Orpington chicken farming is very popular, because it is a very good dual purpose breed of domestic chicken. It was developed mainly as an egg layer with very good meat quality. And today the breed is raised commercially and in small farms as a dual purpose bird.
The Orpington chicken breed was developed in the year of 1886 in England. And it was named as ‘Orpington’, after the town of Orpington, Kent in south-east England.
Today, the Orpington chicken is among the top choices for small farms. Because they are docile, sweet and grow nice and large. Another advantage of Orpington chicken farming is that ‘the hens go broody easily’. So you can have a natural setup for the Orpington chickens where they will reproduce and continue for generations.
The Orpington chickens are also very cold hardy birds. And they can produce eggs well through frigid winters and dark, short days. They are also popular as show birds and are good as pets.
Today, the breed is popular and an attractive breed mainly because of it’s large size, soft appearance and it’s rich color and gentle contours.
However, as these birds are good eggs and meat producers so starting commercial Orpington chicken farming can be a profitable business if you can manage everything perfectly.
How to Start Orpington Chicken Farming Business
The Orpington chickens are very strong and hardy birds. So they generally require less caring and other management. So, starting a commercial Orpington chicken farming business is just like starting a chicken farming business with any other domestic chicken breeds.
Here we are trying to describe more information about starting and operating a successful Orpington 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 Orpington chicken farming business. You can purchase either day old chicks or mature birds depending on the availability and price in your area.
You can consider purchasing birds from any of your nearest chicken breeding centers or any existing farms. Ask for help from an expert if you are a beginner. You can also search your local online classified websites for purchasing birds. Today the Orpington chickens are available in many countries around the world. So, you will probably be able to find these birds.
Housing
Making a good, comfortable and secure housing system is very important for Orpington chicken farming business. Because a good house not only helps the birds to stay healthy but also helps them to stay free from predators and adverse weather conditions.
So, try to make a good, comfortable and secure house for your chickens. Install good ventilation system and ensure flow of fresh air inside the house. And make the house in such a way so that you can easily clean the house.
You can build either concrete house or cheap house with easily available bamboo or wood. Whatever you choose, just ensure the house is comfortable and secure for your birds.
The Orpington chickens are classed as a heavy breed. So they will require around or up to 5 square feet housing space. They can be raised in both confined and free range system. But raising them in free range system will ensure production of better quality products.
Feeding
This is the most important part of Orpington chicken farming business. Because good food not only helps the birds to grow better but also helps them to stay healthy and produce more. So, always try to feed your chickens with enough good and nutritious food.
You can feed your chickens either with ready-made/commercial poultry feeds or prepare the feeds of your own. Just ensure that the feed is nutritious enough for your chickens.
Never feed your chickens with contaminated or polluted feeds or water. And provide them with enough clean and fresh water as per their demand.
Breeding
Like many other domestic chicken breeds, the Orpington chickens are also very good breeders. If you can have a natural setup for your chickens, then they will reproduce and continue for generations. But keeping good ratio of hens and roosters is important. And generally one mature rooster is enough for breeding around or up to 10 hens.
Caring
The Orpington chickens are gentle, calm, docile and patient. They are also very strong and hardy birds. So they generally require less caring and other management. Although taking additional care will help them to grow better and stay healthy.
Inspect your birds on a regular basis for any signs of diseases or illness. And take necessary steps as soon as possible if you notice anything wrong. Vaccinate them timely and keep good contact with a vet.
Marketing
Marketing chicken products is not a problem. Because both meat and eggs of chicken have very good demand and value in the market. So, you will probably be able to easily sell your products in the local market or any of your nearest town. Although it is always better to set your marketing strategies before starting this business.
These are the common ways and steps for starting and operating a successful Orpington chicken farming business. Hope this guide has helped you! Good luck & may God bless you!
