The Poultry Entrepreneur Blog

I’m about to share with you my 15-point blueprint for writing a winning poultry farming business plan.

(Step-by-step.)

The best part?

You’re going to get linked to LOTS of business planning resources including real-life case studies within these steps.

Let’s take a look together…

• Step #1: Get ‘The Most Complete’ Poultry Farming Business Plan Template
• Step #2: Download “The Poultry Farm Business Plan Analysis Playbook”
• Step #3: Download Poultry Plan It (eBook)
• Step #4: Download Poultry Project Reporter 2.0 – Insider’s Guide
• Step #5: Download Sample Poultry Plan Data
• Step #6: Use Business Management Templates (Keep Sheet)
• Step #7: Download Business Records for Poultry Keepers eBook (USDA Bulletin 1614)
• Step #8: Subscribe To Poultry Project Reporter 2.0 (Fill-In-The-Gap PDF Builder) Software
• Step #9: Download Zero Debt: Poultry Farming Business Plan (2021) PDF eBook
• Step #10: Download Grow AgriBusiness Faster Classes
• Step #11: Download Poultry Project HUB PDF eBook
• Step #12: Take The Poultry Farmer’s Business Quiz
• Step #13: Download Poultry Project Planning Toolkit eBook v.1
• Step #14: Download Poultry Business Start-Up: Recommended Digital Tools of The Trade
• Step #15: Get a 1-to-1 Poultry Farming Business Planning Review

Step #1: Get The Best Poultry Farming Business Plan Template

A poultry farming business plan template is usually the no.1 request I get asked for as the author of The Big Book Project.

Emails like this are a good example:

Up until now, it’s been an obvious MISS as part of The Big Book Project…

…ready-made business planning consultancy for the beginner.

I always had it in mind to plug in the gap.

It’s in me to do.

With the experience of 10+ years serving start-up entrepreneurs with strategic business planning consultancy…there are countless benefits to offer here.

However, I didn’t want to rush.

I wanted the solution I delivered to ANSWER ALL QUESTIONS. And be handed over in a way that is:

• self-paced
• self-explanatory
• self-driven

…the more flexible, yet comprehensive the planning materials are – the easier they will be to use and act on.

(And business does come down to action at the last.)

The Ultimate Poultry Farming Business Planning Template

My first step was to construct what I consider to be the most complete poultry farming business plan template possible.

The kind of thing that covers both bases of:

1. helping to provide clarity to your thoughts for rolling out a successful poultry business launch
2. communicating an attractive proposal to potential stakeholders and investors

Pouring in over 50,000+ hours of strategic business consulting experience which spans:

• global best practice insights and technology
• corporate currency exchange
• project management
• financial advisor and stockbroker
• freelance business management advisor

…I decided upon the following outline template:

…and there are many more requests like this in my inbox.

It seems when it comes to business planning help, poultry farmers and professionals alike are interested in scanning sample data too.

(Not just templates)

Why?

Sample papers: a GREAT way for self-assessing if your business plan is up to scratch

If you ask me, examples are without doubt the BEST way to learn.

Whenever I’m looking to work out a business model I always look for working models that already exist.

Never contrived or manufactured formulas.

My reason?

As an adult, I don’t like to be spoon-fed. I learn best when I’m left a little room to figure things out myself.

Let’s take it back to class…

…why are past exam papers and examiner notes such a popular revision method?

Two words:

SELF-ASSESSMENT.

(i.e. finding out for yourself how you measure up against standard.)

My preferred method of advanced learning.

And I don’t think I am alone in this.

This is exactly why I put together these sample poultry farming data plans – both layer and broiler models.

I left out any country bias, so these are a universal fit to any and every economy.

What do the samples contain?

 

There are 2 typical planning problems that these plans are designed to solve:

1. Input and output VARIABLES,
2. related to the SCALE and MODEL of your farm.

In other words, these samples are shortcuts or crib notes for literally telling you if your planning progress is:

• en-route for success, or;
• taking a wrong turn.

I’ve arranged the samples according to the following attributes:

Flock size

• 500
• 1,000
• 2,000
• 3,000
• 5,000
• 10,000
• 20,000

Broiler farming rearing models

• All-In-All-Out
• 4+1
• 8+2

Layer farming rearing models

• 1+2
• 1+3
• 1+1+5

Input/Output variable

• Feed consumption
• Production (meat or eggs)
• Manure
• Broiler by product
• Spent hen

These lists above are like ingredients to prescribed recipes.

Or, elements of an equation for solving a problem.

Mix them together in the right order and you answer critical questions within your poultry farm business plan.

Want an example?

The sample plans above will answer questions like,

“How much manure will a 2,000 bird broiler farm produce annually over 6 years, using the 4+1 rearing method?”

Or,

“How many eggs will a 5,000 layer farm produce annually over 6 years, using the 1+2 rearing method?”

Simply pull the relevant data set and immediately land your finger on the answer.

A convenient ‘plug-in’ to EVERY poultry farming business plan

Would you like a free sample?

Click on this link for a free egg production dataset for a 500-bird layer farm using 1+3 rearing system.

