Should I start a small poultry farm? Ameraucanas?

[PapaRo]

A while ago I wanted to make some extra money by running my own business, but I didn’t know what to do. I knew what I was interested in, but if I was going to invest in something, I wanted ensure a high probability of success.
I used the Google Trends website to find out what people were searching for most online. For example, if I go on google trends and search “fresh eggs” it tells me that this is searched for most in the state of Wyoming, but there’s also a high demand in Oregon. It’s extremely detailed, right down to the city. It also says the specific search “where can I get fresh eggs” is on the rise. It tells you any searches related to “fresh eggs”.
I can’t tell you enough how valuable this information was for me. I spent untold hours figuring out how to find the specific info I needed and analyzing data. It took me about a month to start getting sales in a business I previously didn’t even know existed, and I used no social media. You can literally find out anything you want to know when it comes to demand, right down to the types of breeds and colors most popular in your area, and soooo much more. Whether you’re selling online or not, it gives you a good idea of what people want in certain areas.
Sounds like a very exciting time in your life, good luck!

That is amazing information. Thank you very much!!!

 

[PapaRo]

Let us say you could sell the chicks at a reasonable price which is 5$. So you would need to sell about 34 chicks every month at the price of 5 $ each to earn 2000 gross:

34 x 5 = 170 x 12 = 2.040

Multiply by 10 to approach your aspiration of 20K = 340 chicks every month at the price of 5$.


Then you would have to subtract all of the costs:

• acquisition of parent birds or hatching eggs
• incubators
• brooders
• heating lamps
• bedding
• feeders, waterers
• electricity bills
• water bills
• telephone bills
• cleansing and desinfectant materials
• feed
• supplements/vitamins
• possible medication (i.e. coccidiostats, vaccinations, anti parasite treatments as for worms, lice, mites, antibiotics etc.)
• water hoses
• coop repairs,
• gasoline every time you drive out to buy goods needed for your chicken farm
• depreciation for wear and tear
• labour power (how many hours?)
• insurance
• taxes etc etc.

As you can see, this adds up. And if you want your business NPIP certified, the costs are not to be underestimated too.

To set yourself up for success, I think it very important to make calculations as accurate as possible prior to throw oneself headfirst into an unknown business venture.

Again thank you for the time you spent on the post and the reality check. Very thoughtful, thank you!

 

[EmmaRainboe]

Let us say you could sell the chicks at a reasonable price which is 5$. So you would need to sell about 34 chicks every month at the price of 5 $ each to earn 2000 gross:

34 x 5 = 170 x 12 = 2.040

Multiply by 10 to approach your aspiration of 20K = 340 chicks every month at the price of 5$.


Then you would have to subtract all of the costs:

• acquisition of parent birds or hatching eggs
• incubators
• brooders
• heating lamps
• bedding
• feeders, waterers
• electricity bills
• water bills
• telephone bills
• cleansing and desinfectant materials
• feed
• supplements/vitamins
• possible medication (i.e. coccidiostats, vaccinations, anti parasite treatments as for worms, lice, mites, antibiotics etc.)
• water hoses
• coop repairs,
• gasoline every time you drive out to buy goods needed for your chicken farm
• depreciation for wear and tear
• labour power (how many hours?)
• insurance
• taxes etc etc.

As you can see, this adds up. And if you want your business NPIP certified, the costs are not to be underestimated too.

To set yourself up for success, I think it very important to make calculations as accurate as possible prior to throw oneself headfirst into an unknown business venture.

Just for some thought, if the OP were selling Ameraucanas that were bred to the SOP (not as easy as it sounds, I know, just a thought) what do you think a reasonable price would then be per chick?

 

[PapaRo]

I would pay 5-15+ given the right quality ... maybe even more if I’m in love... (if I had the typical back yard chicken setup with a few birds and bought a couple birds ever few years, then anything less than the price of a show quality bird would be acceptable.)

