Vorwerk chicken farming is very popular, especially in the areas where the breed is available. It is a dual purpose breed of domestic chicken which is valued for both meat and eggs production. It is a very strong and hardy breed and good for commercial production.
The Vorwerk chicken breed was originated in Germany. And it was named after the breeder, Oskar Vorwerk. His intention was to develop an attractive chicken breed that was easy to raise and was a good layer and also good sized meat producer.
Oskar Vorwerk began to create a medium-sized, utilitarian fowl with the belted plumage pattern of the Lakenvelder during the beginning of 1990. The key difference in appearance between these two breeds would be the Vorwerk chicken’s dark golden base color, rather than the White of the Lakenvelder.
Sometimes the Vorwerk chickens are incorrectly called the Golden Lakenvelder, especially in the North America. But the Golden Lakenvelder is a plumage variety and is a separate breed from the Vorwerks.
Many different chicken breeds were used for creating the Vorwerk chicken. And these chickens include Andalusian, Buff Sussex, Lakenvelder and Buff Orpington chicken.
The Vorwerk chicken breed is rare now and it was almost lost after the Second World War. There is also a bantam version of this breed. The standard version has never been accepted into the American Poultry Association’s Standard of Perfection.
However, as these chickens are dual purpose birds and good for both meat and eggs, so starting commercial Vorwerk chicken farming business will be profitable. And at the same time, you will be able to help this breed to recover it’s population.
How to Start Vorwerk Chicken Farming
The Vorwerk chickens are hardy, alert and active birds. So starting commercial Vorwerk chicken farming will relatively be easy.
Here we are trying to describe more information about starting and operating a successful Vorwerk 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 your Vorwerk chicken farming business. Purchasing good quality birds is very important, because good quality birds are the key to good production and maximum profits.
You can purchase either mature birds or day old chicks depending on the price and availability in your area. The mature birds are generally sold at very high price in the market. While 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 existing Vorwerk chicken farms. You can also consider searching your local online classified websites. Just ensure that the chicks are active and healthy.
Housing
Arranging a good, comfortable and safe housing system is important for commercial Vorwerk 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 wild predators and adverse weather conditions.
The type of the house can be any depending on your budget, and also on the availability of materials in your area. The house can be of full concrete setup or you can build the house with low cost and easily available materials such as bamboo or wood.
Install good ventilation system inside the house. Ventilation system is very important, because it helps to reduce harmful gases from inside the house and keeps your birds healthy.
Also 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 Vorwerk chickens are classed as a heavy breed. So, on average a mature bird will require around or up to 5 square feet of housing space.
Feeding
Feeding the birds with very good quality, healthy and nutritious food is the most important part of Vorwerk chicken farming business. Because 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 you can prepare the feeds of your own. Just ensure that the feeds are good and nutritious for your chickens.
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 Vorwerk chickens are good for raising in both confinement 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 produce better quality products.
Breeding
Like many other domestic chicken breeds, the Vorwerk chickens are also 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 healthy rooster is enough for breeding around or up to 10 hens.
Caring
The Vorwerk chickens are very strong, hardy and active birds. They generally require less caring and other management. Although taking additional caring will help the birds to grow better and produce more.
Monitor your bird’s health on a regular basis and take necessary steps as soon as possible 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 chicken have very good demand and value in the market.
So you will probably be able to easily sell your products in your 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 Vorwerk chicken farming business. The Vorwerk chickens are very strong and hardy and it’s very easy to raise them. Even the beginners can also raise them. Hope this guide has helped you! Good luck & may God bless you!
Hi, I’m O.Ginanjar, from Indonesia. I’m interested in vorwerk ckicken. Do you sell the fertile eggs? Would it be possible to ship them to Indonesia? Please respond, thank you.
Sorry! It’s not possible for us to send eggs to your country. Please search any local breeder. Thank you!