free range chicken business plan pdf

Free Range Chicken Farm Business Plan [Sample Template]

By: Author Tony Martins Ajaero

Home » Business ideas » Agriculture Industry » Livestock Farming » Poultry » Poultry Business Plan

Are you about starting a chicken farm? If YES, here is a complete sample free range chicken farming business plan template & feasibility report you can use for FREE .

Okay, so we have considered all the requirements for starting a chicken farm . We also took it further by analyzing and drafting a sample chicken produce marketing plan template backed up by actionable guerrilla marketing ideas for chicken farms. So let’s proceed to the business planning section.

If the agricultural sector looks attractive to you,  and you don’t have enough start – up capital, then you should consider starting a free-range chicken farming business.

Although you don’t need a college degree to establish your own free range chicken farming business, but you would need some form of informal training, you just have to acquire basic knowledge as it relates to rearing chickens, the kind of food they heat and how to source for market for your chicken and eggs.

The truth is that, when you are into free range chicken farming business; rearing your chicken in your backyard, one of the most economical ways of feeding them is to grow your own mealworms at home for them. Mealworm is perhaps the most ideal meal to feed home grown chickens and it is less stressful and inexpensive when you do it yourself.

If you are sure that this type of business is what you truly want to do after you must have conducted your market research and feasibility studies, then the next step to follow is to write a good business plan. Below is a sample free range chicken farming business plan template that will help you successfully write yours with little or no stress;

A Sample Free Range Chicken Farm Business Plan Template

1. industry overview.

Free range chicken farming is a method of chicken farming where the chickens, for at least a good part of the day, are allowed to roam freely outdoors, rather than being confined in an enclosure for 24 hours each day as obtainable in a standard poultry farms.

Generally, in most chicken range farms, the outdoors ranging area is fenced, in so doing, making the area an enclosure, though, free range chicken farming systems usually offer the opportunity for extensive locomotion and sunlight prevented by indoor housing systems.

Chicken meat which is in the class of white meat is generally consumed in all parts of the world and it is indeed very sweet and healthy. There are loads of free range farms that raise chickens and they are quite making huge profits from the business.

The Chicken and Turkey Meat Production industry includes free range chicken farms that raise chickens basically for meat production.

Downstream meat processors and food producers supply farmers with chicks, feed and payment, according to contractual agreements. Revenue is recorded in the final prices that free range chicken farmers receive per average weight of live chicken.

The free range chicken farming line of business in recent time has experienced positive trends in demand for chicken meat. Of course, increasing health consciousness among American meat consumers has boosted consumption of white meat such as turkey and chicken, which is also more affordable than beef or pork.

Going forward, the industry will continue to enjoy appreciable growth and free range chicken farmers will keep smiling to the bank. Falling input prices will enable free range chicken farmers to increase production volumes; on the other hand, many farms will consolidate to gain the benefits of economies of scale.

It is important to mention that in the united states; USDA free range regulations presently apply only to poultry and indicate that the animal has been allowed access to the outside and the USDA regulations do not specify the quality or size of the outside range nor the duration of time an animal must have access to the outside world (away from their cages).

There have been proposals to regulate by the USDA the labeling of products as free range within the United States. As at present, what constitutes raising an animal free range is entirely decided by the producer of that product.

If you are looking towards leveraging on the agriculture industry to generate huge income, then one of your best bet is to start a free-range chicken farming business and concentrate on the rearing and sale of chicken and egg. One thing is certain about starting a free range chicken farming business.

If you are able to conduct your market research and feasibility studies, you are more likely not going to struggle to sell your chickens and eggs because there are always food processing companies and consumers out there who are ready to buy from you.

2. Executive Summary

Osmosis Free Range Chicken Farms is a world – class and licensed free range chicken farming business that will be based in the outskirt of Baton Rouge, Louisiana – United States. We have done our detailed market research and feasibility studies and we were able to secure 25 hectares of land to start our free-range chicken farming business.

Our free-range chicken farm is going to be standard farm hence will be involved in raising, processing and marketing chickens on a commercial level; we export live chickens, processed chickens and eggs to other countries of the world.

We are in the free-range chicken farming line of business because we want to leverage on the vast opportunities available in the agriculture industry, to contribute our quota in growing the U.S. economy, in national food production, and also to export live and processed chickens from the United States to other countries and over and above to make profit.

Osmosis Free Range Chicken Farms is well positioned to become one of the leading free – range chicken farming business in the United States of America, which is why we have been able to source for the best hands and machines to run the farms with.

We have put process and strategies in place that will help us employ best practices when it comes to raising healthy chickens as required by the regulating bodies in the United States of America.

At Osmosis Free Range Chicken Farms, our customer’s best interest will always come first, and everything we do will be guided by our values and professional ethics. We will ensure that we hold ourselves accountable to the highest standards by meeting our client’s needs precisely and completely.

We will cultivate a working environment that provides a human, sustainable approach to earning a living, and living in our world, for our partners, employees and for our clients. Osmosis Free Range Chicken Farms is a private registered free range chicken farming company that is owned by Mr. Douglas Mendez and his immediate family members.

The free – range chicken farm will be fully and single handedly financed by the owner – Mr. Douglas Mendez and his immediate family members at least for a period of time. He is well experienced and highly qualified to run this type of business.

3. Our Products and Services

Osmosis Free Range Chicken Farms is a standard free range chicken farms company that is committed to raising chickens for both the United States’ market and the global market. We are in the free – range chicken farms line of business to make profits and we are going to do all we can to achieve our business goals, aim and objectives.

These are the areas we will concentrate on in our free – range chicken farms. If need arises we will definitely add more poultry produce to our list;

• Raising, processing and marketing chickens on a commercial level; we export live chickens, processed chickens and eggs to other countries of the world.
• Broiler chicken production
• Roaster chicken production
• Fryer chicken production
• Cornish hen production

4. Our Mission and Vision Statement

• Our vision as a company is to become one of the leading free range chicken farming brands not just in the United States of America but also on the global stage.
• Osmosis Free Range Chicken Farms is a world class and registered free range chicken farms company that is committed to raising chickens for both the United States’ market and the global market. We want our chickens to flood the nooks and crannies of the United States and other countries of the world.

Our Business Structure

Osmosis Free Range Chicken Farm is a family owned and managed free range chicken farming business that intends starting small in Baton Rouge – Louisiana, but hopes to grow big in order to compete favorably with leading free range chicken farms and commercial poultry farms in the poultry industry both in the United States and on a global stage.

We are aware of the importance of building a solid business structure that can support the picture of the kind of world class business we want to own. This is the reason why we are committed to only hire the best hands within our area of operations.

At Osmosis Free Range Chicken Farms®, LLC, we will ensure that we hire people that are qualified, hardworking, and creative, result driven, customer centric and are ready to work to help us build a prosperous business that will benefit all the stakeholders (the owners, workforce, and customers).

