Windhoek
Opposed to intensive broiler and layer chicken farming where very expensive equipment, specialist housing, feeding and medicine and intense management is required, the ordinary farmer can consider alternative breeds which adapt easily to more extensive conditions.
Wouter Poolman of Africa Poultry Breeders in Windhoek says proper hygiene, secure housing and nesting and a little care is all you need to be successful farmer with these hardy chickens. With limited space and basically any type of feed, these chicken breeds can produce in various ways. With the prices of maize as chicken feed having escalated to dizzy heights with an increase of almost 50 percent in last year, extensive chicken farming in all its various forms have become increasingly attractive.
Raising day old chicks and selling them later at different ages from four to ten weeks of age is popular and a highly profitable way of chicken farming because only very limited infrastructure is needed. Raising hens to point of lay stadium is also hugely in demand, as well as keeping chickens for production of eggs, production of meat and to establish own breeding flocks. “To make these different breeds available at an affordable price to everybody we offer chicks at various ages at our regularly held chicken auctions. With the assistance of other poultry breeders, we are able to also offer pheasants, turkeys, geese, ducks, ostriches and guinea fowl at every auction,” Poolman emphasises.
He says low start-up costs and the possibility to begin with young chicks make it possible for virtually anybody, anywhere, even in towns and cities to farm with these chickens – you don’t need a farm. “We are in the final stage of putting together various very affordable chicken farming units, which will include chicken coups, brooder units for raising small chicks and nesting and sleeping cages. Prospective breeders or communities will be able to assemble mentioned units themselves and because it is not a fixed structure it can be moved wherever it is needed. This initiative will make it possible for the ordinary person to farm with chickens and earn a sustainable income while it could also be ideal opportunity for projects on a small to medium scale basis,” he notes.
The Dual Purpose Sussex are heavy birds and ideal laying breed as they produce a high yield of eggs, even during the winter months. Simple breed to upkeep due to their calm nature and their lack of aggression even between roosters make it possible to keep the entire flock together without any trouble at all. For further details, contact Africa Poultry Breeders at 0811293040 or 0811299456.