Instructions
Discuss your plans with an experienced farmer, even if you have prior farming experience, to learn about any unforeseeable difficulties or hardships he faced when starting up and maintaining his business.
Research state and local laws regarding chicken health, housing, slaughter and sales. Find a veterinarian who will be able to regularly check your chickens but be aware of the effects certain antibiotics and hormones may have on the chickens as well as the eggs.
Apply for a loan that will cover start-up costs including building construction, the purchase of chickens, feed and other necessary expenses. Identify your potential market, local or otherwise, and be prepared to advertise.
Plan a schedule with your family to determine if they can handle the daily labor of feeding, watering and cleaning or if you need to hire employees. The chickens need time outside in addition to being moved from area to area so that the land will sustain the flock. Control the chickens' waste to prevent environmental pollution.
Keep the chickens dry from rain, warm in cold weather and cool in hot weather. Prevent overcrowding, which can lead to stressed chickens, by allowing for 3 to 4 square feet per chicken (depending on the breed).
How to Farm Chickens on a Large Scale
Farming chickens on a large scale is not for the faint of heart nor something to be done on a whim. You will need enough finances, land, equipment and additional help to support your well thought out business plan. Furthermore, it is imperative to maintain both the health and safety of the chickens themselves. Sick, injured and unhappy chickens will only lead to the downfall of your business. Decide if you are going into meat production, egg production, selling chickens or any combination of the three to determine how your buildings can be set up and what breeds you should purchase.