As a matter of fact, profit-sharing arrangement will be made available to all our senior management staff and it will be based on their performance for a period of five years or more as agreed by the board of trustees of the company. In view of the above, we have decided to hire qualified and competent hands to occupy the following positions;

• Chief Operating Officer

Free Range Chicken Farm Manager

Human Resources and Admin Manager

• Accountant / Cashier
• Sales and Marketing Executive
• Free Range Chicken Farms Utility Employees

5. Job Roles and Responsibilities

Chief Executive Officer

• Relates, and applies the organization’s vision, mission, and overall direction – i.e. leading the development and implementation of the overall organization’s strategy.
• Accountable for fixing prices and signing business deals
• Responsible for providing direction for the business
• Responsible for signing checks and documents on behalf of the company
• Evaluates the success of the organization
• Reports to the board
• Responsible for the planning, management and coordinating all farm activities across the various sections on behalf of the organization
• Supervise other section manager
• Ensure compliance during project executions
• Providing advice on the management of free range chicken farming activities across all section
• Responsible for carrying out risk assessment
• Using IT systems and software to keep track of people and progress of the location and growth of chickens in our free-range chicken farm
• Responsible for overseeing the accounting, costing and sale of chickens in our free-range chicken farms
• Represent the organization’s interest at various stakeholders’ meetings
• Ensures that farming goals desired result are achieved, the most efficient resources (manpower, equipment, tools and chemicals et al) are utilized and different interests involved are satisfied.
• Responsible for preparing financial reports, budgets, and financial statements for the organization
• Responsible for overseeing the smooth running of HR and administrative tasks for the organization
• Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities; reading professional publications; maintaining personal networks; participating in professional organizations.
• Enhances department and organization reputation by accepting ownership for accomplishing new and different requests; exploring opportunities to add value to job accomplishments.

Accountant / Cashier:

• Provides managements with financial analyses, development budgets, and accounting reports; analyzes financial feasibility for the most complex proposed projects; conducts market research to forecast trends and business conditions.
• Responsible for financial forecasting and risks analysis.
• Performs cash management, general ledger accounting, and financial reporting for one or more properties.
• Accountable for developing and managing financial systems and policies

Sales and Marketing Manager

• Achieves external research and coordinate all the internal sources of information to retain the organizations’ best customers and attract new ones
• Model demographic information and analyze the volumes of transactional data generated by customer
• Identifies development opportunities; follows up on development leads and contacts; participates in the structuring and financing of the business
• Writing winning proposal documents, negotiate fees and rates in line with organizations’ policy
• Responsible for handling business research, market surveys and feasibility studies for clients
• Responsible for supervising implementation, advocate for the customer’s needs, and communicate with clients
• Develop, execute and evaluate new plans for expanding increase sales
• Create new markets cum businesses for the organization
• Empower and motivates the sales team to meet and surpass agreed targets

Field Workers / Contract Staff

• Responsible for daily collection of eggs
• Responsible for feeding chickens as instructed by the supervisor
• Responsible for cleaning the free-range farm environment
• Change the water for the chickens as instructed by the supervisor on a regular basis
• Handles farm implements and machines (hatchery) as instructed by the section manager / supervisor
• Assist in handling the chickens during sales
• Carries out task in line with the stated job description
• Assist in transport working tools and equipment from the free-range chicken farming location and back to the designated store room
• Handles any other duties as assigned by the line manager.

6. SWOT Analysis

Osmosis Free Range Chicken Farms®, LLC do not intend to launch out with trial and error hence the need to conduct a proper SWOT analysis.

We know that if we get it right from the onset, we would have succeeded in creating the foundation that will help us build a standard free range chicken farming company that will favorably compete with leading free range chicken farms and commercial poultry farms in the United States of America and in the rest part of the world.

We engaged the services of a core professional in the area of business consulting and structuring to assist our organization in building a well – structured free – range chicken farm that can favorably compete in the highly competitive commercial poultry farms cum free range chicken farms in the United States and the world at large.

Part of what the team of business consultant did was to work with the management of our organization in conducting a SWOT analysis for Osmosis Free Range Chicken Farms®, LLC. Here is a summary from the result of the SWOT analysis that was conducted on behalf of Osmosis Free Range Chicken Farms®, LLC;

Our strength as a free range chicken farm is the fact that we have healthy relationships with loads of major players (agriculture merchants) in the industry; both suppliers of poultry feeds and medications and buyers of chickens and eggs within and outside of the United States of America.

We have some of the latest chicken farming hatchery, tools and equipment that will help us raise chickens in commercial quantities with less stress. Aside from our relationship (network) and equipment, we can confidently boast that we have some the most experienced hands in Baton Rouge – Louisiana in our payroll.

Our weakness could be that we are a new free range chicken farms company in the United States, and perhaps it might take us sometime to attract big time customers in the industry. We are aware of this and from our projection we will overcome this weakness with time and turn it to a major advantage for the business.

• Opportunities:

The opportunities that are available to us as a standard free range chicken farm rearing cannot be quantified, we know that there are loads of households, and businesses such as hotels and fast food restaurants that can’t do without daily supply of chicken meat. We are well positioned to take advantage of this opportunity

Some of the threats and challenges that we are likely going to face when we start our own free range chicken farming business are global economic downturn that can impact negatively on household spending, bad weather cum natural disasters (draughts, epidemics), unfavorable government policies and the arrival of a competitor (a commercial farm that engage in the rearing chickens and other birds) within same location.

There is hardly anything we can do as regards this threats and challenges other than to be optimistic that things will continue to work for our good.

7. MARKET ANALYSIS

• Market Trends

The Chicken Meat Production industry and free range chicken farming business has greatly benefited from campaigns advertising the health benefits of chicken meat and eggs as a good source of protein.

No doubt, the increased demand of chicken and eggs from households and food related businesses and of course the growing popularity of specialty and processed and canned chicken meat have rapidly improved revenue growth for the industry.

In the face of this growth, profit margin has suffered from rising feed costs and also regulations regarding animal welfare.

As a matter of fact, one of the new trends is that with the recent advancement in technology, free range chicken farmers can now comfortably monitor the flow of their chickens within the set perimeters / range as required by the regulatory authority, and they can as well successfully predict and produce the quantities of chickens or even eggs per time. This has indeed helped them in proper planning and budgeting for the business.

8. Our Target Market

Naturally, the target market of those who are the end consumer of free range chicken farm produce and also those who benefits from the business value chain of the free – range chicken farming business is all encompassing; it is far – reaching.

Every household consumes produce from free range chicken farms be it chicken or egg. So also, almost all hotels and fast restaurants sell chicken meat and eggs. In essence a free – range chicken farmer should be able to sell his or her chickens and eggs to as many people as possible.

In view of that, we have positioned our business to attract consumers of chickens and eggs not just in the United States of America alone but also other parts of the world. We have conducted our market research and survey and we will ensure that we meet and surpass the expectations we set for the business. Below is a list of the people and business that we will market our chickens and eggs to;

• Individuals
• Restaurants
• Fast food eateries
• Agriculture merchants

Our competitive advantage

It is easier to find entrepreneur flocking towards an industry that is known to generate consistent income and most especially if the start – up capital for such business is minimal and this is why there are loads of free range chicken farmers in the United States of America and of course in most parts of the world.

For example, Statistics has it that there are 2.2 million farms in the United States of America, covering an area of 922 million acres. These goes to show that there are appreciable numbers of farmers in the United States of America but that does not mean that there is stiffer competition in the industry.

As a matter of fact, entrepreneurs are encouraged by the government to embrace free range chicken farming cum poultry farming and egg production business. This is so because part of the success of any nation is her ability to cultivate her own food and also export food to other nations of the world.