Now, are you ready for EVERYTHING?

Become a paid subscriber to gain instant access to ALL current sample plans PLUS future updates.

Step #6: Use Business Management Templates (Keep Sheet)

Another short falling of traditional business planning templates is that they are start-up focused.

It makes the value gained from them short-lived.

How?

Think of it this way…

When you’ve finally launched your business, that’s just the beginning and not the end.

At the very least, you should have another 6 years on top of actually running your business.

If your templates are ONLY valid for start-up,

Then what do you use to keep your ongoing plans in order?

Crush investment risk with my business management templates

Arguably, running the business is a far more risky phase of investment – most of all because now you have made a material commitment.

Therefore, you carry the potential of loss.

And business management also just happens to be the most challenging discipline to hold.

Why?

Because you’ve got SO MUCH going on all at the same time.

And staying organised becomes more and more difficult with every day that goes by.

CHAOS costs…

• you lose foresight, you lose track of progress and ultimately you lose money.

ORGANISATION profits…

you gain vision, you gain awareness and ultimately make money.

Business Management Templates

These templates are designed to help you stay on top.

What’s included?

Account Management Balanced Scorecard	Assess the performance of your customer account management.
Account Management Matrix	Estimate how much revenue growth potential exists in your current pool of customers or clients.
Basis of Estimate	Declare your ‘workings out‘ and all contributing factors when calculating estimated costs or prices.
Break-Even	Find out the exact volume or price of sale where your business pays for itself, but no more.
Business Budget	Measure actual sales figures against expectations and holding your business accountable.
Business Process Document	Detail and documenting ANY business process whatsoever.
Cash Flow (Small Producer)	Produce a 1-year statement of business cash flow.
Communication Management Matrix	Document how communications with the various stakeholders of the business will take place.
Content Marketing Production Estimate	Estimate the amount and cost of content needed to be produced for promoting the business.
Content Marketing Revenue	Track sales revenue generated by each and every marketing channel operated by your business.
Content Marketing ROI	Calculate the profit/loss of all content marketing activity.
Duration Estimate	Produce accurate base estimates for length of time taken to perform operational duties.
Gantt Chart	Make timelines for scheduling jobs or tasks collated into projects.
Income Statement (P&L)	Draft a classic profit/loss or income statement for your poultry business.
Issue Log	Record all business-related issues (i.e. significant occurrences that could impact resources).
Labour Management Matrix	Stay abreast of how you deploy your labour investments and the results gained.
Land, Buildings & Utilities	Get organised on all your land and property purchasing activity with research.
Local Strategy Survey & Report	Survey the prospective neighbours of your new business and uncovering any opposition you face.
Market Research Proforma	Keep all of your market research data in one convenient place.
Mini-Feasibility Study	Write a miniature assessment protocol for evaluating if start-up is possible given constraints.
Payroll Statement	Compile a detailed payroll statement.
Personal Commitment Matrix	Declare the material commitments which you expect to make related to running this poultry business.
Procurement Management Matrix	Plan an audit trail of all procurement necessities and their related outcomes.
Progress Update	Write a quick and simple summary of progress made within your business project.
Project Status Report	Publish a detailed report on the status (condition) of every business function – from top to bottom.
Quality Management Matrix	Design a framework for assessing and controlling quality standards of business processes.
Quality Metrics	Articulate by what ‘measure’ certain business outputs will be rated.
Request For Proposal	Produce a request for proposal document to survey prospective providers.
Risk Management Matrix	Explain how risk is going to be monitored and controlled within your poultry business.
Root Cause Analysis	Record business issues and detailing your approach to solving them.
Sales Prospecting	Keep information and data gathered during your presales interaction.
Strategic Acid Test for Start-Up Business	Use in conjunction with a feasibility report as a means of validating your business idea.
Strategic Business Plan	Outline your approach to market and how you aim to tackle the commercial opportunity strategically.
Work Breakdown Structure	Break down every work process into its bare parts to build up an accurate evidence base for cost analysis.

Download the ‘Keep Sheet’ for future reference.

Want to start making business management plans?

Become a paid subscriber and access this suite of business management templates today.

Step #7: Download Business Records for Poultry Keepers eBook

This is a USDA eBook (United States Department of Agriculture – Farmers’ Bulletin 1614) from 1929.

(That’s right – it’s almost 100 years old!)

But testament to ‘things done well’…

…this evergreen piece of invaluable financial coaching for poultry farmers still holds true today, as when it was 1st published.

Business Records for Poultry Keepers: “Simply…DON’T attempt to write your poultry business plan without it.”

The motto of the eBook?

“It literally pays for poultry farmers to keep records of current operations to guide their efforts in profitable directions.”

In fact the book gives the following 6 great reasons why you need this download:

(1) “…reduce the guesswork in poultry farming by helping the farmer to
determine the actual reasons for poultry profits and losses,”

(2) “…show the relative efficiency of different methods of production
and marketing,”

(3) “…make it possible for a poultry keeper to compare his results with published information (benchmark) on many poultrymen’s problems,”

(4) “…show the financial progress a poultry keeper has made in his business,”

(5) “…furnish information for credit statements when funds are borrowed,”

(6) “…help to prevent disputes by serving as a check on business dealings.”

