Starting a small hatchery ~ HELP

[Kloie Grace]

Hi everyone. I have wanted to start a chick hatchery for a long time now, and want to sell my blue d' uccle chicks, and in the near future, quail.
First off. What all do I need to start? I have found a 7 egg incubator (I also have a broody hen), we have a tall metal trough we have used for years and years to raise the chicks in, we have started feed, feeders, and waterers anything else we need? (we have stuffing and a heat lamp too)
Second. I need to know about raising quail, I know NOTHING about it. Is it worth it?
Third. I'm only 15, how can I start my business. Also, If I want to sell eggs, are there any restrictions. I'm thinking about just using Facebook and local advertising.
Fourth. Will people buy mixed chicks? Thanks!

 

[JacinLarkwell]

You should get or make another incubator. 7 chicks at a time will probably not be enough, and you can't rely on broody hens always being there. Not to mention it will be a bit traumatizing taking away her chicks all the time if you use her to hatch additional eggs to sell.

What do you mean by stuffing?

Quail you will need to incubate and hand raise. They rarely go broody, and hardly ever of those rare cases hatch chicks. They don't care for them. They're too domesticated. They are a bird that you should either spend almost all your time with, especially for business or none at all and don't breed them.

If you're selling out if state, you have to be NPIP, even for eggs. Also on facebook, you may find groups to advertise, but you can't put prices in the ads since it goes against Facebook's rules.

 

[Kloie Grace]

You should get or make another incubator. 7 chicks at a time will probably not be enough, and you can't rely on broody hens always being there. Not to mention it will be a bit traumatizing taking away her chicks all the time if you use her to hatch additional eggs to sell.

What do you mean by stuffing?

Quail you will need to incubate and hand raise. They rarely go broody, and hardly ever of those rare cases hatch chicks. They don't care for them. They're too domesticated. They are a bird that you should either spend almost all your time with, especially for business or none at all and don't breed them.

If you're selling out if state, you have to be NPIP, even for eggs. Also on facebook, you may find groups to advertise, but you can't put prices in the ads since it goes against Facebook's rules.

Ok, that sounds good. By stuffing I meant pine shavings
So would you suggest selling quail chicks? I will not sell out of state. Thanks for helping me!

 

[JacinLarkwell]

It's a HUGE investment because you need special waterers, special food and you can't incubate them with chicken eggs because they need different times and humidities.

I wouldn't start unless you already have a market. You also need to decide if you want to breed your own, and for meat or eggs, or if you just buy eggs and hatch to sell for profit.

Also know that you won't be able to sell them for a whole lot. Average seems to be about 5 bucks tops per chick unless you can guarantee they're female and you need to specially breed for sexlinks

 

[Kloie Grace]

Ok, What are your thoughts on meat birds? (I don't think it would be worth it because you can get them anywhere.) I was thinking about purchasing a Lavender Orpington roo, because we have two females, I think focusing on rarer birds would be better....

 

[JacinLarkwell]

No, sorry, I meant quail for meat or eggs if you decide to breed them. Some quail are meant to get bigger because they're for eating

 

[Kloie Grace]

oh, Ok. Thanks sooo much!

 

[pibb]

If you want to start a "hatchery", you're going to need more experience than what you have. Sorry not trying to be mean. Start smaller and sell a few birds on craigslist. NPIP is preferred for a hatchery even if you don't sell out of state.

 

[Kloie Grace]

Yes that was my plan... Thanks! Your not rude!

 

[Justso]

You should probably have some medicines on hand, something inevitably goes south. Antibiotic ointment (NO pain relief), bluKote, corid. Vetwrap. Also a hospital cage. It's a hard truth, but I tell others interested in raising, if you have chickens at some point one's going to die. Just be prepared for that part too.