Osmosis Free Range Chicken Farms®, LLC is fully aware that there are competitions when it comes to selling chicken meat and eggs all over the globe, which is why we decided to carry out thorough market research so as to know how to take advantage of the available market in the United States and in other parts of the world.

We have done our homework and we have been able to highlight some factors that will give us competitive advantage in the marketplace; some of the factors are effective and reliable free range chicken farming processes that can help us sell our chickens and eggs at competitive prices, good network and excellent relationship management.

Another competitive advantage that we are bringing to the industry is the fact that we have healthy relationships with loads of major players (agriculture merchants) in the industry; both suppliers of chicken feeds and medications and buyers of chickens and eggs within and outside of the United States of America.

We have some of the latest free range chicken farming hatchery, tools and equipment that will help us raise and produce eggs in commercial quantities with less stress. Aside from our relationship (network) and equipment, we can confidently boast that we have some the most experienced hands in Baton Rouge – Louisiana under our payroll.

Lastly, all our employees will be well taken care of, and their welfare package will be among the best within our category (startups free range chicken farming and commercial poultry farms and egg production companies in the United States) in the industry.

It will enable them to be more than willing to build the business with us and help deliver our set goals and achieve all our business aims and objectives.

9. SALES AND MARKETING STRATEGY

• Sources of Income

Osmosis Free Range Chicken Farms®, LLC is in the free – range chicken farming line of business for the purpose of maximizing profits hence we have decided to explore all the available opportunities within the industry to achieve our corporate goals and objectives. Below are the sources we intend exploring to generate income for Osmosis Free Range Chicken Farms®, LLC;

10. Sales Forecast

Going by the market research and survey conducted, we were able to discover that the sales generated by a free – range chicken farming business depends on the size of the farm and of course the size of their marketing network.

We have perfected or sales and marketing strategies and we are set to hit the ground running and we are quite optimistic that we will meet or even surpass our set sales target of generating enough income / profits from the year of operations and build the business from survival to sustainability with the shortest period of time.

We have been able to critically examine the free – range chicken farming business and we have analyzed our chances in the industry and we have been able to come up with the following sales forecast. The sales projections are based on information gathered on the field and some workable assumptions as well with respect to the nature of free range – chicken farming business that we run.

Below are the sales projections for Osmosis Free Range Chicken Farms®, LLC it is based on the location of our business and other factors as it relates to free – range chicken farming start – ups in the United States;

• First Fiscal Year-: $250,000
• Second Fiscal Year-: $500,000
• Third Fiscal Year-: $750,000

N.B : This projection is done based on what is obtainable in the industry and with the assumption that there won’t be any major economic meltdown that can impact negatively on household spending, bad weather cum natural disasters (draughts, epidemics), and unfavorable government policies. Please note that the above projection might be lower and at the same time it might be higher.

• Marketing Strategy and Sales Strategy

We are quite aware that the reason why some free – range chicken farming business hardly make good profits is their inability to sell off their chickens and eggs as at when due.

Our sales and marketing team will be recruited based on their vast experience in the free – range chicken farming line of business and they will be trained on a regular basis so as to be well equipped to meet their targets and the overall business goal of Osmosis Free Range Chicken Farms®, LLC.

Over and above, we have perfected our sale and marketing strategies first by networking with agriculture merchants and businesses that rely on daily supply of chickens and eggs from the chicken meat production industry who are likely to become our customers.

In summary, Osmosis Free Range Chicken Farms®, LLC will adopt the following strategies in marketing our commercial farm produce;

• Introduce our business by sending introductory letters alongside our brochure to stake holders in the agriculture industry, households, hotels and restaurants and agriculture produce merchant et al.
• Advertise our business in agriculture and food related magazines and websites
• List our free – range chicken farming business on yellow pages ads
• Attend related agriculture and food expos, seminars, and business fairs et al
• Leverage on the internet to promote our business
• Engage in direct marketing
• Encourage the use of Word of mouth marketing (referrals)

11. Publicity and Advertising Strategy

Any business that wants to grow beyond the corner of the street or the city they are operating from must be ready and willing to utilize every available means (both conventional and non – conventional means) to advertise and promote the business.

We intend growing our business which is why we have perfected plans to build our brand via every available means. We know that it is important to create strategies that will help us boost our brand awareness and to create a corporate identity for our free – range chicken farming business.

Below are the platforms we will leverage on to boost our free – range chicken farms brand and to promote and advertise our business;

• Place adverts on community based newspapers, radio stations and TV stations.
• Encourage the use of word of mouth publicity from our loyal customers
• Leverage on the internet and social media platforms like; YouTube, Instagram, Facebook ,Twitter, LinkedIn, Snapchat, Badoo, Google+  and other platforms to promote our business.
• Ensure that our we position our banners and billboards in strategic positions all around Baton Rouge – Louisiana
• Distribute our fliers and handbills in target areas in and around our neighborhood
• Contact corporate organizations, households, landlord associations and schools by calling them up and informing them of Osmosis Free Range Chicken Farms®, LLC and the poultry produce we sell
• Advertise our business in our official website and employ strategies that will help us pull traffic to the site
• Brand all our official cars and trucks and ensure that all our staff members and management staff wears our branded shirt or cap at regular intervals.

12. Our Pricing Strategy

Some of the factors that will help you sell your chickens and eggs at the right price that will guarantee that you make profits is dependent on your strategy while some of the factors are beyond your control. For example, if the climatic condition is unfavorable and if there are natural disaster in the location where you have your free – range chicken farm, then it will directly affect the prices of your chicken and eggs.

Over and above, if you want to get the right pricing for your chickens and eggs, then you should ensure that you choose a good location for free – range chicken farm, choose a good breed that will guarantee bountiful harvest, cut the cost of running your free – range chicken farm to the barest minimum.

And of course try as much as possible to attract buyers to your free – range chicken farm as against taking your chickens and eggs to the market to source for buyers; with this, you would have successfully eliminate the cost of transporting the goods to the market and other logistics.

We are quite aware that one of the easiest means of penetrating the market and acquiring loads of customers for our chickens and eggs is to sell them at competitive prices hence we will do all we can to ensure that the prices of our chickens and eggs of all sizes are going to be what other free – range chicken farmers and commercial poultry farmers would look towards beating.

One thing is certain, the nature of free – range chicken farming makes it possible for farmers to place prices for their chickens and eggs based on their discretion without following the benchmark in the industry. The truth is that it is one of the means of avoiding running into loss.

• Payment Options

The payment policy adopted by Osmosis Free Range Chicken Farms®, LLC is all inclusive because we are quite aware that different customers prefer different payment options as it suits them but at the same time, we will ensure that we abide by the financial rules and regulation of the United States of America.

Here are the payment options that Osmosis Free Range Chicken Farms®, LLC will make available to her clients;

• Payment via bank transfer
• Payment with cash
• Payment via credit cards / Point of Sale Machines (POS Machines)
• Payment via online bank transfer
• Payment via check
• Payment via mobile money transfer
• Payment via bank draft

In view of the above, we have chosen banking platforms that will enable our client make payment for the purchase of chickens and eggs without any stress on their part. Our bank account numbers will be made available on our website and promotional materials to clients who may want to deposit cash or make online transfer for our chickens and eggs.