What is included in this eBook?

Business Records for Poultry Keepers

• Usefulness of poultry records
• What records to keep
  • Inventory
  • Receipts and expenses
  • Egg-production record
  • Feed
  • Labor record
  • Sales records
  • Records of eggs and poultry for household use
  • Pen records
  • Incubation and hatching records
• Diary or notes on management
• Making use of the records 

Want to pick up a copy?

Download the eBook here.

Step #8: Subscribe To Poultry Project Reporter 2.0 (Fill-In-The-Gap PDF Builder) Software

When I began writing The Big Book Project, I had one goal in mind:

To demystify investment proposal writing for start-up farmers.

By trawling the endless blog posts and comments in the small agribiz space online,

It became clear that MANY of us have the ambition to start up.

BUT…

• see borrowing as the only root
• underestimate their business plan as just a means of getting a loan
• grossly misunderstand how to model production to make a profit

…and I desperately wanted to change turn this on its head.

Only, I made up my mind that I wasn’t going to go the traditional consulting route.

Why?

• Too expensive
• VERY limited
• Anti self-sufficiency (clients grow dependant)

So, what were the alternatives to consulting?

• Perhaps, author a book
• Develop a proprietary software
• Run online courses

…these were just a few.

Then after extensive research and thinking things through…

…I settled for all 3 of the above alternatives, wrapped up into one package:

A book, plus bespoke software and an online course.

The result?

Enter: The Big Book Project

The Big Book Project (https://thebigbookproject.org)

1. An online eBook – pushed by a blog.
2. A spin-off digital business planning tool called Poultry Project Reporter.
3. And an online poultry farming course called Advanced Poultry Pick-Up.

In 2 years only,

the blog amassed 170,094 new search engine visitors alone

PLUS, a little over 8,000 newsletter subscribers too.

Mission accomplished.

(Well, almost – “…but what about that software?“)

Actually, one of the most popular enquiries received through my blog is for help writing poultry business proposals.

With all the best intentions in the world, there’s just not enough of me to go around the entire subscriber base giving out 1-to-1 proposal writing help.

So, I did the next best thing.

I made my advice automated (with the help of some handy digital tools) and wrote it one time only.

The result was Poultry Project Reporter and now we have just launched version 2.

What is Poultry Project Reporter 2.0?

Poultry Project Reporter 2.0: the fastest way of writing a professional poultry farming proposal

If you are looking to write a watertight poultry business proposal,

Then this Poultry Project Reporter 2.0 is a solid investment for you.

Here’s why:

Essentially, all you have to do is type in your data into the input field and then leave the publishing (complete with PDF download) – even the calculations to PPR 2.0

Are you ready to take a closer look at Poultry Project Reporter?
Take a look at the dedicated Poultry Project Reporter 2.0 website

Step #9: Download Zero Debt: Poultry Farming Business Plan (2021) PDF eBook

Poultry farming as a topic is MASSIVE worldwide.

It seems, when it comes to the subject matter of poultry farming, every country is both ‘stalking it‘ and ‘talking it‘ online.

These stats from my blog above tell the tale of poultry farming and its popularity. It literally reaches every country in the world.

And despite all this talk about poultry farming business plans…

…I find a large percentage of the ‘audience’ has no capital funding availability (whether saved or borrowed). Of course, this is totally natural and a reality for the majority, AND if you ask me a great ADVANTAGE.

Take this reader of my blog:

It seems many see a lack of capital as a barrier to entry when it comes to layer or broiler farming.

“But who said anything about needing significant capital to start up a profitable poultry business?”

One of the BIGGEST attractions to poultry farming surely is the LOW BARRIER to entry, LOW SETUP costs and yet HIGH profitability and cash flow potential.

But as with many theories, I suppose it remains ‘up in the air (talked about)’ until someone makes it tangible…material…possible.

This is the principle that encouraged me to step up to the plate in an attempt to ‘bat out of the park’ all doubt surrounding it…

…and finally, answer the question:

Can you start up a poultry farm with zero capital?

Yes, you can start a poultry farm with no available capital.

Here’s how…

Zero Debt Poultry Farming: the MOST REWARDING way to start, scale and establish a leading egg or chicken business

In my line of work as a consultant (professional problem solver) – the one discipline that keeps my craft alive is RESEARCH.

And as such, I come across all kinds of neat fixes that may not be for the time I find them,

But are bound to come in handy some time.

So, much like a handyman or craftsman, not wanting to let anything go that could be of use,

I end up keeping a stash of these in a ‘kind of’ strategic toolbox.

When enough time passes by whilst researching related topics,

I get enough of a head of steam to begin compiling an eBook.

This is my process.

And using this I wrote ‘Zero Debt Poultry: Business Startup Plan‘.

It’s a strategic playbook and secret formula for how (with no borrowings or savings) you:

1. turn your poultry startup idea into a market-leading farming enterprise
2. BEFORE you yield your 1st egg or carcass.

