Advice on how to start a hatchery

[F50myster]

hey when i graduate from high school i want to start my own hatchery that hatches show quality chickens of all types and 100% pure gamefowl bloodlines any advice on what type of college i should go to or what to enroll for? would it be too hard? any tips? comments? thanks

 

[F50myster]

 

[sweeterdeeter42]

My suggestion would be to contact a small hatchery that has nice people running it and ask them a few questions, and some of the breeders with larger quantities of birds too. I would think that you would need a business degree to run any kind of business successfully, though. Also, you dont need to be an official Hatchery, you can just be a breeder of all these breeds and take orders for them and hatch them and sell them too. Also become part of the NPIP when you get some birds. If you really put your mind to it and work really hard at it, you will succeed. We need more quality hatcheries here so I would imagine that you would do well if you put out a quality product with great customer service.

 

[WestKnollAmy]

Clemson University here in SC is one of the best but I guess I am prejudiced. I know it has turned out many a successful animal husbandry grads.

Good luck on your search, there are many fine universities around the US.
Keep the grades up so you can get a scholarship and join your local FFA as well as any other local clubs.
Showing you have a willingness to jump in and work helps get you accepted.
Maybe an after school job and summer work will also help you. Find a local breeder that needs help. What you make in money will be nothing next to the lessons learned from working for someone else. Not always good lessons but ones you will put to use your entire life.

 

[tgrlily]

Quote:
Hmmmm... I would recommend becoming a breeder rather than a hatchery, if you are dealing with show quality chickens. Many people who show - myself included - wouldn't use a hatchery if looking for SQ birds. Most tend to focus on quantity rather than quality. Hatchery silkies barely have crests, have poor type, etc -- silkie chicks from a reputable breeder who only keeps exhibition quality breeding stock are much better, even though you will still hatch some pet quality silkies. Hatchery Orps are generally much smaller than Orps from a good breeder -- my orps are enormous! Also, hatcheries get a few bucks each for chicks. Breeders with excellent quality get much more. I just spent $100 on 4 teeny little silkie chicks (+ $50 in gas to get them!) and thanked the breeder profusely for giving me the privelege to buy her babies.

My advice would be to keep to a just few breeds. Study the SOP & cull hard. Show your birds & meet other breeders with SQ stock. Work build a reputation for high quality stock and excellent customer service.

Colleges -- Cornell University & Morrisville State College both have great ag programs. Cornell is more diverse in degree programs, but very, VERY expensive.

 

[onthespot]

I would say build slowly, with the best quality you can.
NPIP.
Grow your client base gradually, as your flocks and varieties increase.
Let your flock generated income pay for increases and improvements. If they ain't paying, don't be spending.

 

[F50myster]

thanks to all who have responded so far!!!!! anyone else have any opinions or comments!? I want the most infomation possible

 

[sgps]

I don't know where you are but in alberta you can have up to 2000 birds before you have to get permits.

 

[sgps]

Hi agen, what would you look for in a quality bird?