13. Startup Expenditure (Budget)

When it comes to calculating the cost of starting a free – range chicken farm, there are some key factors that should serve as a guide. The breeds of chicken and numbers of chicken to be raised in the farms determines the total cost of setting up the business.

Besides, in setting up any business, the amount or cost will depend on the approach and scale you want to undertake. If you intend to go big by renting / leasing a big facility, then you would need a good amount of capital as you would need to ensure that your employees are well taken care of, and that your facility is conducive enough for workers to be creative and productive.

This means that the start-up can either be low or high depending on your goals, vision and aspirations for your business. The tools and equipment that will be used are nearly the same cost everywhere, and any difference in prices would be minimal and can be overlooked.

As for the detailed cost analysis for starting a free – range chicken farming business; it might differ in other countries due to the value of their money. Below are some of the basic areas we will spend our start – up capital in setting up our free – range chicken farm in the United States of America;

• The total fee for incorporating the business in United States of America – $750.
• The amount needed to acquire / lease a farm land  – $50,000
• The amount required for preparing the farm land (perimeter fencing et al) – $30,000
• Legal expenses for obtaining licenses and permits as well as the accounting services (software, P.O.S machines and other software) – $3,300.
• Marketing promotion expenses for the grand opening of Osmosis Free Range Chicken Farms®, LLC in the amount of $3,500 and as well as flyer printing (2,000 flyers at $0.04 per copy) for the total amount of $3,580.
• The total cost for hiring Business Consultant – $2,500.
• The total cost for payment of insurance policy covers (general liability, workers’ compensation and property casualty) coverage at a total premium – $9,400
• The amount required for the purchase of the first set of chickens – $10,000
• The cost for acquiring the required working tools and equipment / machines / hatchery et al– $50,000
• Operational cost for the first 3 months (salaries of employees, payments of bills et al) – $60,000
• The cost of launching an official Website – $600
• Additional Expenditure (Business cards, Signage, Adverts and Promotions et al) – $2,000

Going by the report from detailed research and feasibility studies conducted, we will need an average of two hundred thousand dollars ( $200,000 ) to start a standard free – range chicken farm business in the United States of America.

Generating Funds / Startup Capital for Osmosis Free Range Chicken Farms®, LLC

No matter how fantastic your business idea might be, if you don’t have the required money to finance the business, the business might not become a reality. Finance is a very important factor when it comes to starting a business such as free – range chicken farming.

No doubt raising startup capital for a business might not come cheap, but it is a task that an entrepreneur must go through.

Osmosis Free Range Chicken Farms®, LLC is a family business that is solely owned and financed by Mr. Douglas Mendez and his immediate family members. They do not intend to welcome any external business partners which is why he has decided to restrict the sourcing of the start – up capital to 3 major sources.

These are the areas we intend generating our start – up capital;

• Generate part of the start – up capital from personal savings
• Source for soft loans from family members and friends
• Apply for loan from my Bank

N.B: We have been able to generate about $50,000 ( Personal savings $40,000 and soft loan from family members $10,000 ) and we are at the final stages of obtaining a loan facility of $150,000 from our bank. All the papers and document have been signed and submitted, the loan has been approved and any moment from now our account will be credited with the amount.

14. Sustainability and Expansion Strategy

The future of a business lies in the numbers of loyal customers that they have, the capacity and competence of the employees, their investment strategy and the business structure. If all of these factors are missing from a business (company), then it won’t be too long before the business close shop.

One of our major goals of starting Osmosis Free Range Chicken Farms®, LLC is to build a business that will survive off its own cash flow without the need for injecting finance from external sources once the business is officially running.

We know that one of the ways of gaining approval and winning customers over is to retail our chickens and eggs a little bit cheaper than what is obtainable in the market and we are well prepared to survive on lower profit margin for a while.

Osmosis Free Range Chicken Farms®, LLC will make sure that the right foundation, structures and processes are put in place to ensure that our staff welfare are well taken of. Our company’s corporate culture is designed to drive our business to greater heights and training and retraining of our workforce is at the top burner.

As a matter of fact, profit-sharing arrangement will be made available to all our management staff and it will be based on their performance for a period of six years or more. We know that if that is put in place, we will be able to successfully hire and retain the best hands we can get in the industry; they will be more committed to help us build the business of our dreams.

Check List / Milestone

• Business Name Availability Check: Completed
• Business Registration: Completed
• Opening of Corporate Bank Accounts: Completed
• Securing Point of Sales (POS) Machines: Completed
• Opening Mobile Money Accounts: Completed
• Opening Online Payment Platforms: Completed
• Application and Obtaining Tax Payer’s ID: In Progress
• Application for business license and permit: Completed
• Purchase of Insurance for the Business: Completed
• Leasing of farm land and building of standard perimeter fence around the range: In Progress
• Conducting Feasibility Studies: Completed
• Generating capital from family members: Completed
• Applications for Loan from the bank: In Progress
• Writing of Business Plan: Completed
• Drafting of Employee’s Handbook: Completed
• Drafting of Contract Documents and other relevant Legal Documents: In Progress
• Design of The Company’s Logo: Completed
• Graphic Designs and Printing of Packaging Marketing / Promotional Materials: In Progress
• Recruitment of employees: In Progress
• Purchase of the Needed furniture, racks, shelves, computers, electronic appliances, office appliances and CCTV: In progress
• Creating Official Website for the Company: In Progress
• Creating Awareness for the business both online and around the community: In Progress
• Health and Safety and Fire Safety Arrangement (License): Secured
• Opening party / launching party planning: In Progress
• Compilation of our list of products that will be available in our store: Completed
• Establishing business relationship with vendors (suppliers of chicken feeds and drugs) and other key players (chicken and egg wholesalers) in the industry: In Progress

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Starting Free Range Chicken Farming Business Plan (PDF)

In a world increasingly mindful of ethical and sustainable farming practices, the free range chicken farming business stands as a beacon of opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs seeking not only financial success but also a chance to make a meaningful impact. With low startup costs, strong market demand, and the potential for rapid growth, starting a free range chicken farming business offers a compelling proposition that merits serious consideration.  To build a successful, sustainable free range poultry farming business, you require sufficient knowledge of how to efficiently raise free range chickens, good business management skills, and a good free range poultry farming business plan. This article will outline how to start a free range chicken & egg production business, and the free range chicken farming business plan – PDF, Word and Excel.

This article and business plan is about free range poultry farming.  We also have articles and business plans for

Poultry Egg Farming Business  

Broiler Poultry Farming Business

Click the links above to go to the articles and business plans. 

Free range chicken and backyard chicken production is a lucrative business, but there are some essential decisions that you need to make before you venture into the business. You have to decide on the scale of your free range chicken farming business (the number of chickens that you will keep and eggs that you will produce), location of the free range chicken poultry farm and products (meat, eggs or both).  The amount of capital that you have and your target market will influence those decisions. If you do not have a lot of capital, you can always start small and grow your free range chicken farming business overtime. You also need to carry out market research (Who are you going to sell the birds and eggs to? At what price? Who are your business competitors?) and write a good free range chicken farming business plan before you venture into this poultry business.

