The Complete Guide to Poultry Farming for Beginners

Poultry farming is one of the most accessible farming enterprises for aspiring farmers to get into. Chickens, ducks, turkeys, and other poultry species are easier and less expensive to raise than larger livestock. Poultry can be raised on a small-scale in the backyard or as a large commercial operation.

If you want to get into poultry farming, this complete guide will provide all the information you need as a beginner to get started and run a successful poultry farming business.

Why Raise Poultry? Poultry Farming for Beginners

There are many great reasons to consider when poultry farming for beginners:

1. Low Startup Costs

Compared to other types of livestock farming, the startup costs for poultry are very affordable. You can start small with just a few birds in your backyard coop for under $500. Even larger poultry houses and equipment for hundreds of chickens can be constructed for well under $10,000. The low cost makes poultry more accessible for new farmers with limited budgets.

2. Fast Returns on Investment

Poultry mature quickly and you can start generating returns on your investment in just a few months. Broiler chickens ready for processing only take 6-8 weeks to reach market weight. Backyard laying hens start producing eggs at 16-20 weeks old. The fast turnaround enables you to profit multiple times per year.

3. Feeding Efficiency

Chickens and other poultry are very efficient at converting feed into protein. Chickens need just 1.5-2.5 pounds of feed to gain 1 pound of body weight. This results in lower feed costs than raising cattle or hogs.

4. Available Markets

There is established demand for poultry products including eggs, meat, and live birds. Marketing channels like local butchers, farmers markets, and poultry auctions provide beginner farmers with many options to sell their products.

5. Less Labor Intensive

Caring for poultry requires less daily labor than dairy cows or other livestock. Their small size makes tasks like feeding, watering, and egg collection much easier to manage. Poultry chores can often be handled by family members rather than hired labor.

Poultry Farming for Beginners – How to Get Started

Follow this step-by-step guide to starting a successful poultry farming operation:

1. Choose Your Poultry Species

The first decision is what type of birds you want to raise. Some common poultry species for beginners are:

• Chickens – The most popular choice. Many breeds available for meat and eggs. Easy to handle due to small size.
• Ducks – Raised for both meat and egg production. More disease resistant than chickens. Require access to water.
• Geese – Primarily raised for meat production. Larger size than ducks and chickens.
• Turkeys – Lean meat birds that are more delicate to raise than chickens. Require more space than chickens.
• Game Birds – Quail, pheasant, partridge, etc. Specialty niche market animals.

Choose based on your production goals and local market demand. Chickens are the best option for complete beginners.

2. Select Your Chicken Breeds

For chicken farming, your breed selection will depend on your production purpose:

• Egg Production – White/brown egg layer breeds like Leghorns, Rhode Island Reds, and Ameraucanas are good choices. They yield lots of large eggs.
• Meat Production – Broiler chicken breeds like Cornish Cross have fast growth rates and get very large. Butchering size in 6-8 weeks.
• Dual Purpose – Breeds like Plymouth Rock, Orpington, and Sussex are decent egg layers and grow to good meat size.

Do research to choose your exact chicken breeds based on your climate, management style, and market preference.

3. Decide Your Scale of Production

Next, decide the scale of your poultry farming operation:

• Backyard Producer – Less than 50 birds. Low budget startup for personal use or selling at farmers markets.
• Small Farm Flock – 50-300 birds. Generate supplemental income. May require part-time labor.
• Large Flock Production – 300-10,000 birds. Commercial operation that is the main source of income. Requires multiple poultry houses and likely additional labor.

Your scale will depend on your budget and how much time you have to manage the poultry operation. Can start small and expand over time.

4. Acquire the Necessary Supplies and Equipment

The essential supplies and equipment you need to get started are:

• Poultry Housing – Coops, brooder housing for chicks, or large poultry barns.
• Feeders and Drinkers – Durable feeders and waterers with adequate space for flock.
• Nesting Boxes – Individual boxes for hens to lay eggs safely.
• Perches or Roosts – Roosting bars installed in coop so birds can perch off floor.
• Incubators (optional) – Only if you plan to hatch chicks. Not needed to buy day-old chicks.
• Brooder Supplies – Waterers, feeders, heat lamps, etc. to care for chicks.
• Fencing – Perimeter fencing to keep birds enclosed in outdoor runs or pastures.

You may also want egg collection and cleaning equipment, feed storage bins, and other general farm tools. Infrastructure like electricity and water access are needed for any scale beyond backyard.

5. Setup Your Poultry Housing

Now it’s time to setup your poultry coops, brooding area, and fenced runs or pasture spaces. These facilities will form the foundation of your farm.