Want the PDF download?

Become a paid subscriber today and download Zero Debt Poultry Business Startup Plan.

Step #10: Download Grow AgriBusiness Faster Classes

I had to refrain from using the phrase, “Masterclasses”…a bit presumptuous for my liking.

Aren’t we always needing to ‘add on’ – even after many years of experience? Are ever really the finished article?

Whatever your answer to those questions is,

I do think what is indisputable is the benefit of someone else’s EXPERIENCE when you don’t have any…

…experience saves loss…

…loss of:

• time
• money
• effort
• believe
• tears
• courage

…and in the case of business startup, the benefit of experience in some critical areas can be the difference between success and failure.

And where so much is riding on you making it work,

Getting the right experience is HIGHLY valued.

Equally, identifying the most advantageous area of learning carries importance.

So, what area of learning would you say has the most impact on farming success?

According to this study,

‘Farm Business Management Skills a Missing Link For Smallholder Farmers: A Case Of Malingunde, Malawi‘ (European Journal of Business and Innovation Research 2016):

Just one of many studies which declare a link between business management discipline and better economic output.

Other quotes from the study bear reference to previous works:

“Generally, management is a human responsibility and skill that drives economic activities and development (Oghojafor et al, 2012).”

“Smallholder farmers need to be better equipped with business management skills if they are to play a central role in improving agricultural productivity (Mohit, 2012).”

So, there you have it – business management is the most influential skill set you could acquire for succeeding with your poultry startup.

But is there really a shortage of business management material on the internet?

Not according to Google,

As you can see above, it took Google 0.6 seconds to return almost 6 BILLION results for the search term ‘business management’.

That’s a FLOOD of management content.

But…I ask:

1. Is all of it good? Or at least suitable for a startup poultry farmer?
2. Also, where do you begin?

To save you ENDLESS wandering from page to page online,

I have neatly packaged a power-packed portfolio of business management tutorials tailor-made for EVERY startup farmer…

…called “Grow AgriBusiness Faster Classes”

Grow AgriBusiness Faster Classes: instantly download 15 years of 1st class management expertise (& speed up your poultry profits)

The purpose of these tutorials is to make common with you some of the most valuable business management lessons learned in my 15 years of management.

They span a corporate and independent consulting career, including:

• global best practice
• corporate currency exchange
• financial investments
• small business strategy

But the goal is simple…

…to make hard things simple for you to ‘master’ (…there, I’ve said it now…) to save you any potential material losses of getting it wrong.

These lessons should help you to get it right, 1st time.

The GREAT thing about these tutorials also is that they are all written from 1st hand experiences and lessons learned. Nothing academic – all true to life.

Here’s currently what is included:

Marketing Strategy	How to devise a marketing strategy for your poultry farm that excels against all others placing you firmly in front as a market leader.
Business Case Template	How to develop and pitch compelling startup business cases and attract the right attention (including PDF template).
Direct Selling	How to target, approach and negotiate successfully with prospective customers to make and maintain profitable commercial arrangements.
Marketing Communications	How to develop, draft and deliver the most influential marketing messages to key customer audiences and drive real sustainable growth.
SWOT and PESTLE Analysis	How to line up your business’s internal strengths and weaknesses against opportunities and threats within the economic marketplace & make more successful decisions (including PDF template).

Want to access the Grow AgriBusiness Faster Classes?

Become a paid subscriber today and fast forward your management abilities.

Step #11: Download Poultry Project HUB PDF eBook

Are you currently working on a feasibility plan & business proposal for your future poultry farm?

Then this resource is the ideal pocketbook and project reference guide for equipping you with EVERYTHING you need to draft a winning plan.

It’s called the Poultry Project Hub…

Poultry Project Hub: a jampacked project resource library giving you 100’s of angles on planning optimal profits

This has to be the most plentiful online digital resource for assisting your poultry business proposal writing.

Here’s a quick round-up of its contents:

In short, the Poultry Farming Project Hub contains:

“…over 20,501 words, 200+ rows of data tables, as well as 30+ screenshots/images, sample calculations, case studies and more.”

If you are looking for:

• sample plans
• expert poultry business consultancy
• step-by-step calculations
• definitions and equations for investment metrics
• case studies
• detailed ‘explainer’ articles on hard to understand model concepts

…then this is an unmissable opportunity for you.

Visit the library and its FREE resources now.

Want to download the entire library in PDF instead?

Become a paid subscriber and get the PDFs.

Step #12: Take The Poultry Farmer’s Business Quiz

This is very simply – a little bit of light relief if you are finding the whole exercise of business planning a little…frustrating.

There are 15 questions in this quiz.

Each covering a key poultry farming discipline.

It’s multiple choice and nothing too heavy.

Ideally, you might use them to sharpen up your general strategic business awareness.

Enjoy!

Try the poultry business quiz.

Step #13: Download Poultry Project Planning Toolkit eBook v.1

I made this as a complementary guide to be read alongside sample poultry plans.

Why?

