Rosecomb chicken farming is a very old practice, because it is one of the oldest chicken breeds. It is a bantam breed of domestic chicken which is named so for it’s distinctive comb. And it is very popular mainly for it’s smaller size.
The Rosecomb chicken is among the true bantam chicken breeds, and not a miniatured version of large birds. Very little history is known about this breed, but it was originated from United Kingdom.
The Rosecomb chicken breed has been known since at least the 1400s, and it was developed by the English breeders. It first saw popularity after being kept by King Richard III, during his reign in the 15th Century.
It is not known exactly when the breed arrived in United States. Today the Rosecomb chicken breed is raised mainly as an ornamental breed. And it is still popular with the poultry fanciers. The breed was admitted into the American Poultry Association’s Standard of Perfection in the year of 1874.
However, you can start commercial Rosecomb chicken farming business if you can market ornamental chickens easily in your area. The ornamental chickens are generally sold at very high price in the market. So you will probably able to make good profit from commercial Rosecomb chicken farming business.
How to Start Rosecomb Chicken Farming
The Rosecomb chickens are smaller in size. They require lees food, less care and other management. So starting commercial Rosecomb chicken farming business is easy.
Here we are trying to describe more information about starting and operating a successful Rosecomb chicken farming business from purchasing birds to caring and marketing.
Purchase Chickens
First of all, you have to purchase very good quality, healthy, active and disease free birds for starting your Rosecomb chicken farming business. Purchasing healthy and active birds is very important, because good birds ensure good production.
You can purchase either day old chicks or mature birds depending on the availability in your area. The mature birds are generally sold at very high price in the market, but the day old chicks are much cheaper. So we recommend starting with day old chicks.
You can purchase the chicks from any of your nearest poultry chick suppliers, chicken breeding centers or any any existing Rosecomb chicken farms. You can also search your local online classified websites. Just ensure that the birds are healthy and active.
Housing
Arranging a good housing system is very important for commercial Rosecomb 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 of the house can be any depending on your budget. It can be of full concrete setup or you can build the house with low cost and easily available materials (such as wood or bamboo).
Install good ventilation system inside the house. Good ventilation system helps to remove harmful gases from inside the house, and at the same time it will help to keep your birds healthy.
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 Rosecomb chickens are true bantam. So they will require relatively less space. Generally around 4 square feet of housing space per bird will be enough. But as they are ornamental birds, so arranging more space per bird will be good.
Feeding
Feeding the birds with very good quality and nutritious food is the most important part of Rosecomb chicken farming business. Good food not only helps the birds to stay healthy, but also helps them to grow better and produce more.
You can feed your chickens either with ready-made/commercial poultry feeds or prepare the feeds of your own. Just ensure that the feeds are good and nutritious for your chickens. You can ask for help from an expert if you are a beginner.
Never feed your chickens with contaminated feeds. And always try to provide them with enough clean and fresh drinking water as per their demand.
The Rosecomb chickens are good for raising in both confined and free range system. But raising them in free range system will help you to reduce feeding costs. And at the same time it will help to improve the quality of the products.
Breeding
Like many other domestic chicken breeds, the Rosecomb chickens are naturally very good breeders. They will breed easily and produce enough fertile eggs if you keep good ratio of hens and roosters in your flock.
Generally one healthy rooster is enough for breeding around or up to 10 hens. The hens are not among the good layers, and they lay only a few number of small white eggs. They tend not to be broody.
Caring
The Rosecomb chickens are generally hardy and active birds. They are usually friendly and easily handled, but the roosters may be aggressive. They are not good fliers. The chicks are slow to mature, and they generally require special care.
They require special caring during the cold weather, as their comb is prone to frostbite. Monitor your birds health on a regular basis for any signs of diseases or illness, and take necessary steps as soon as possible if you notice anything uncommon. Vaccinate them timely and always try to keep good contact with a vet in your area.
Marketing
Marketing chicken products (such as meat and eggs) is very easy. Because both meat and eggs of chicken have very good demand and value in the market. But marketing ornamental birds can be difficult.
Because demand of ornamental birds can vary from place to place. So determine your marketing strategies before starting this business.
These are the common ways and steps for starting and operating a successful Rosecomb chicken farming business. Raising Rosecomb chickens is very easy, even the beginners can also raise them. Hope this guide has helped you! Good luck & may God bless you!