One of the richest men in the world, Bill Gates, regards free range chicken farming as a good, profitable business. He donated thousands of chickens as a means of empowering people to earn an income by starting chicken farming businesses. In his article on his website, “Why I would raise Chickens” , Bill Gates says chickens are a good investment which can generate a lot of income for the people, as they have a multiplicative effect, due to the fact that they lay and hatch eggs frequently, thus multiplying the size of your flock quickly.

Market Research

Before starting your free range chicken farming business, it is essential to delve into comprehensive market research. This critical step can significantly impact the success of your venture by providing you with a deep understanding of the market dynamics, consumer preferences, and industry trends. Research potential suppliers for chicken feed, equipment, and other essentials. Additionally, determine the most efficient distribution channels to get your products to your target market, whether it’s through local markets, farmers’ markets, or direct-to-consumer sales.

Selecting the appropriate free range chicken breed is a crucial aspect of market research for your chicken farming business. This decision hinges on several factors, including the availability of the breed in your region, the specific demands of the market, and your business goals. Different chicken breeds excel in various areas, with some being more suited for meat production, while others are renowned for their egg-laying capabilities. Your choice should align with your target market’s preferences and your intended product offerings. By conducting thorough research on the strengths and availability of different chicken breeds, you can make an informed decision that maximizes your farm’s efficiency and meets the demands of your customers, whether you aim to supply meat, eggs, or both.

An essential aspect of market research for your free range chicken farming business is gaining a deep understanding of pricing dynamics within your target market. This involves not only comprehending the prevailing prices of free range chicken and eggs but also identifying your potential customer base, their purchasing habits, and the quantities they typically order. By gathering this information, you can effectively position your pricing strategy to align with the expectations and affordability of your customer demographic. This knowledge empowers you to set competitive and profitable prices while ensuring that your offerings cater to the preferences and purchasing patterns of your target audience, ultimately enhancing your business’s chances of success.

Land for Free Range Chicken Farming Business

You need to have land for your free range chicken farming business. There are several factors that you should take into consideration when selecting the land to run your free range poultry farming operations from. These factors include the available utilities, neighbours, local topography, prevailing winds, condition of roads, available existing buildings, and local government laws and regulations. Free range chickens make noise and produce odours, so your chicken farm should be located some distance away from residential areas. Low lying land close to streams is prone to flooding, so you should avoid such kind of land topography. Land which is level is better, as hilly land increases the construction costs of free range poultry housing due to grading that would have to be done. Consider the available utilities, it’s better to choose a location that has a good water supply and is connected to the main electricity gridline.  Also consider the conditions of the roads – vehicles will use the roads to deliver chicks and feed to the chicken farm as well as deliver chickens to the market from the farm. Thus you will need to choose a location with good roads for your free range poultry farming business. Also consider if the land will allow you to expand in the future, eg is there enough space to construct additional free range chickens houses? Depending of your choice of production system, free range chickens may require pasture to forage on and move freely around, so you should also consider if the land is suitable for free range chickens to scavenge around.

Free Range Poultry Housing

There are various housing options that you can consider for free range chickens. By definition, free range chickens must be allowed access to the outside, that is there should be space available for them to roam around freely outdoors. However, they also need proper housing especially at night. Some poultry farmers even keep free range chickens indoors all the time. Free range poultry housing may be fixed or mobile. Pasture rotation can easily be achieved when using mobile free range chicken housing which reduces damage to pasture and frequently give the chickens access to fresh pasture. Most commercial poultry farmers use fixed free range chicken housing. The free range poultry housing should provide adequate space, light, ventilation and protection to the birds. Free range chickens should have adequate space to move around even in fixed housing systems. If they don’t have enough space, the birds become stressed, cannibalism may occur, and diseases can easily spread. The free range chicken housing should have an adequate ventilation system – this can be achieved by a poultry house that has open sides. If the housing has poor ventilation, that may cause heat stress which leads to death of the free range chickens thus leading to financial loss of your free range poultry farming business. Chickens cannot tolerate high temperatures, thus why it is necessary to construct the poultry house such that its length is in an east-west orientation to avoid direct exposure to sunlight.

A well lighted housing is important for a successful free range chicken business. If the free range chicken house is dark, that leads to inactive and unproductive chickens. Free range chickens require light as it stimulates egg production, and encourages the chickens to eat feed which is good for their growth and health. Natural lighting ie sunlight is preferable as long as it does not increase the temperature of the house – thus why good ventilation system is required for the poultry housing. The free range chicken housing should also offer adequate protection to the birds : protection from predators and extreme weather conditions. Chicken predators include snakes, rats, dogs and mongooses. Your housing can be in the form of chicken barns, runs, pens, houses, hutches, cages and the cost of construction will depend on the materials used, and the size of the free range poultry house. The free range chickens and backyard chickens also need pasture for them to forage. One of the major difference between broiler chickens and free range chickens, is that broilers are raised indoors, confined to the broiler house, while free range chickens will spend most of the day outside, foraging the pasture and vegetation. The costs of constructing the housing should be include in the free range chicken farming business plan.

Equipment for Free Range Poultry Farming Business

Several equipment are required when carrying out free range chicken farming business. Free range chickens should not lay eggs on the floor, thus you should provide nests for them. Nests can be in different forms that include baskets, card boxes, wood and specially-crafted nest boxes. Ensure that your provide adequate nests – the required number depends on the number of laying free range chickens and size of the nest boxes. Feeding equipment is obviously required. Good poultry feeders should : have correct height and depth, easy to clean and be stable so that they are not knocked over by the chickens. Materials used to make poultry feeders include metal, wood and plastic. Small chicks need their own feeders separate from large chickens. Adequate drinking equipment is also required by the chickens. For large commercial free range farming businesses, you can use automated feeding and drinking systems. Incubators may also be required in free range poultry business. They are used for hatching chicken eggs to produce chicks. Free range chickens can naturally hatch eggs on their own, but the numbers of eggs which they can maintain and hatch are limited. To hatch a large number of eggs at one time you will have to use incubators. The free range poultry framing business plan should include a budget of purchasing the poultry equipment.

Day Old Chicks

You need day old chicks to start your free range chicken and backyard poultry farming business.  After getting experience, you may then hatch your own chicks, which will greatly reduce your expenses as you will no longer need to buy day old chicks. You should purchase your day old chicks from a reliable accredited hatchery or company where the parent stocks are well managed. If you are new to the free range poultry business, you should enquire from other farmers to hear where they buy their chicks from. The success of your free range poultry and backyard chicken business will partly depend on the quality of day old chicks which you buy. The free range chicken farming business plan should cater for the costs of purchasing the day old chicks.

Free Range Chicken Breeds

Major products of commercial free range chicken farming business are meat and eggs. Your choice of chicken breed will be determined by the final product that you want to sell. You can choose breeds that maximize meat production or egg production. Dual purpose free range chicken breeds can be used to do both meat and egg production. Rhode Island Red  is a popular American free range chicken breed which is very good at laying eggs as it can produce more than 260 eggs per year. The Sussex chicken breed is a dual purpose breed, which is kept for both meat and egg production. Jersey Giant is a very large chicken breed which is usually kept for meat production, though they also lay eggs. New Hampshire Red is a dual purpose free range chicken breed which grows quickly and are used for both meat and egg production.   White Leghorns breed chickens are usually used as layer birds they produce between 280-320 eggs per year, each egg weighing a minimum of 55 grams. Orpington is a large chicken breed which can be used for both meat and egg production as it can produce up to 200 eggs per year. The Boschveld  chicken breed is from Africa, and it can withstand varying climatic conditions. Boschveld  chicken breed is a dual purpose breed, which can be raised for both meat and egg production. There are many other breeds which include Golden Comet, Cornish Cross, Buckeye,  Ameraucana, Chantecler,  Barred Plymouth Rock, Croad Langshan, Golden Laced Wyandottes, Bresse,  Australorp and Dorking.