Key things to factor when constructing poultry housing:

• Follow local building codes and regulations
• Sufficient ventilation, insulation, and temperature control
• Easy to regularly clean and disinfect
• Adequate space per bird (4 sq ft per layer chicken, 8 sq ft per meat chicken)
• Nest boxes, roosts, drinkers, and feeders setup for ease of use
• Predator proof – prevent entry by wildlife that may harm birds

Your poultry housing needs to keep the birds healthy, safe, and productive.

6. Buy Your Starting Poultry Stock

Once the infrastructure is ready, it’s time to purchase your first batch of birds. For chickens, you will typically buy:

• Day Old Chicks – Newly hatched chicks shipped from a hatchery. Most common way to buy starter birds. Need brooding setup.
• Started Pullets – Young females around 16-18 weeks old that are ready to lay eggs. Avoid stress of brooding chicks.
• Mature Birds – Buying fully grown birds speeds up production but costs more upfront. Harder to find sales.

Key tips when sourcing your starting poultry:

• Buy from reputable, disease-free hatcheries or farms
• Get chickens vaccinated for common poultry illnesses
• Choose docile breeds that are easier to handle
• Buy more females for egg layers, more males for meat birds

Start with a small batch until you gain experience caring for poultry.

7. House & Brood New Birds Properly

Newly purchased chicks or poults require some special care when first brought back to your farm:

• Set Up Brooder – Use brooder lamps to keep housing warm at 95°F for chicks. Reduce 5° per week. Give 1-2 sq ft per bird.
• Provide Starter Feed – Chicks need crumble feed with 20-23% protein. Use chick feeders and waterers.
• Follow Biosecurity – Isolate new birds for 30 days before allowing contact with rest of flock to prevent disease spread.
• Train Perching/Foraging – Get chicks perching by 2-4 weeks old. Allow supervised foraging past 4 weeks age.

Close monitoring and care in the first few weeks will get your new poultry stock off to a healthy start.

8. Establish Feed, Water, and General Care Routine

Ongoing daily chores are essential to keep your poultry healthy and producing at optimal levels:

• Provide Feed – Give age-specific feed daily. Scatter scratch grains to supplement. Ensure adequate feeder space.
• Supply Fresh Water – Clean and refill waterers daily. Use heaters/cooling to keep water temp moderate.
• Collect Eggs – Gather eggs frequently from nest boxes. Clean and store properly.
• Monitor Health – Watch for injuries, signs of illness, parasites, etc. Treat issues promptly.
• Clean Housing – Remove manure, replace litter, and disinfect regularly to prevent disease.
• Control Lights – Use lighting timers to maximize egg laying. 14-16 hours per day recommended.

Develop consistent daily and weekly poultry care routines tailored to your species.

9. Protect Flock Health and Prevent Diseases

It is much easier to prevent poultry health problems than treat sick birds. Important health protection tips include:

• Vaccinate – Vaccinate against Marek’s, Newcastle, infectious bronchitis, and other key illnesses.
• Vermin Control – Use rodent/pest control around housing to prevent spread of disease from wild animals.
• Cleanliness – Follow strict biosecurity. Isolate any sick birds immediately in a quarantine area.
• Stress Reduction– Avoid overcrowding, malnutrition, moving nests, adding new birds, etc. that causes stress.
• Predator Protection – Fortify housing and runs to keep out predator animals that may harm birds.
• Parasite Control – Use insecticides/wormers to protect against external parasites like mites and intestinal worms.

Consult your local veterinarian on specific disease risks in your area that require preventative action.

10. Process, Market, and Sell Your Poultry Products

The final step is marketing and selling your poultry and eggs:

• Process Broilers – Butcher broilers on-farm or sell live birds to a local butcher/processor
• Sell Poultry Meat – Market frozen poultry at farmers markets, restaurants, directly to consumers, etc.
• Egg Sales – Sell eggs locally or wholesale. May require candling and grading.
• Live Sales – Sell live birds, chicks, breeders, etc. Requires licensing and health testing.
• Value-added products – Make niche products like quail eggs, pressed chicken, compost from manure, etc.

Research your state regulations for requirements around poultry processing, licensing, and sales.

Conclusion

Raising chickens and other poultry is an extremely accessible way for new farmers to get into livestock agriculture. Follow this step-by-step guide when starting your poultry operation to set yourself up for success.

With proper preparation, an adequately sized starter flock, and commitment to daily care and husbandry, you will be well on your way to running a profitable poultry farming enterprise. Don’t be afraid to start small and make mistakes – experience is the best teacher when raising poultry for beginners.

