- Jan 25, 2012
- 15
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I raise feeder lambs and hogs but I am in the planning stages of getting a flock of chickens to hopefully make a profit on. I want to have a mix of 25 White Leghorns and Golden Buff hens. I have read many university publications, however they seem to just be a glimpse over of poultry production. Here is my plan:
Brooding
Moving to My Shed & Production
When they no longer need the heat lamp, I plan on moving them into my shed. They will have roughly 50 to 75 sq ft of space. I am going to build wooden boxes that are 12"x12"x12" to use as nest boxes. (What do you think of this size?) I am thinking I will need two to five of these. I'm still wondering about roosts...I will have to see what I can come up with. Do you have any suggestions on how to build them? How much space would each hen need?
They will be fed a 16% Layer Ration, which I can get for $0.20/lb at my feed store. Do you recommend having grit or oyster shells available to the hen free choice? If so, which do you prefer? I plan on using lights to get the hens to lay throughout the winter. I do not plan on letting them "free range" or graze on my grass. They will be housed primarily because of predatory concerns.
~
So far that's all I can think of relating to my plan so far...Obviously I don't expect to make any money until after the first year or two. However, profitability is my ultimate goal because I consider this a business.
What do you think? What should I tweak? Answers to my questions above (in italics) would be greatly appreciated!
Brooding
- Raised in a 5'x5'x2'-3' pen in my garage. I will build this pen out of 1x12x10 and 2x4x8. They will have netting on top to prevent the cats from getting to them. Do you recommend straw or shavings as bedding?
- Feeders & Waterers - What size do you recommend? I would like to save money as much as possible, so I want to be able to use these when they are in production.
- I currently plan on feeding DuMOR (from Tractor Supply), but I will switch if my feed store offers chick starter & grower feed for a cheaper price than $0.30/lb. (I still need to check.)
Moving to My Shed & Production
When they no longer need the heat lamp, I plan on moving them into my shed. They will have roughly 50 to 75 sq ft of space. I am going to build wooden boxes that are 12"x12"x12" to use as nest boxes. (What do you think of this size?) I am thinking I will need two to five of these. I'm still wondering about roosts...I will have to see what I can come up with. Do you have any suggestions on how to build them? How much space would each hen need?
They will be fed a 16% Layer Ration, which I can get for $0.20/lb at my feed store. Do you recommend having grit or oyster shells available to the hen free choice? If so, which do you prefer? I plan on using lights to get the hens to lay throughout the winter. I do not plan on letting them "free range" or graze on my grass. They will be housed primarily because of predatory concerns.
~
So far that's all I can think of relating to my plan so far...Obviously I don't expect to make any money until after the first year or two. However, profitability is my ultimate goal because I consider this a business.
What do you think? What should I tweak? Answers to my questions above (in italics) would be greatly appreciated!