Feed For Free Range Poultry

There are different feeding systems that are used in free range chicken farming operations. Adequate feeding is important to ensure the success of the free range chicken farming business. At the same time, feeding costs should be monitored so as to maintain the profitability of the free range chicken farming business. The advantage of rearing  free range chickens over broiler chickens is that they will get some of their food from scavenging the surroundings, thus the feed costs are minimized. Free range chickens can feed on pasture and forage outside for leftover food, greens, bugs etc. In a free range poultry rearing system, adult hens and cocks ought to be given enough time and space for scavenging in the surroundings daily. The best time for scavenging is early morning and late afternoon when there are plenty of insects and less heat.

However this is usually not adequate for commercial free range chicken farming businesses. Thus you will have to give supplementary feed to the free range chickens. This can be in the form of commercial stock feeds. As stock chicken feeds are expensive, free range chickens can also be given maize, wheat, sorghum, rice and other grains. Home made stock feeds can also be used to feed free range chickens. Supplementary feeds should be offered in the morning and evening when the free range chickens come back for the night. Clean water should be provided in shady areas during the day to avoid heat stress.  You should adequately feed your free range chickens to ensure that they reach their market weight in the target period. Lack of sufficient feed causes slow growth, poor health and low egg production which reduces the profitability of your free range chicken farming business. You will also need proper vaccines and medications to prevent diseases and promote growth of your free range and backyard chickens. Costs of feed should be included in the free range chicken farming business plan.

Free Range Chicken Farming Business Model

The foundation of a successful free range chicken farming business revolves around a well-structured and sustainable business model. To kickstart this venture, you begin by acquiring day-old chicks, which serve as the future of your flock. These chicks are nurtured and raised in a suitable free range housing environment, where their growth and well-being are carefully monitored. The flexibility of this business model lies in its versatility, allowing you to produce either eggs, chickens for meat, or a combination of both, depending on market demand and your strategic preferences.

The primary expenditures in this business include the initial cost of day-old chicks and ongoing expenses related to feed and maintenance. As the chicks mature, typically reaching maturity at around 12 to 16 weeks, you can decide whether to sell them as live birds or as dressed birds for meat, tailoring your approach to meet the needs of your target market. On the other hand, if your focus is on egg production, free range chicken layers will begin laying eggs consistently from the age of 20 weeks onwards. These freshly laid eggs can then be sold, constituting a significant portion of your revenue.

The beauty of this free range chicken farming model lies in its self-sustaining nature. Over time, as your free range chicken layers continue to lay eggs, you have the option to hatch some of these eggs to produce your own day-old chicks, significantly reducing the need for recurring purchases. This cycle ensures a consistent and potentially lucrative stream of income throughout the year, making the free range chicken farming business an attractive and profitable endeavor.

Management and Labour

The number of farm workers you need will depend on the size of your free range and backyard chicken project. If you are running a small business e.g. 100 birds/cycle, you and your family may be enough to take care of the chickens. However, if you are rearing 2000 birds per cycle, you will need full time employees to manage the free range chickens.  There is need for good technical knowledge of free range chickens rearing techniques for success in the business. You also need good management skills. Salaries for all your staff should be included in the free range chicken farming business.

The amount of capital required for a free range poultry farming business depends on the scale of the project. Sources of capital include bank loans, and equity investors.Don’t have access to capital? Start small, and grow your business overtime! Free range chickens are very profitable, so if you reinvest the profits you get, you can quickly grow. You will require a good free-range chicken and eggs production business plan to guide you in your business.

Marketing Plan

Developing a comprehensive marketing plan is essential for the success of your free range chicken farming business. This plan will serve as your roadmap to reaching your target audience, establishing a strong brand presence, and ultimately driving sales. To start, it’s crucial to identify your ideal customers and understand their preferences and buying behaviors. Whether you’re targeting health-conscious consumers, local restaurants, or specialty grocery stores, this knowledge will allow you to tailor your marketing efforts effectively.

Creating a compelling brand identity is another vital component of your marketing strategy. Your brand should encapsulate the values of ethical and sustainable farming practices, which are closely associated with free range chicken products. This involves designing an eye-catching logo, selecting a memorable brand name, and creating appealing packaging that resonates with your target audience.

In today’s digital era, an online presence is paramount. Develop a professional website to showcase your products, farming practices, and contact information. Leverage social media platforms to engage with potential customers, share updates about your farm, and promote special offers. Additionally, consider content marketing to educate your audience about the benefits of free range products and position yourself as an authority in the field. Collaborating with local businesses, farmers’ markets, and restaurants can also expand your reach and enhance your visibility within the community. By incorporating these elements into your marketing plan, you can build a strong brand presence, attract loyal customers, and ensure the long-term success of your free range chicken farming business.

Market for Free Range Chickens Meat And Eggs

The market for free range chickens is high and increasing, as more people are moving towards organic and healthier food. Many people prefer organic free range chicken meat, as compared to broiler chicken meat. This is because free range chickens are highly nutritious, delicious, organic, and healthier. Thus, the demand for free range organic chickens meat continues to rise. Free range chickens have a higher price than broiler chickens, as they are considered to be more superior.

The eggs from free range chickens are also considered to be superior as compared to the eggs from commercial indoor layers chickens. Free range chicken eggs are considered to be highly nutritious, delicious, organic, and healthier. Thus, the price of free range organic eggs is higher as compared to the usual poultry eggs. You can supply your free range chicken meat and eggs to individual households, butchers, schools, restaurants, companies, supermarkets, organizations, events, abattoirs etc. You can sell your free range chicken as live birds or you can slaughter and freeze them and sell them as dressed chicken.  As you grow your business, you will also be able to export your free range organic products.

Advantages of Free Range Chicken Farming Business

One of the primary attractions of venturing into free range chicken farming is the relatively low startup costs associated with this agricultural endeavor. Compared to other farming ventures, the initial investment required to set up a free range chicken farm is comparatively modest. This affordability makes it an accessible option for individuals looking to enter the farming industry without the burden of high upfront expenses. Aspiring entrepreneurs can get started with a manageable budget, allowing for a gradual expansion of their operations as they gain experience and confidence in the business.

Another compelling advantage is the strong market demand for free range chicken products. With an increasing number of consumers seeking healthier and ethically produced food options, the market for free range chicken meat and eggs has been steadily growing. This rising demand provides a favorable environment for entrepreneurs in this industry, as it ensures a consistent customer base and potential for sustainable growth. The strong market demand not only enhances the profitability of the business but also offers a level of resilience in the face of economic fluctuations.

Additionally, free range chicken farming offers the flexibility of diversifying product offerings. Entrepreneurs can choose to focus on egg production, meat production, or even a combination of both, depending on market trends and their business goals. This versatility allows for the adaptation of the business to changing consumer preferences and market dynamics. It also mitigates the risks associated with being solely reliant on a single product category, further enhancing the business’s long-term viability and profitability.