Frequently Asked Questions About Poultry Farming for Beginners

How much does it cost to start a small backyard poultry flock?

For a starter flock of 10-15 birds, startup costs are typically $500-1,000 for basic housing and equipment supplies. Recurring costs for feed and bedding average $20-30 per month.

What is the minimum space needed per chicken?

4 square feet per chicken inside the coop and 8-10 square feet per chicken minimum in outside run space. More for meat birds.

Can you raise chickens and ducks together?

Chickens and ducks have different housing and feeding needs, so they should be housed separately. But they can coexist in the same property if given their own enclosures.

How many chickens should a beginner start with?

A flock of 3-5 chickens is a good number for an absolute beginner to start with. No more than 50 birds max for a first-timer. Start small and expand over time.

How much money can you make from a small chicken flock?

A flock of 10-25 chickens can produce $500-1,000 of profit annually from egg sales at local markets. More income can be generated from broiler meat production.

How long until chickens start laying eggs?

On average, pullet chickens (young females) will begin laying eggs at 16-24 weeks of age depending on the specific breed. Some may start a few weeks earlier or later.

What are the main diseases to vaccinate chickens against?

Marek’s disease, Newcastle disease, infectious bronchitis, coccidiosis, avian influenza, and Salmonella enteriditis are the most common illnesses chickens should be routinely vaccinated against.

Do you need a license to sell eggs in the USA?

Selling eggs from your own flock directly to consumers does not require licensing in most states. However, regulations vary so check your specific state laws. Licensing is required for commercial wholesale distribution.

Can chickens and turkeys be housed together?

Turkeys and chickens generally should not be housed together due to their differing nutrition and care needs. Plus risk of disease transmission. Best to house them separately.

What predator-proofing should be used for poultry housing?

1/2″ hardware cloth fencing, L-shaped skirting around ground perimeter, automatic door shutters at night, and motion-sensor lights help make poultry coops predator-proof.

Setting Up Your Poultry Housing and Infrastructure

Constructing proper housing and infrastructure is one of the most important parts of starting a poultry farming operation. The facilities you setup will greatly impact the health, safety, and productivity of your flock.

Poultry House Design and Construction

For small backyard coops, you can often use pre-made kits or build using basic carpentry skills. But larger poultry houses for commercial production require some architectural planning.

Here are some tips on constructing poultry barns and coops:

• Size appropriately based on your flock numbers and spacing required per bird. Allow for future expansion.
• Orient the building to maximize natural sunlight and ventilation but avoid overheating.
• Install energy efficient LED lights, fans, and temperature monitoring systems. Automate where possible.
• Use quality framing and siding materials that are durable, easy to sanitize, and well-insulated.
• Slope the concrete floor slightly for drainage and cleaning. Flooring must hold up to heavy use.
• Set up interior sections for roosting, nesting, feeding, broody hens, and isolation of sick birds.
• Make doors, pop holes, and windows predator proof but allow adequate ventilation.
• Add roosting perches, nesting boxes, feeder lines, and other key furniture.

A reputable poultry house contractor can be hired to build to your specifications if you need assistance.

Electrical and Lighting

Electricity access is vital for running fans, lights, automated equipment, and powering any heating or cooling systems.

Lighting is especially important in poultry houses to control the hen’s egg laying production. Use these lighting tips:

• Run electrical service to the barn in adequate capacity for all equipment.
• Install LED bulbs on timers to control photoperiod duration and intensity.
• Maintain 14-16 hours of daylight for layers, 16+ hours for broilers.
• Use dim red bulbs if access is needed at night to not disrupt chickens.
• Position fixed and movable lights to avoid shadows or dark corners.

Proper lighting helps stimulate poultry growth, feed intake, and egg production.

Water Systems

Poultry need access to clean, fresh drinking water at all times. Setting up a water system prevents the chore of manually filling containers.

Some common poultry watering systems are:

• Nipple or cup waterers – birds peck to release flow of water.
• Automatic trough or bell waterers – use floats/valves to refill.
• Automatic poultry drinker lines – low pressure lines run through barn.
• Manual water lines – fill centralized storage tank that gravity feeds water troughs.

Key tips for poultry watering:

• Size for minimum 1.5-inch access per bird. More for hot climates.
• Place waterers at optimal height for each species. Chickens need elevated.
• Insulate lines and use heating cables to prevent freezing in winter.
• Install water filtration and medicators if water quality is an issue.

Reliable water systems reduce labor and keep birds hydrated.

Feeding Systems

Feeding systems allow you to efficiently deliver feed to your flock. For larger flocks, automatic feed lines or conveyor systems save labor.