To help you better DIRECT the planning process.

To have you asking the right questions and taking the right approaches to assemble your poultry business plan successfully.

Plus, I provide insight into:

• production modelling options and,
• uncover flawed assumptions.

These points above are often sticking points and wrong turns for many when building a plan.

This eBook helps you avoid the loss of time and effort getting tied up in with grey spots.

And here’s how…

Poultry Planning Toolkit eBook: avoid common planning errors by having this on your desk as you work

I’d go as far as saying that you shouldn’t begin writing your poultry farm business plan UNTIL you’ve read this.

It does the job of ironing out all the usual sticking points that trouble and prolong planning.

Issues such as:

• modelling choices
• how best to plan your earnings
• how to measure profitability
• how to do capital planning

…are opened up with ease and made plain.

Here’s the chapter line-up:

• Broiler vs. Layer
• Reverse Engineer your Earnings
• Modelling for Cash Flow
• Frameworking
• Cost & Price Inputs
• Gross Profits
• Capital Planning
• Return on Investment
• Scenario Planning

I designed it to answer ALL the key strategic planning questions.

I’d say, the real value of this eBook is that it prevents false starts by filling in the common knowledge gaps.

A great time saver.

Take a few minutes to read a chapter for free.

Want to download the entire PDF eBook?

Become a paid subscriber today and get expert direction for writing a successful poultry business plan.

Step #14: Download Poultry Business Start-Up: Recommended Digital Tools of The Trade

This one is quite simple.

If it’s ever cross your mind to ask,

“Hey Temi, what website software do you use?”

Or,

“What service do you use to send out those email messages?”

For example,

I use WPMUDEV as my web hosting partner.

They are just right for The Big Book Project currently.

It’s true that there are many cheaper web hosting services out there,

But the operative word here is *SERVICE*.

When I fail, they pick up the pieces and always ensure The Big Book Project is constantly online.

No downtime, no curveballs, no disasters…you see everything coming LONG before it hits, giving plenty of time to react successfully…PLUS, when trouble hits, they REALLY know how to rescue a WordPress website. Hands down.

I have no complaints and many good things to say…if you are looking for an expert WordPress website support team – I couldn’t recommend them highly enough.

Learn more about WPMUDEV here.

(The link above goes to their website and of course costs you nothing. If you decide to hire them, I get a small payment back. The money side has no influence though. I personally use them and happily recommend their service.)

My other tools of the trade including:

• graphic design tool
• online payment gateway
• document management tools
• email marketing platform
• CRM
• accounting program (inc. invoicing, quotations etc).

…are all neatly listed in the crib sheet.

It’s exhaustive. And comes with 10 years of self-employment and business ownership experience.

Lots of valuable, ‘hard-to-find’ gems to give you plenty of advantage.

(*Plus there are some GREAT time and budget savers in here to help you save the pennies, without compromising on  quality.)

Want to download my Digital Tools of The Trade crib sheet?

Become a paid subscriber today and get a headstart on digital business services.

Step #15: Get a 1-to-1 Poultry Farming Business Planning Review

Whilst I don’t write business plans, I do review them from time to time.

From your point of view, it might be a useful pointer in the right direction.

Just the thing you need to get you out of a rut and to finally complete your plan.

A bit like this:

…always good to see REAL LIFE RESULTS gained by readers of The Big Book Project who put the advice into action.

Want me to take a look at your poultry farm business plan?

Become a paid subscriber today and book your business plan review.

Now over to you…

Are you currently writing a business plan for your poultry farm?

Have you already drafted your plan?

Either way, I’d be interested to hear from you.

Leave a comment below.

This is a complete guide to broiler farming.

Any country, any breed, any model…written just for you.

So if you want to: [Read more…] about Broiler Farming: The Definitive Guide (2020)

You might already know that there are literally endless poultry house designs, structures, systems and sizes…

But, what exactly are they? (All a bit of a maze, especially if you’re a poultry farming beginner).

Well, I’ve saved you HOURS in rooting around the net because I’ve put together a complete list.

Some are old and traditional.

Others are built using more modern techniques.

Others are innovative & experimental.

But I’ve got them all right here. And I made sure this list is up-to-date for 2022.

Let’s get started.

Key Goals

1. The comfort of birds is directly related to their growth and laying performance.
2. Key features for success: (a) light, (b) stable temperature, (c) fresh air, (d) space & (e) security.
3. Cost-effective: both in capital building cost, but also to maintain.
4. Convenient and amenable for labourers to perform at their best and not be discouraged.

Location

5. Good water drainage to protect the foundations & keep the flock healthy
6. Circulation of air for natural ventilation
7. Not in a low pocket or hollow (to avoid cold air settling)
8. Southern or southeastern alignment.
9. Light loam to sandy soil for good drainage.
10. Avoid heavy clay which holds water content.
11. Tree protection or windbreaks to prevent direct drafts.

Brooder Houses

Definition:

Brooder houses are houses for chicks of a day-old and upward.

The first 7 days of care are the most critical days to get right when projecting the performance of broiler or layer chicken.

