Small scale hatchery Business

[chickenscluck]

Howdy, i would loves some input from (lincesed or unlicesed) hatchery business owners on the DO's and DON'Ts of starting a small hatchery business , I have grown up with chickens all my life and would love to start a hatchery to help serve our poultry familys ...

 

[Debbie292d]

BYC is mostly comprised of backyard chicken flocks, although I've seen a couple of commercial folks here.

You'd be wise to check with your state first. Start with the Ag Dept., to find out what, if any, laws or licenses may pertain for poultry businesses in your state/area. That would vary by state. Here's a list of our state/country threads so you can find yours and perhaps ask if anyone in there knows.

If you're just into selling some chicks and eggs, then that's the vast majority of us here, including myself.

 

[nuthatched]

Do you have $5-10k to swing? Any local or state laws or rules?

 

[Susan Skylark]

What sort of hatchery business: custom hatching, rare or unique breeds, specialty species (pheasants…), you want to supply chicks for another business (small scale independent broiler or turkey growers…), you want to raise show stock, you’ve got a large Asian population and balut is in demand, you want to educate about incubation and rent incubators and supply eggs to 4-h clubs, schools, etc…what are your interests, your passions, your goals, what is needed in your area? Also check with your state ag dept, board of animal health etc for licensing and maybe grant opportunities as well as county and local zoning and permitting requirements. Find your niche!

 

[chickenscluck]

What sort of hatchery business: custom hatching, rare or unique breeds, specialty species (pheasants…), you want to supply chicks for another business (small scale independent broiler or turkey growers…), you want to raise show stock, you’ve got a large Asian population and balut is in demand, you want to educate about incubation and rent incubators and supply eggs to 4-h clubs, schools, etc…what are your interests, your passions, your goals, what is needed in your area? Also check with your state ag dept, board of animal health etc for licensing and maybe grant opportunities as well as county and local zoning and permitting requirements. Find your niche!

In Reply, I am located in east central OK. I am starting with Heritage Chicken Laying breeds , incubating etc., and was thinking of raising them till 18 to 20 weeks old and selling in local poultry auctions , till I get my name out , Goal: Raising quality poultry for our poultry world at a reasonable price.

VISION: state wide hatchery known for integrity and quality.

My thoughts were of be an independant business , I'm only starting so it"ll be small growth working towards a bigger hatchery like Cackle and such like.

I might do different types of poultry once i have a market, but for right now I do Rhode Island Red , Black Australorp, White Leghorns, and Barred Rock, and hybrids from those.

When I posted my 1st post about this i was just looking for advice on licensed vs unlicensed , best marketing practices, bio~security, what WE THE PEOPLE think are the best breeds and in highest demand.
thank you.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Speaking strictly as a consumer, as a backyard buyer of chicks, I would not purchase chicks from an unlicensed, non-NPIP provider. Good luck to you.