Here are some common poultry feeding system components:

• Feed bins and hoppers to store bulk feed.
• Augers or conveyors to automatically move feed.
• Feeder lines with openings that extend through barn.
• Automatic feed trays that use scales and sensors to adjust feed flow.
• Track systems to move feeders and water lines through the barn.

Proper feeding system design factors:

• Place feeder and waterer lines at optimal height for birds.
• Allow 2-6 inches of feeder space per bird depending on system used.
• Make feeders accessible but avoid getting contaminated by feces.
• Use galvanized or plastic feeders that are easy to move and clean.

Fences, Runs, and Pastures

In addition to barn housing, poultry need an outdoor enclosed space to roam. Fencing is needed to contain the birds and prevent predators.

Some fencing options are:

• Chain Link – Durable long lasting fence but expensive. Minimum 4 feet tall.
• Netting/Mesh – Lightweight and very affordable but needs frequent replacing. Use bird netting minimum 5 feet tall.
• Electric Net Fencing – Portable mesh that carries current to deter predators. Moves to fresh pasture.
• Hardware Cloth – 1/2″ galvanized mesh blocks access by small predators. Use below other fencing.
• Chicken Wire – Low cost but does not actually keep predators out. Need additional barriers.

Other run and pasture tips:

• Bury fencing 6-12 inches or use L-shaped skirting at base to prevent digging under.
• Use multiple strands of electric wire or electrified netting for best protection.
• Move mobile coops frequently and rotate pastured poultry to give grass a rest.
• Provide adequate shade and shelter in runs – 10+ square feet per bird.

Proper outdoor enclosures keep your flock safe while providing fresh air and space.

Biosecurity Measures for Poultry Health

Maintaining high standards of biosecurity on your poultry farm will help prevent the introduction and spread of infectious diseases that could devastate your flock.

Some key biosecurity tips are:

Quarantine New Birds

• Keep new birds isolated from your existing flock for at least 30 days.
• Monitor new birds closely for any signs of sickness during quarantine.
• Avoid sharing equipment between quarantine and general housing areas.

Restrict Access

• Allow only essential workers to access poultry housing areas. No visitors.
• Prevent contact between your flock and wild birds or rodents that could spread disease.
• Put up signage instructing people to keep out of your poultry houses.

Sanitation

• Require hand washing or sanitizing before and after entering poultry area.
• Provide foot baths or disposable shoe covers for anyone going in poultry houses.
• Clean and disinfect all equipment and transport vehicles regularly.

Employee Clothing/Gear

• Provide protective suits, rubber boots, gloves, and headgear for employees to wear when caring for flocks.
• Keep gear stored on-site and do not allow off-site clothing to be worn in poultry houses.
• Wash and sanitize suits after each use.

Monitoring

• Inspect chickens daily for any signs of potential illness like decreased activity, appetite loss, swollen eyes, diarrhea, coughing, etc.
• Isolate and test sick birds immediately. Safely dispose of any dead birds.
• Keep records of mortality and egg production rates to catch drops that could indicate disease.

Strict biosecurity and precautions limit disease transmission routes into your flock.

Common Poultry Diseases and How to Treat Them

Even with good prevention practices, poultry illnesses can sometimes arise. Being able to recognize and treat diseases rapidly is crucial.

Here are some of the most common poultry diseases and how to respond:

Coccidiosis

Caused by protozoan parasites. Symptoms include bloody diarrhea, loss of appetite, and lethargy. Spread through feces contamination.

Treat with antimicrobials like Amprolium. Improve cleanliness. Add coccidiostats to feed. Vaccines available.

Marek’s Disease

Very contagious viral disease. Difficult to treat once infected. Mortality occurs in 2-3 months. Vaccinate all flocks preventatively.

Salmonellosis

Bacterial disease that spreads in feces. Symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, fever. Isolate sick birds immediately. Improve sanitation. Treat with antibiotics.

Infectious Bronchitis

Highly contagious coronavirus. Respiratory signs like coughing, sneezing, wheezing. Egg production and quality reduces. Disinfect housing and give live virus vaccination.

Infectious Laryngotracheitis

Viral infection of respiratory tract. Causes coughing, nasal discharge, head shaking. Very contagious. Give live vaccine to exposed but healthy birds.

Avian Influenza

Respiratory viral disease. Some strains are zoonotic. Symptoms include decreased appetite, egg production, and lethargy. Report any cases. Strict biosecurity. Quarantine and cull infected flocks.

Fowl Pox

Viral disease causing wart-like scabs on skin and respiratory issues. Supportive care and isolation of sick birds. Vaccinate healthy flocks.