12. Optimised for growth: chicks require conditions that will assist them best through their critical growth stages.
13. Ventilated, but not draughty: helps chicks adopt suitable eating and drinking habits.
14. At least, 1/3rd sq. ft each chick: providing ample space. Overcrowding kills and stunts performance.
15. Ideally, a portable brooder house: to allow for siting adjustments for best results.

Colony Brooder House (including plans)

Definition:

A portable house for brooder chicks.

16. Portable and easy to use for tending to brooders: can be built to different sizes and height. Successfully used by the United States Animal Husbandry Experiment Farm, Beltsville, Maryland.
17. 10′ x 14′ (feet) is ample space for 300-400 chicks: but for best results, no more than 300 chicks.
18. Built on runners for ease of movement: pulled by a vehicle across your site.
19. Ventilated by: openings on 3 sides and ventilating board under eaves (especially for the summertime).
20. Rain guarded windows: hinged at the top and swing outwards.
21. Faux-windows: made of transparent plastic, to allow in UV light.
22. Removable lower sections of the house: for increase ventilation and direct sunlight in warmer months.
23. Stove heated: with a metal collared chimney to prevent burning of the roof. Plus waterproof against rain.

Long Brooder Houses

An alternative to colony-style brooder houses, more robust for winter brooding.

24. 16′ by 14 wide’ (feet): hot-water pipe design for winter months especially. An alternative heating system to hot-water-piping is a radiant panel.
25. Used for rearing pullets after brooder age: they are reared here until they reach the point of lay.
26. Made long enough for the desired capacity: but usually 75′ to 150′ (feet) long.
27. Varying width: 14′ to 25′ (feet).
28. Internally, the house is divided into pens: of 4′ to 6′ wide with an aisle at the end of the house.
29. Concrete flooring: sanitary and rodent-proof & sloping concrete yards for cleaning ease.
30. Heavy mesh wire layer just above floor: installed on frames for removal by cleaning.
31. Concrete yard: for exposure of chicks to direct sunshine.
32. Some poultry farmers choose not to provide the yard space: instead, they use cod liver oil feed supplement to complement the lack of sunshine.

Laying Houses

Purpose made houses for your laying flocks throughout their productive lives.

33. Backyard laying houses: 12′ to 16′ (feet) deep only, because floor space is not that large
34. Commercial sized laying houses: 18′ to 24′ (feet) deep, because of larger floor space.
35. Deeper houses provide more comfort to layer birds: because deeper houses provide greater flock density which protects against draught.
36. Where land is cheaper and climate is mild enough: colony style housing can be adopted successfully each house having a capacity for about 25 – 100 birds.
37. Stationary laying houses are preferable for most medium to large farm and commercial-scale businesses: because of cheaper construction cost (single structure, rather than many), less land use (more compact layout) & less labour in looking after birds.
38. Stationary laying houses support maximum yield egg production: feeding and management practices are optimised in this set-up vs. colony style.
39. Breeding would favour colony style housing: to give breeders a rest in the winter by offering them a bit of range. This produces better quality hatching eggs.
40. Typical stationary laying house features: single structures, long and continuous houses, either divided into sections or multi-storey (many floors).
41. Stationary laying houses are usually, 2-6 storeys tall or 30′ to 60′ (feet) deep): they are capable of housing capacity of several thousand hens at a time.
42. On average, 1 sq. ft. of window space for 50 sq. ft. of floor space: is a general rule of thumb for ample exposure to natural light.
43. In many cases, large farm barn buildings can be remodelled into multi-storey stationary laying houses: this is in an effort to conserve land space and to avoid unnecessary construction costs.
44. If kept confined in this house long term without range, hens will not do well unless: clean, well ventilated, dry, draught free.
45. Conveniently proportioned for labourers: to stand, work unhindered – therefore, about 2.5 to 4.5 sq. ft. per bird is adequate.
46. Floor space allocation should vary: according to the housing system, size of the flock, weather condition & size of birds.
47. More birds can be kept in a smaller floor space: where free-range is given at times during the year and the climate is milder.
48. With larger sized flocks, 3 sq. ft. per bird for Leghorns and 4 sq. ft. per bird for general-purpose: is ample allocation for good results.
49. In milder climate, where birds are kept in colony housing and free-range is given: then 2.5 sq. ft. per bird for Leghorn and 3 sq. ft. per general-purpose bird is enough.
50. Colony sized housing is appropriate for flocks of 30 – 50 hens: as this scale of structure can be moved about relatively easily.
51. Larger numbers are best kept in a long laying house: as a single flock, rather than smaller mini-flocks.
52. Caring for larger flocks is more economical: less duplication of labour (not having to enter into multiple houses).
53. Single flock rearing system is more disease prone: because of a lesser controlled environment, less individual attention from attendants and more densely packed floor space.

Yard and fences

This is the outdoor space surrounding the poultry houses that must be secured and is sometimes offered to birds as range.