Moreover, the potential for rapid growth is a significant advantage in this industry. By hatching their own chicks from eggs laid by free range layers, farmers can reduce the need for external purchases and increase their self-sufficiency. This self-sustainability not only minimizes ongoing expenses but also accelerates growth potential. Farmers can control their supply chain, ensuring a consistent stream of day-old chicks for future production, thereby optimizing their profits.

Pre-Written Free Range Chicken And Egg Farming Business Plan (PDF, Word And Excel): Comprehensive Version, Short Funding/Bank Loan Version and Automated Financial Statements

For an in-depth analysis of the free range chicken production business, we encourage you to purchase our well-researched and comprehensive business plan. We introduced the business plans after discovering that many were venturing into the free range chicken business without enough knowledge and understanding of how to run the business, how to keep the birds, lack of understanding of the financial side of the business, lack of understanding of : the industry, the risks involved , costs and profitability of the business; which often leads to disastrous losses.

The StartupBiz Global business plan will make it easier for you to launch and run your free range chicken business successfully, fully knowing what you are going into, and what’s needed to succeed in the business. It will be easier to plan and budget as you will be aware of all the costs involved in setting up and running the free range chicken business.

Uses of the Free Range Poultry Farming Business Plan – PDF, Word And Excel

The free range poultry farming business plan can be used for many purposes including:

• Raising capital from investors/friends/relatives.
• Applying for a bank loan.
• Start-up guide to launch your free range poultry farming business.
• As a project/business proposal.
• Assessing profitability of the free range chicken business.
• Finding a business partner.
• Assessing the initial start-up costs so that you know how much to save.
• Manual for current business owners to help in business and strategy formulation.

Contents of the Free Range Chicken Farming Business Plan – PDF, Word And Excel

The business plan include, but not limited to:

• Marketing Strategy
• Financial Statements (monthly cash flow projections, income statements, cash flow statements, balance sheets, break even analysis, payback period analysis, start-up costs, financial graphs, revenue and expenses, Bank Loan Amortization)
• Risk Analysis
• Industry Analysis
• Market Analysis
• SWOT & PEST Analysis
• Operational Requirements (Including technical aspects of how to keep and rear the free range chickens, feed requirements etc)
• Operational Strategy
• Why some people in the free range poultry business fail, so that you can avoid their mistakes
• Ways to raise capital to start your free range poultry business

The Pre-written Free Range Chicken Farming Business Plan package consists of 4 files:

• Free Range Chicken And Egg Production Business Plan – PDF file (Comprehensive Version – 93 Pages)
• Free Range Chicken And Egg Production Business Plan – Editable Word File (Comprehensive Version – 93 Pages)
• Free Range Chicken And Egg Production Business Plan Funding/Bank Loan Version- Editable Word File (Short version for applying for a loan/funding – 44 pages)
• Free Range Chicken And Egg Production Business Plan Automated Financial Statements – (Editable Excel File)

The business plan can be used in any country and can be easily edited. The financial statements are automated. This implies that you can change eg the number of chickens, selling price of  the chickens etc, and all the other financial statements will automatically adjust to reflect the change.

Click below to download the Contents Page of the Free Range Chicken Production Business Plan (PDF)

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Get the Free Range Chicken And Egg Farming Business Plan - PDF, Word And Excel

Click Buy Now  below to purchase using Paypal, Credit Card, or Debit Card. After you have purchased, you will immediately see the download link for the business plan package on the screen. You will also immediately get an email with the business plan download link. The Pre-written business plan package (PDF, Word, and Excel) costs $30 only!

If you want to purchase multiple business plans at once then click here: Business Plans Store.

The business plan package is a zipped compressed file containing the PDF, Word and Excel documents. To open the package after downloading it, just right click, and select Extract All. If you have any problems in downloading and opening the files, email us on [email protected] and we will assist you.

We wish you the best in your Free Range Chicken production business! Check out our collection of business plans  , and more business ideas .

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How to Start Free-range Chicken Farming: A Step-By-Step Guide, Advantages, and Disadvantages

Table of contents, what does free-range chicken mean, benefits of free-range chickens, land, house, and equipment needed, housing requirements, chicken breeds suitable for free-range farming, equipment for free-range chicken farming , feed and nutrition for free-range chickens, tips for free-range chicken care, management and labor required, the market for free-range chicken meat and eggs, disadvantages of free-range chicken farming.

It is a very lucrative business, and many people make money worldwide by raising free-range chickens. However, to build a successful, sustainable, free-range poultry farming business, you need sufficient knowledge, good management skills, and a business plan to raise free-range organic chickens effectively. Let’s check out how to start free-range chicken farming below.

When chickens or other livestock are “free-range,” they can roam freely, with free access to outlying areas and fewer restrictions on their overall movement and housing. These animals are not limited to a small coop, warehouse, or pen; they have a much larger, more enriched space to explore. Since some legal regulations on how free-range can be officially labeled for chickens, various farmers, commercial agricultural workers, or urban homesteaders can consider their poultry free-range in different ways. 

The main difference between regular chicken production farms and free-range bred chickens is the environment in which they are reared. Common farms keep chickens in tight spaces with many other chickens; this is a large-scale factory breeding environment. The same is true of chickens raised for their eggs. Their diet and conditions may or may not be purely organic. Free-range chickens can roam in low-pressure environments, outside and away from chicken coops or common residential areas. This arrangement allows the chickens to roam in nature with plenty of air, sunshine, and no stress.

In case you missed it: Earning More than 3 Lakh Per Month: A Success Story of Kadaknath Chicken Farmer

There are several benefits to raising free-range chickens. Because birds are not confined to small areas, they get more exercise; their flesh has more muscle and protein in their limited habitat than these birds. Free-range chickens generally have lower fat and calorie content in their meat and eggs, and many consumers believe that free-range chickens and their eggs taste better and fuller.

Better health helps birds be more resistant to pests and diseases, although they may be more susceptible to predators. With more room to roam, free-range chickens have anxiety, aggression, and territoriality problems, even with large flocks. The cost of caring for free-range chickens can also be less than that of a confined flock. Because birds naturally feed on a wide range of food, there is less need for expensive feed or extra pellets.

Free-range chickens will also control natural pests in gardens or landscapes as they snatch away all kinds of insects, weeds, and seeds, and their natural beaks, scrapes, and digs will sprout into the soil. Their pulp becomes the best fertilizer. A large flock can lead to a dirty or bad rebel area; however, be aware of the consequences before releasing the birds. Free-range chicken tastes better and has more protein due to better breeding conditions. The best breeding equals the best health.

Chickens that spend free time outside with better exercise, clean air, clean water, and plenty of sunshine are the best sources of natural meat products. On the farm or in, the free-range chickens on your farm can benefit your landscape. Farmers use mobile chicken pans to move chickens on their farmland.

Chickens feed on insects and eat leftover crops such as lettuce and other vegetables that fertilize the soil simultaneously. It creates a symbolic relationship between animals and the land. A few free-range chickens can help reduce pests in the garden and provide you with a fertilizer source. 

• Broader diet – Free-range chickens can feed on insects, grasses, and weeds. Their diet will be much more diverse than that of captivity. It makes them happy and healthy chickens.
• Low feed cost – Since chickens are foraging, this will increase some of their feed. You will need to give them chicken feed, but free-ranging will reduce the amount. Saving money is always a good thing in life.

