Sicilian Buttercup chicken farming is less popular. Because it is not a meat or eggs producing breed of domestic chicken. Rather it is an ornamental chicken breed and it is very popular among the hobby poultry keepers.
The Sicilian Buttercup chicken actually originated from the Italian island of Sicily. Today, it is a pretty rare breed, and it is popular among the poultry keepers mainly for it’s beauty, rich coloring and glorious golden feathering.
The name of this breed comes from the unusual cup shaped comb.And the breed actually derives from the indigenous Sicilian breed of Sicily. But long separation from the original stock has led to marked differences between the two.
The Sicilian Buttercup chicken was included in the American Poultry Association’s Standard of Perfection during the year of 1918. And the American Livestock Conservancy has listed this breed as ‘threatened’.
However, commercial Sicilian Buttercup chicken farming can help this breed to recover it’s population. And at the same time you can earn some additional income. You can start commercial Sicilian Buttercup chicken farming business if there is enough demand for ornamental chickens in your area.
How to Start Sicilian Buttercup Chicken Farming
Starting Sicilian Buttercup chicken farming business is just like starting a chicken farming business with any other domestic chicken breeds. You can easily raise these birds even if you are a beginner.
Here we are trying to describe more information about starting and operating a successful Sicilian Buttercup 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 Sicilian Buttercup chicken farming business. You can purchase either day old chicks or mature birds depending on the availability and price 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. And we recommend starting with day old chicks.
You can purchase the chicks from any of your nearest chicken breeding centers or existing farms (if there are any). You can also search your local online classified websites.
Housing
Making a good, comfortable and secure shelter/housing system is very important for Sicilian Buttercup chicken farming business. Because a good house not only helps the birds to stay healthy and productive, but also helps them to stay free from all types of predators and adverse weather conditions.
You can construct a house either with full concrete setup or the house can be made of easily available or low cost materials. It actually depends on your budget.
Install good ventilation system 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.
The Sicilian Buttercup chickens are classed as a heavy breed. So they will require up to 5 square feet housing space in commercial production. And will require more space if you raise them for ornamental purpose or as pets.
Feeding
This is the most important part of Sicilian Buttercup chicken farming business. Because good food not only helps the birds to grow better and produce more, but also helps them to stay healthy and stay free from diseases or illness.
So always try to feed your chickens with enough good and nutritious food. You can feed them either commercial poultry feeds or prepare the feeds of your own. Whatever you choose, ensure that the food is good and nutritious for your birds.
Never feed your chickens with contaminated feeds. And always try to provide them with enough clean and fresh water as per their demand.
Breeding
Like many other domestic chicken breeds, the Sicilian Buttercup chickens are also naturally very good breeders. They will breed easily and produce fertile eggs if you just keep good ratio of hens and roosters in your flock. Generally one healthy rooster is enough for breeding around or up to 10 hens.
Caring
The Sicilian Buttercup chickens are relatively strong, hardy and active birds. 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 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 chicken have very good demand and value in the market. Although the situation can be different for marketing the ornamental chickens.
So it will be better if you determine whether you can easily market ornamental breeds in your area, before starting this business.
These are the common steps and ways for starting and operating a successful Sicilian Buttercup chicken farming business. Hope this guide has helped you! Good luck & may God bless you!