54. Usually confined to yards next to the house: which gives enough range to roam without wandering too far – for more efficient/economic management.
55. Separate your flock: they should not have any contact with other livestock or wildlife to minimise the scope for transmission of disease.
56. Ample amounts of clean and green space can add great value quality of bird and egg: foraging opportunities, fresh air and room to roam a little help to keep birds comfortable.
57. Many farms adopt a 100% confinement model for layers: to maximise egg production.
58. Where you have good grassland, allow up to 220 to 260 sq. ft. per bird (more space for poorer grass quality): this grants each bird enough roaming room and foraging opportunity.
59. Frequently cultivated, sandy soil can support as many as 1,000 birds per acre: enough green food or vegetation for birds to get optimum benefit.
60. Ideally, provide both front and rear yarding with 125′ to 150′ (feet) of depth & as wide as the house: gives birds enough liberty to enjoy the yard space.
61. Rear and front yards are given to alternate the use: as one is being sown, the other is being occupied by the flock.
62. General-purpose and meat (broiler) breeds require fences of 5′ to 6′ (feet) high, and Leghorns 6′ to 7′ (feet): to provide enough security against them fleeing the coop.
63. To make sure Leghorns are securely penned in, provide a 30-degree upwards slope on the far fence post: this ensures Leghorns don’t have enough take-off space to clear the fence.
64. A bit of barbed wire also helps on top of the fence: as a deterrent to birds.
65. Clipping flight feathers: really makes sure your birds remain grounded.
66. Don’t set boards at the top of fences: hens will look to perch on them.
67. Wooden posts should be 8′ to 10′ (feet) apart and fencing should be hexagonal poultry netting: otherwise 16′ to 20′ for woven wire.
68. Corner posts should be about 8″ (inches) in diameter, driven 4′ (feet) deep and braced: for maximum strength and integrity of the fence.
69. Line posts should be 4″ to 5″ (inches) in diameter and driven 3′ (feet) deep: to keep the fence standing strongly throughout all seasons.
70.  Treat post ends which are driven underground with creosote of like- treatment: will preserve against rot.
71. As an alternative to wooden posts, it is advised smaller metal posts or pipe be used: 10′ (feet) apart, which give a more tidy appearance and can be driven more easily.

Roofs

Waterproof covering with ventilation benefits for all-weather protection of flocks.

72. Well constructed and watertight: preventing the flock from being exposed to draft and rain.
73. Shingle roofs not less than 1/3rd pitch (slant), but metal ones can be almost flat: because without a substantial run-off, water pooling can cause ingress and water seepage into the poultry house.
74. Houses up to 20 ft. can adopt a single slant or shed roof shape: a girder in the middle offers just enough support to avoid sagging in the middle.
75. Snowfall requires great girding: to enable the roof structure to successfully hold up under the additional weight.
76. Combination or gable roofing is for houses between 16′ to 24′ (feet) wide: central peak offers 2 times the run-off potential of a single slant roof. Therefore the design can accommodate a wider scale.
77. Monitor and semimonitor roofing are alternatives to gable slants: they provide similar structural benefit to A-frame housing.
78. Shed type roof is cheaper than the combination rood: as it involves lesser materials and less labour. Plus, the combination roof looks better.
79. Combination roof gives more headroom than shed design and better air circulation: because of the taller pitch in the middle.
80. Gable roof is the most common type of roof for modern poultry housing: it offers the best air circulation and headroom.
81. Gable roof at times is ventilated at the eaves with lath lattice: this allows for natural airflow provision for the flock.
82. Semimonitor style roofing best suits very wide houses with a central alley: because it allows for more sunlight.
83. Semimonitor faces south: so that the window openings face eastwards with the rising of the sun.
84. Monitor style roofing has opposing windows: allowing for airflow and sunlight in from 2 different directions.
85. Monitors laying houses can get drafty and cold: because of the double window exposure.

Front and rear

The poultry house often is built with outdoor access both to the front and rear of the house.

86. In warmer climes, a completely open-sided design is adopted, whereas a partially open-sided building with curtains for cooler ones: preventing the flock from being exposed to draft and rain.
87. Openings in the front of the house using glass or curtains: allow for adjustments to airflow and sunlight.
88. Large glass area at the front of the house: acts as a heat trap – keeping things warm in the day and cold at night (because glass radiates heat naturally).
89. Unbleached muslin cloth over the open side: keeps rain and wind out.
90. For wider houses, use windows between the floor and the dropping boards: this provides ventilation for more densely packed flocks.
91. Larger windows can be used for more exposure to sunlight, ventilation and distribution of litter material: this is because hens scratch litter away from the sunlight.
92. Adjustable ventilation panels and weather shields just beneath the eaves: can be set to 45-degrees maximum and made to seal shut tightly to avoid sweeping rain entering the house.
93. Double-wall construction provides better insulation: for cooler climates.
94. The front of the house should be built high enough: to allow ample sunlight into the house even in the winter months.
95. Windows and curtains should be arranged in such a way as to let in maximum direct sunlight when opened and raised: because this optimises the conversion of minerals within the body of the bird, amongst other performance benefits.

Floors

Poultry house flooring for birds, labourers and general ease of maintenance and cleanliness.

