Need help to decide what breed of chicken you’re going to raise? Choosing the right chicken breeds for your farm is an important decision that can affect the success and profitability of your venture. There are various factors to consider when selecting chicken breeds, such as climate suitability, purpose, temperament, and egg or meat production. In this article, I will guide you through easy-to-follow tips to help you make the right choice.
Determine Your Chicken Farm’s Purpose
When customers call me to ask for the prices of my Black Australorp and Rhode Island Red packages, I ask them first about the purpose of their raising chickens. That’s important so I can tell if the breeds of chickens I have are suitable for their objectives.
I don’t want to sell my chickens just because the customer can afford to pay for them. I want to sell my chickens if, and only if, they fit the reason my customer wants to raise chickens.
Do you plan to focus on egg production or meat production?
This decision will influence the type of chicken breeds you should consider. If you want to prioritize egg production, go for breeds known for their prolific laying abilities, such as the Black Australorp, Barred Plymouth Rock, and Rhode Island Red. If meat production is your goal, look for breeds that grow quickly and have good meat quality, such as the Standard Cornish. The Black Australorp, Barred Plymouth Rock, and Rhode Island Red roosters are good for meat production, too!
Consider the Climate in the Philippines
The climate in the Philippines is generally warm and humid. It’s important to choose chicken breeds that can thrive in these conditions. Look for heat-tolerant breeds that can withstand high temperatures and humidity without suffering from heat stress. Some popular heat-tolerant breeds include Black Australorp, Barred Plymouth Rock, and Rhode Island Red.
Assess the Temperament and Behavior
Different chicken breeds have different temperaments and behaviors. Some breeds are more docile and friendly, while others can be more aggressive or flighty. Consider your farming setup and the level of interaction you plan to have with your chickens. If you want chickens that are easy to handle and friendly, breeds like Black Australorp and Rhode Island Red. The Philippine native chickens are flighty breeds.
Research Egg Production Capabilities
If you’re focusing on egg production, it’s essential to research the egg production capabilities of different breeds. Look for breeds known for their high egg-laying potential, such as Black Australorps and Rhode Island Reds. These breeds typically lay 280 to 310 eggs in the first year.
The egg productivity of the Rhode Island Red is one of the many things I teach in Module 1: Cultural Management segment of my online chicken farming seminar. You may enroll in this online seminar to equip yourself with the knowledge you need on chicken farming.
Explore Meat Production Qualities
If you’re interested in meat production, look for breeds that grow quickly and have good meat-to-bone ratios. These breeds are known for their meaty bodies and efficient growth rates. Our Rhode Island Red and Black Australorp are best for you. These are triple-purpose chicken breeds. They’re excellent for egg, meat, and breeder production business models.
Consider Local Breeds and Hybrids
In the Philippines, several local chicken breeds and hybrids are well-adapted to the local climate and conditions. These local breeds are often hardy, resistant to diseases, and can be a good choice for small-scale or backyard farming. Examples of local chicken breeds in the Philippines include Banaba, Darag, and Paraoakan. However, they cannot give you as many eggs as the Black Australorp and the Rhode Island Red.
Consult Experienced Farmers
Seeking advice from experienced farmers can provide valuable insights and practical knowledge. Local farmers raising chickens for a long time can share their experiences and recommendations on the best chicken breeds for your specific farming goals and the local conditions in the Philippines. They can guide breed selection, care, and management practices.
That’s what I offer in my online chicken farming seminar. There are three modules you can learn from. The first module is about the cultural management of chicken farming. The second module is about branding and marketing. The third module is about business models and pricing. It’s a complete package that will transition you from being a farmer to becoming a certified agripreneur!
I also offer a consultation service separate from my seminars. You can book for my service as your chicken farming consultant.
Remember, choosing the right chicken breeds for your farm is not a decision to be taken lightly. Take the time to research and consider all the factors mentioned above. The right choice of chicken breeds will set the foundation for a successful and profitable chicken farming venture in the Philippines. With careful planning and proper breed selection, you can maximize your farm’s potential and enjoy the benefits of raising healthy and productive chickens.
Mr. Jaycee de Guzman is a self-taught agriculturist and the patriarch of Alpha Agventure Farms, the number one backyard farm in the Philippines. His experience in livestock farming is rooted back in the early 90s. Mr. de Guzman is a computer scientist, a digital marketing strategist, an equity analyst for more than 20 years.