Necrotic Enteritis

Severe bacterial infection of the intestines. Sudden increased mortality in flocks. Remove sick birds, antibiotics, immunomodulatory drugs. Improve gut health and sanitation.

Newcastle Disease

Extremely contagious viral respiratory disease. Symptoms include coughing, sneezing, swelling. High mortality rates. Strict biosecurity and vaccination protocol needed. Report cases.

Quick detection, isolation, treatment, and disinfection are critical to combat bird disease outbreaks. Having a poultry veterinarian can also provide invaluable guidance.

Processing and Marketing Poultry Products

Once your flock is consistently producing top quality eggs, broilers, or other poultry products, you need a plan to process, market, and sell them efficiently and profitably.

Butchering Broiler Chickens

If raising broilers or other meat birds, you will either need to butcher them on your farm or sell the live birds to a local processor:

• On-farm butchering requires an approved processing setup and meeting USDA regulations if selling meat.
• Mobile slaughterhouses are USDA-approved trucks that travel farm to farm. Schedule pickup dates.
• Live haul to a local butcher. Need to coordinate timing just before ready for processing.
• Some small poultry farms qualify for 1,000 bird exempt status to process on-farm without inspection.

Proper butchering, cleaning, and packaging of broiler meat is essential to deliver an appetizing product to market.

Egg Handling and Sales

To sell eggs commercially, proper handling is necessary:

• Gather eggs at least twice daily into clean trays or cartons. Never wash eggs.
• Carefully brush, inspect for defects, candle if needed, refrigerate.
• Package eggs attractively into new cartons labeled with farm name, address, date, etc.
• Transport eggs in temperature controlled vehicle to market. Best sold within weeks of lay.

Then market the eggs through venues like:

• Farmers markets, farm stands, or CSAs
• Local grocers, restaurants, cafes, bakeries
• Online sales with home delivery
• Wholesale to local distributors

With proper grading, handling, and consistent production, poultry eggs can become a lucrative product line.

Licensing and Regulations

• Check local and state ordinances related to zoning for poultry production in your area.
• Acquire required permits and certificates for housing construction.
• Comply with waste management and pollution control regulations.
• Understand egg labeling and licensing regulations for commercial sales in your state.
• Follow all processing requirements and health codes if butchering poultry on your farm.

Operating fully above board ensures your poultry business longevity and protects your income stream.

Scaling Up Your Poultry Farming Operation

As your gain experience and want to scale up production, here are some key factors to guide expansion:

Increase Flock Size Gradually

• Don’t drastically enlarge your flock overnight beyond your capacity to properly house and care for the additional birds.
• Test modifications like a new feeding system for a few weeks before rolling out flock-wide.
• Hire extra seasonal labor before it is desperately needed. Train new workers thoroughly.

Add Additional Poultry Houses

• Construct new houses in phases rather than all at once to spread upfront costs over time.
• Get quotes from multiple poultry house contractors before selecting one.
• Make infrastructure improvements like electrical capacity upgrades before housing.

Automate Equipment and Processes

• Automated feeders, waterers, egg conveyors reduce labor needs.
• Install sensors, remote monitoring, and ventilation controls to reduce daily checks.
• Rent or purchase equipment like manure spreaders versus manual work.

Improve Biosecurity Measures

• Update dirt access roads to concrete or pavement to reduce disease transfer.
• Expand quarantine housing space and transition areas between zones.
• Hire staff solely for sanitizing barns between flocks to avoid missed steps.

Carefully evaluating risks and operating capacity at each growth stage leads to sustainable scaling rather than quick burnout.

Is Raising Poultry Right for You?

While poultry farming has many advantages for startup farmers and small homesteads, it is still intensive hands-on work. Before diving in, ask yourself:

• Are you comfortable working outdoors in all seasons? Poultry need daily care year-round.
• Can you troubleshoot equipment breakdowns or bird health issues? Problems happen frequently.
• Do you have adequate time each day for poultry chores on top of a job? Birds need consistent care.
• Are you willing to pay close attention to biosecurity measures even when inconvenient? Vital to flock health.
• Can you maintain cash flow if egg production declines or birds get sick? Income fluctuations happen.

If you have the right mindset, skills, and financial runway, raising chickens or other poultry species can be extremely rewarding and profitable. The hands-on work of caring for the flock is satisfying. And delicious farm fresh eggs and poultry meat are valuable products.

With proper planning and preparation, poultry farming is an achievable goal for both rural homesteaders and urban farmer enthusiasts. Follow this comprehensive poultry farming guide to start your operation on the right foot.