 

[LaFleche]

Just for some thought, if the OP were selling Ameraucanas that were bred to the SOP (not as easy as it sounds, I know, just a thought) what do you think a reasonable price would then be per chick?

True Araucana (the rumpless kind) are not easy to breed and rather costly. The price depending on the quality, lineage, colour etc. and of course on the intentions of the buyer (breeder or just for pet etc.)

Ameraucanas are already much cheaper to acquire, but the "right price" is always a question of demand and can vary strongly.

For me here in Europe the Ameraucanas are not much different from all the other "creations" using Araucana as genetic basic raw material.

 

[equine chick]

As an ameraucana breeder, you don’t get rich on them. There are way too many people putting out Easter eggers and calling them true ameraucanas. Learn your genetics. Join the organization and work to improve the breed. I truly love the breed and all it offers . I only get quality chicks, eggs when I’m trying to improve my line and it’s not 5.00 a chick from reputable breeders in the organization. If you are an Easter eggers breeder call them that, not ameraucana.

 

[PapaRo]

As an ameraucana breeder, you don’t get rich on them. There are way too many people putting out Easter eggers and calling them true ameraucanas. Learn your genetics. Join the organization and work to improve the breed. I truly love the breed and all it offers . I only get quality chicks, eggs when I’m trying to improve my line and it’s not 5.00 a chick from reputable breeders in the organization. If you are an Easter eggers breeder call them that, not ameraucana.

I get it.... and will make sure to breed to the sop on anything except my backyard crosses and EE’s, and will sell them accordingly. I’m thinking it’s going to be next summer before I start building more coops and runs so I have a good amount of time to source good breading stock. Each day I think about that and what type of chicken to start with and at this point I’m thinking: blue maple, buff, white and black sop ameraucanas, death layers , and Buckeyes. (All pea comb style) I could breed some EE’s with good welsummer or maybe a buckeye rooster and might do that if there is demand. But ya, that’s the dream and might change as I get closer. I need 6-7 xxl large coops and runs .. so that’s first .. will keep y’all updated. Thanks again!!!

 

[RoostersAreAwesome]

I get it.... and will make sure to breed to the sop on anything except my backyard crosses and EE’s, and will sell them accordingly. I’m thinking it’s going to be next summer before I start building more coops and runs so I have a good amount of time to source good breading stock. Each day I think about that and what type of chicken to start with and at this point I’m thinking: blue maple, buff, white and black sop ameraucanas, death layers , and Buckeyes. (All pea comb style) I could breed some EE’s with good welsummer or maybe a buckeye rooster and might do that if there is demand. But ya, that’s the dream and might change as I get closer. I need 6-7 xxl large coops and runs .. so that’s first .. will keep y’all updated. Thanks again!!!

Blue maple? Do you mean blue wheaten?
Deathlayers have rose combs.

 

[3xhhheather]

Something else to consider, do you have pens/brooders to keep any chicks that don't sell as day olds? There are always people looking for chicks old enough to KNOW they are getting pullets. (And they are generally happy to pay more $ for them than day old chicks.) BUT I also don't know how populated your area is for people willing to drive to you and pick them up. Around here, driving a few hours (one way) is nothing. I have to drive an hour to get to Walmart. But other areas, people refuse to drive 30 miles to get anything! (Because they can get everything they want or need closer than that.

A local farm by me does this ^^^. They reach out each year through their mailing list & social media accounts to take an interest poll in breeds people are looking at, they buy that stock and grow out chicks & ducklings for 100% sexed birds. They always sell out quickly and there's no stress involved for the buyer.

 

[PapaRo]

Blue maple? Do you mean blue wheaten?
Deathlayers have rose combs.

Oh my yes, I was thinking about a farm ... lol ... brown red would be it ... beautiful!!!

and my fiancé is into the deathlayers and yes your correct about the death layer comb, Was probably looking at a young’n... lol .. thanks for keepen me in check and keeping it real