat production. And they are also pretty good for producing eggs. So starting commercial Ixworth chicken farming is a good business if you can manage everything perfectly.
How to Start Ixworth Chicken Farming
The Ixworth chickens are very strong and hardy birds. They relatively require less caring and other management. So starting commercial Ixworth chicken farming is just like starting a chicken farming business with any other chicken breeds.
You can start Ixworth chicken farming business even if you are a beginner. Here we are trying to describe more information about starting and operating a successful Ixworth 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 Ixworth chicken farming business. You can purchase either day old chicks or mature birds depending on the price and availability in your area.
The mature birds are generally sold at a very high price in the market. On the other hand, the day old chicks are much cheaper. So we recommend starting with day old chicks.
Purchase the chicks from any of your nearest chicken breeding centers or existing Ixworth chicken farms. You can also search your local online classified websites for purchasing birds.
Housing
Building a very good, comfortable and secure housing system is very important for Ixworth 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.
You can build the house either with low cost and easily available materials (such as bamboo, wood, straw etc.), or can be of full concrete setup. It actually depends on your budget.
Install good ventilation system and ensure flow of sufficient amount of clean and fresh air inside the house. Good ventilation system is a must, because it helps to reduce gas from inside the house and ultimately helps the birds to stay healthy.
Try to make the house in such a way so that you can easily clean the house. The Ixworth chickens are classed as a large breed. And a mature chicken will require around or up to 6 square feet of housing space.
Feeding
This is the most important part of Ixworth chicken farming business. Because good food not only helps the birds to stay healthy but also helps them to grow better and produce more. So always try to provide your birds with good and nutritious food.
You can feed your chickens either with ready-made/commercial poultry feeds or prepare the feeds of your own. Whatever you choose, just ensure that the food is good, nutritious and healthy for your chickens.
Never feed your chickens with contaminated or polluted feeds. Occasionally provide them with kitchen scraps such as vegetables, fruits etc. And always provide your birds with enough clean and fresh water as per their demand.
Breeding
The Ixworth chickens are naturally very good breeders, just like many other domestic chicken breeds. So you don’t have to worry much about their breeding.
They will breed easily and produce fertile eggs for hatching if you keep good ratio of hens and roosters in the flock. Generally one healthy rooster is enough for successfully breeding around or up to 10 hens.
Caring
The Ixworth chickens are very strong, hardy and active 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 birds on a regular basis for any signs of diseases or illness. And take necessary steps if you notice anything uncommon. 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 have very good demand and value in the market throughout the world.
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 common steps and ways for starting and operating a successful Ixworth chicken farming business. Hope this guide has helped you! Good luck & may God bless you!
