Have you been wondering how to start up a poultry farm of your own? If so, do you know how much it costs? The commercial poultry farming industry in the United States is significant, accounting for over 70 billion dollars in average annual sales. Similarly, the industry provides American workers with over two million jobs and pays out over 125 million dollars in annual wages. At Sun Farmer’s Group, we have met with the poultry farmers and integrators around the country. In this article, we will start from the beginning and let you know how much it should cost for you to start a poultry farm operation of your own.
What Exactly is Poultry Farming?
First, let’s start with the basics. Poultry farming involves raising domesticated birds to sell their meat or eggs for consumption. Typically, this includes chickens, turkeys, ducks, or geese. However, there are many different types of poultry farms. For example, you will find several types of poultry farms across the United States.
Broiler Farms
Broiler farming is a type of farming that breeds poultry specifically to be sold for meat. These can either be free-range or intensive farming where birds are bred selectively to be bigger. Read more about intensive and extensive farming.
Pullet Farms
These poultry barns raise young chicks until they are mature enough to lay eggs. These immature hens are raised in low-light environments called “dark-out” houses to regulate the growth of the birds.
Breeder Farms
As the name suggests, these farms raise hens and roosters with the intention of mating to produce fertilized eggs. These eggs can be sold to hatcheries and other farms where they can be raised and sold for their meat as broilers.
Hatchery
Hatcheries are where fertilized eggs are sent so that they can be hatched in a controlled environment. These baby chicks can also be sold off to other farmers for various purposes, including broilers and egg-laying birds.
What Equipment Do You Need to Start a Poultry Farm
While many costs are associated with starting a poultry farm, such as purchasing land and obtaining permits, gathering equipment will account for the primary startup expenses. To get your poultry farm up and running, you will need to purchase several essential items. Below are a few basics you should expect to buy. However, keep in mind that your operation’s scale may require much more equipment to become fully operational.
Brooder
If you plan on raising baby chicks, you will need a brooder. This is a heated enclosure that keeps young chickens warm with heat lamps for the first few weeks of their life. Once they become mature enough, they can be moved to a normal coop or into a free-roaming environment. Some industrial brooders can be upwards of $20,000.
Debeaking Machine
Debeaking chicks is usually necessary when housing them together to remove the sharp ends that can inflict damage and hurt other birds if there is any aggression shown. These machines are usually rather affordable and can be purchased for $200-$300.
Feeders & Drinkers
It goes without saying, but your chickens will need adequate feed and water to sustain themselves and remain healthy. Industrial feeders and drinkers will need to be professionally installed and can cost up to $3,500 per 50 broilers. (Note: you should also plan to buy the chicken feed that will go into these feeders. Market price for chicken feed can fluctuate year to year.)
Cages
Most commercial poultry operations are operating to maximize their profits and use cages to use their available space as effectively as possible. Cages can cost up to $500 to $600 per 120 chickens.
The Cost of Poultry Farming
The poultry farming industry at a commercial level involves significant expenses to operate smoothly. To maintain your birds’ health, happiness, and production, you must keep your houses comfortable throughout every season. Consequently, you should expect to incur substantial energy bills each month for heating, ventilation, automated equipment, and more. Given the volatile nature of gas prices and the economy, poultry farmers have been forced to seek new, innovative ways to conserve energy and reduce costs without compromising their birds. Generally, most farmers should plan to spend at least $50,000 upfront to get their poultry operation running.
How Solar Energy Can Boost Profits for Poultry Farmers
As energy costs continue to rise, poultry farmers are seeking easy ways to lower their power bills. Installing solar panels on your poultry farm is an excellent way to combat increasing energy prices. With solar energy, farmers can power their entire farm using sunlight harvested in America. Instead of a power bill, farmers will have a loan payment, which, once paid off, is eliminated forever. Additionally, the USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program grant can help farmers save up to $1 million in upfront project costs. With the savings from solar, poultry farmers can reinvest in their farm or enjoy extra profit.
The Sun Farmer’s Group Difference
Sun Farmer’s Group is the first true turnkey solution for agricultural solar energy. Our proprietary program has brought all of the in-house expertise to the table in grant writing, financing, tax credit monetization, installation, and so much more. Unlike other companies, Sun Farmer’s Group empowers farmers with a no-money down solution that greatly reduces and eventually eliminates your power bill altogether. The future of poultry farming is as bright as the sun, and we’ll help you turn it into power!
Get in Touch
If you’re ready to learn more about how Sun Farmer’s Group can help you put more money in your pocket, call 877-417-3222 today!
