Chicken farm??

[Ragna]

Our family owns a chicken shop and they know a lot about chickens... I know a lot too but I'm still learning you know but I'm wanting to branch out to a chicken farm with the help of my family... Since I've only really taken care of personal chickens... How would I go about managing thousands?? How do chicken farms like that work?? Obviously workers would be needed but like what would be involved into that?? I would need to free range them but with all those chickens do you have to organize them some how?? How could you section them off and would that be considered free range?? How do you go about any of that lol thanks. FILL ME WITH KNOWLEDGE!! what degrees or stuff areare nee

 

[SunHwaKwon]

I don't know where you are, but first step is to find out licenses and regulations and permits etc, that you will need. You also need to do the tax paperwork, form a business legally so you can pay your business taxes and your employees. In MD where I just moved from, the chicken farmers usually work for one of the big companies like Perdue, Tyson, Mountaire, etc and they give them rules regarding feed and care. So, they are family owned farms but still the big overcrowded chicken houses. The company brings the chicks to them and picks them up when it's time for slaughter.

I think it's easier to buy a chicken farm than to start one because once again you will need to go through a long process of getting approval and permits and such. The place has to be zoned for chicken farming which includes setbacks from water, a waste/carcass management plan, distance from neighbors because of smell and health hazards, etc.

Sign up for the FarmTek catalog and you will get an idea on some of the equipment needed and costs.

 

[SunHwaKwon]

Also, depending on the state they may not be allowed to free range. The flock will need to be NPIP and some states so not allow free ranging after that point as a biosecurity measure. Speaking of which, they will need to be fully seperated from your personal birds with disinfection areas.

 

[Ragna]

Also, depending on the state they may not be allowed to free range. The flock will need to be NPIP and some states so not allow free ranging after that point as a biosecurity measure. Speaking of which, they will need to be fully seperated from your personal birds with disinfection areas.

Where can I find laws on whether or not they can be free ranged? I live in Florida. Also what is the time for permits like that? I'm sure my family can help and so forth because they already have established chicken shops

 

[keesmom]

I'd start by calling your state's department of agriculture.

 

[Ragna]

I'd start by calling your state's department of agriculture.

Could they refer me to an article or should I have my questions lined up for them??

 

[Rubysword]

@KikisGirls

 

[The Moonshiner]

What do you mean by chicken "farm" and chicken "shop"?

 

[Lazy Farmer]

I don't know where you are, but first step is to find out licenses and regulations and permits etc, that you will need. You also need to do the tax paperwork, form a business legally so you can pay your business taxes and your employees. In MD where I just moved from, the chicken farmers usually work for one of the big companies like Perdue, Tyson, Mountaire, etc and they give them rules regarding feed and care. So, they are family owned farms but still the big overcrowded chicken houses. The company brings the chicks to them and picks them up when it's time for slaughter.

I think it's easier to buy a chicken farm than to start one because once again you will need to go through a long process of getting approval and permits and such. The place has to be zoned for chicken farming which includes setbacks from water, a waste/carcass management plan, distance from neighbors because of smell and health hazards, etc.

Sign up for the FarmTek catalog and you will get an idea on some of the equipment needed and costs.

I was told here in my region, 100 is the most I can have w/o USDA intervention.

 

[True Patriot]

Some places to look up for information;
-State department of agriculture
-Local zoning board
-Agriculture extension of state University
-USDA
- local chamber of commerce
- any existing farms. If they're willing to talk.
- state tax department
There are others. Most can probably be reached by website or email.