Commercial poultry farming of the Norfolk Gray breed is less popular. That is why it is a rare breed of domestic chickens. This is actually a dual-purpose breed enjoyed for meat and egg production.
The Norfolk Gray breed of chicken originated in the town of Norfolk in Norfolk, England around 1910. Frederick Myhill of Hethel created a Norfolk Gray hen as a service bird called Black Mary.
The breed was originally bred before 1914, possibly as early as 1908. And the name “Norfolk Grey”, unfortunately, sounded like a funeral, it was quickly dropped, and instead the breed took the name “Norfolk Grey”.
Norfolk Gray hens were bred by crossing Birchen English Game with Wyandotte partridges, or possibly Birchen English Game with half-winged leghorns. The breed is classified as heavy and there is a light version of this breed.
However, as it is a dual purpose breed, starting a commercial Norfolk Gray poultry business would be a good and lucrative venture. These birds are suitable for both meat and egg production.
How to Start Raising Gray Chickens in Norfolk
Starting a chicken farming business in Norfolk Gray is like starting a poultry business with any other breed of domestic chicken. These birds are very strong, hardy and active. So it is very easy to pick them up, even beginners can pick them up too.
Here we try to describe more information about starting and running a successful Norfolk Gray chicken business, from buying birds to caring and marketing.
Buy chickens
First, you need to acquire very high quality, healthy, disease-free birds to start your Norfolk Gray chicken business. Good healthy birds are the key to a successful Norfolk Gray chicken business.
You can purchase adult birds or day-old chicks depending on price and availability in your area. Adult birds are usually sold at very high prices in the market. But day-old chicks are much cheaper. We recommend starting with day old chicks.
Buy chicks from one of your local chick suppliers, chick breeding centers or any existing farms. Keep your chicks strong, active and healthy. You may also consider searching your local sites for online classifieds.
Houses
The creation of a good, comfortable and safe housing system is very important to the gray poultry industry in Norfolk. Because a good home not only helps birds stay healthy, but also protects them from all kinds of predators and adverse weather conditions.
Install a good ventilation system and make sure there is enough clean, fresh air in the house. And try to make the house in such a way that you can easily clean it. Norfolk Gray chickens are a heavy breed. So each adult bird will need about 5 square feet of living space.
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Feeding the birds very high quality and nutritious food is the most important part of Norfolk Grey’s poultry business. Good food not only helps birds grow better, but also helps them stay healthy and produce more.
You can feed your chicks commercial poultry feed or prepare your own feed. Just make sure the food is good, healthy, and nutritious for your birds.
Never feed contaminated feed to chicks. And always try to provide them with enough clean and fresh water according to their needs.
reproduction
Norfolk Gray hens are naturally very good breeders. They will reproduce easily and produce fertile eggs to hatch if you keep a good ratio of hens to roosters in your flock. Usually one healthy rooster is enough to raise up to 10 hens.
Care
In addition to feeding quality feed and organizing a good bird management system, Norfolk Gray chicks also need special care to grow well. Regularly monitor the birds for any signs of illness or disease. Get them vaccinated in a timely manner and always maintain good contact with the veterinarian in your area.
Marketing
Chicken products are in great demand and appreciated all over the world. So you will probably be able to easily sell your products in the local market. Although you should define your marketing strategies before starting this business.
These are the general steps and ways to successfully start and run a Norfolk Gray chicken business. I hope this guide has helped you! Good luck and God bless you!
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