In case you missed it: How this Farmer Made 24 Lakh Profit from Country Chicken Farming – A Success Story

The type of housing you need and the size of this property will depend on your poultry endeavor. When choosing a poultry business location, you want to balance the cost of the property, labor costs, safety, and the need to be close to the market, along with excellent water sources. 

When you plan to build a free-range chicken house, you must choose a well-drained place with lots of fresh air circulation. Proper housing must have adequate ventilation and proper lighting. Ventilation is necessary to allow adequate air exchange. To make eggs all year round, you must put proper lighting in your facility. You must have the equipment, including feeders, drinkers, lighting systems, and nest boxes. 

As well as choosing the right site and providing enough space for chickens, adequate housing management is an important step in starting a chicken farming enterprise. Ideally, just like outdoor pastures, you should aim for one square foot per hen according to the density of your stock. However, two hens per square foot are also acceptable if you have limited space. The chicken house should be open both inside and outside so the chickens can easily access the outside pasture. Preferably, it should be high and well-ventilated. 

• Local chicken breeds or crossbreds of Rhode Island x local chickens
• Chinese chicken breeds such as Tam Hoang or Luong Phuong 
• The Israeli Kabir chickens

There are many different chicken breeds, and choosing the right breed will depend on your needs. You can sell meat and eggs or run a free-range chicken business for meat and eggs. 

• Rhode Island Red Chicken can be raised with both meat and eggs. They lay about 250 eggs a year. The Light Sussex chicken breed is a dual-purpose breed for meat and egg production. 
• White Leghorns are commonly used as layer birds. They can lay 300 eggs yearly, weighing at least 55 grams. The Boschveld chicken breed is commonly found in Africa and can withstand various climatic conditions.
• Welsummer can be a little taller with his beautiful plumage. But if picked up correctly, they will be quite friendly and attentive. They are also good herdsmen and prefer to stay out during the day instead of sitting in the coop. 
• Buckeye is a hardy chicken breed and can be a little aggressive. They do not incarcerate at all and need free-range. These chickens are fine even if it is written as long as they can move. 
• Minorca is the largest breed of chicken in the Mediterranean. They are also easy to handle and more friendly than the rest of the class. They will endure imprisonment, but doing so may hurt them a little. They prepare fodder on top and happily pecking, scratch, and eat insects. 
• Many other breeds exist, including the Golden Comet, Ameraucana, Barred Plymouth Rock, Golden Laced Wyandottes, Australorp, and more. 
• The breeds used in free-range chicken farming are also different from these chickens. The most commonly used breeds in free-range chicken farming are Kabir and Sasso chickens, and they grow a little slower than those living inside the poultry house but are bigger and heavier. 

In case you missed it: Broiler vs Layer – Chicken Differences, Management

In addition to fencing and building a house for just one range of chickens, you will also need to purchase various equipment to help the chickens. It would help if you bought drinkers, feeders, brooding equipment, heaters and heating bulbs, and chicken plucker machines. 

Free-range chickens must be fed to increase meat and egg production. Lack of water or feed will reduce resistance to diseases and parasites and increase flock mortality. In a free-range poultry system, adult chickens should be given ample time and space to clean the surrounding environment daily. 

The best time to clean is in the early morning and late afternoon, when there are plenty of insects and the heat, is low. Generally, supplementary feeds must be offered in the morning and evening when free-range chickens return for the night. For birds’ growth, clean water should be provided in shaded regions during the day to avoid heat stress. You will also need appropriate vaccines and medications to prevent disease and promote the breeding of your free-range chickens. 

In case you missed it: Using Chicken Manure In Garden – As Fertilizer

The advantage of raising free-range chickens is that they will get most of their food from the cleanliness of the surroundings. It reduces feed costs. However, keeping free-range chickens for commercial purposes is insufficient to feed on the surrounding fodder. You will want to supplement the free-range chickens’ diet with commercial stock feeds or home feed. You can also give them corn, millet, wheat, rice, etc. 

Provide shelter : Even free-range chickens need shelter at night and protection from bad weather. A strong coop should be available for the flock; a large herd or several coops can be planted in different areas to allow more bird choice. 

Provide supplemental food : Free-range chickens will feed on their own, but providing supplemental food can provide good nutrition and vitamins needed for a healthy flock. The feed can also train the chickens and return them to the coop at night for safety. 

Keep vaccinations current : Free-range chickens are more likely to contact other wildlife, ticks, or insects that can transmit the infection. Keeping birds up-to-date on vaccinations and worms will keep the whole flock healthy. 

The number of farm workers will depend on the free-range chicken size. If you run a small business like 100 birds/cycle, you and your family may have enough to take care of the chickens. However, if you are raising 2,000 birds per cycle, you will need full-time staff to manage free-range chickens. Business success requires good technical knowledge of free-range poultry farming techniques. You also need good management skills. 

The free-range chicken market is increasing as more people move towards organic and healthy food. People mostly prefer organic free-range chicken meat to broiler chicken meat. Thus, the free-range organic chicken meat demand is constantly increasing. Free-range chickens cost more than broiler chickens because they are considered higher. Free-range hen eggs are also considered better than commercial indoor-layer hen eggs. Free-range chicken eggs are highly nutritious, delicious, organic, and healthy.

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The price of free-range organic eggs is higher compared to that of ordinary chicken eggs. You can deliver free-range chicken meat and eggs to individual households, butchers, schools, restaurants, companies, supermarkets, organizations, events, and more. You can sell your free-range chickens as live birds, slaughter them, and freeze and sell them as dressed chickens. You can export your free-range organic products as you grow your chicken farming business.

Free-range chickens can mess with your backyard – Chickens like to scratch the ground in search of insects or while bathing in the dust. It is common in chickens, but when they scratch the ground too much, it can damage your landscape, yard, or garden. So, before you let your birds roam, ensure your landscape is well protected. 

Eating unwanted plants (garden, flowers, herbs, etc.) – If you or your neighbor has a garden and your chickens find it, they will benefit from free food. Also, they will eat some flower pedals and herbs if you are not careful. By giving their birds home-grown produce, they will be tempted to seek out this kind of invitation and create even greater heights to go to the garden.

Free-range chickens as soon as possible make it difficult to collect eggs – Although these birds are known to produce nutritious eggs, they make it difficult to collect these valuable commodities. Most choose to lay their eggs in hidden places around the yard. Hunting eggs can be frustrating if you don’t know where to start. It would help if you had several much-needed areas around the yard to overcome this problem. This way, you will save time as your hens will be left in special places where you can easily find their eggs.

Raising free-range chickens can be challenging, but it can benefit a stronger, healthier, more productive flock. The free-range system is best suited for small-scale farmers who raise chickens for domestic and commercial use. This low-cost free-range system increases the commercial value of poultry products. The above steps are useful for starting free-range chicken farming.

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AgriFarming has revived the giant in farming within me with the colossal information that you are providing me, keep it up!!!

Regards, Pat

I am in south Africa l want to start my farming free range chickens. l am asking a small grant to start. can any one what to help. please help thank you for your time sincerely yours piet

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How to Build a Low-budget Goat Shed: Cheap Ideas and...

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