96. Concrete flooring is best for stationary, permanent houses: they are sanitary, easy to clean, rat-proof, relatively inexpensive.
97. Concrete flooring should be covered with litter: to maintain dryness and warmth for birds, where the flock has direct contact with the floor (i.e. not caged).
98. Lumber flooring is best used where the floor is 1.5 to 3 inches above ground level or where the ground is uneven: lower space between ground and floor makes harbours for rats, and is prone to rot.
99. Board flooring should be raised high enough for air circulation: this adds a further source of ventilation for your flock, plus this keeps the floor dry. This style of flooring is common in portable houses.
100. Dirt floors should be avoided: they are dusty which pollutes the air quality and unsanitary. Plus, litter doesn’t last as long on these compared with concrete or board floors.

Partitions

Dividing up the poultry house space into smaller compartments for better environmental control

101. In long permanent poultry houses, build partitions every 40 ft. of length: to prevent drafts affecting the flocks.
102. Also, roosts should be partitioned every 20 ft.: from the droppings board to the roof.
103. Partitioning the house space also prevents overcrowding: as birds are physically encouraged to break up the flock throughout the house.

Roost and dropping boards

Internal fixtures and fittings of the birdhouses that encourage natural behaviour and collect droppings

104. Anthracene oil or another preservative will kill insects: keeping your flock’s environment free from invasion.
105. Roosts are placed near the back wall and 6″ to 8″ (inches) above the dropping board: hinged for ease of cleaning and infecting.
106. Provide 7″ (inches) of roosting space per Leghorn bird and 10″ (inches) per Plymouth Rock: plus have roosts all at the same level, or else birds will fight to occupy the highest roost.
107. Provide 3 roosts per 16′ ft. length of house, or 5 roosts in houses 20′ to 25′ (feet) deep: this gives enough variety of space use that you avoid the effects of overcrowding.
108. For Leghorns, build roosts that are 13″ (inches) apart and 15″ apart for Plymouth Rock: but outer roosts should be at least within 19″ (inches) of the droppings board beneath.
109. Guard the birds against reaching the dropping boards: by placing 1.5-inch mesh netting immediately beneath the roosts. This way you avoid the chicken pecking at their own waste and ingesting worm eggs often found in droppings.

Materials for building

Commonly accessible materials for building poultry houses with an affordable budget.

110. Wood is the most versatile material for building poultry houses: it’s cheap, can be torn down relatively easily, or changed when compared with brick, hollow tile or concrete.
111. Lumber must be: durable & seasoned – if for outside. (Second hand or used lumber can also be used).
112. Hollow tile is cost-effective compared with wood and durable: a very good choice for buildings that require insulated walls, like brooder houses or incubator cellars.
113. Concrete houses are to be avoided: because they are, by nature, cold and wet.

Framework

Structural orientation of the poultry house and the assembly of its parts for best results.

114. Sills: support the building.
115. Studs or uprights: rest on the sills.
116. Plates: lay on top of the studs.
117. Rafters: rest on top of the plates.
118. Sills are placed on concrete supports, concrete walls or wooden posts: for stability.
119. Wooden posts: should be 6″ to 8″ (inches) diameter, 6′ to 8′ (feet) apart and 2′ to 3′ (feet) in the ground/ below frost level. And they preferably should be made from cedar, locust, chestnut, redwood and cypress.
120. Concrete posts: are more durable than wooden ones.
121. Dimensions of the sills will differ depending on the size of the buildings: 2″ by 4″ and of lighter material for colony style or single-wall construction, or 4″ by 4″ (inches) for a larger house or on with double-wall construction. 4″ by 6″ (inches) for 2-storey birdhouses.
122. Planting the sills closer together for heavier buildings (or lighter material of sill): provides more structural integrity and strength.
123. Concrete wall foundations should be adopted for larger houses: in such cases, the sills are bolted into the concrete.
124. For portable houses, use runner 3″ by 4″ (inches) or 4″ by 6″ (inches) as sills: the corners require extra bracing to resist snapping or shearing when moved.
125. Floor joists should be 2″ by 4″ (inches) or 2″ by 6″ (inches), depending on the span: they should be fitted 16″ to 20″ apart from one another. If the floor span is more than 10′ (feet) then central support should be used for the joists.
126. Rafters are chosen according to the load requirement of the roof and span: 2″ by 4″ (inches) for lighter buildings where the clear span is not more than 12 ‘ (feet) and 2″ by 5″ (inches) for longer roofs and where a snow load is expected.
127. Purlins and girders should be used where rafters are more than 12′ (feet) long: purlins are usually 2″ by 6″ (inches) and set on the edge of posts as supports for the roof. They are placed lengthwise of the house and about halfway along the rafter they relate to.
128. In ridged-roofed designs, a board is placed between the end of rafters: this keeps the ridge straight and even.
129. Collar beams and crossties should be fitted, with dimension 1″ by 6″ (inches): to prevent splaying of rafters on gable or combination roofs. Position these collar beams and crossties as low as possible as to gird maximally, but not to interfere with headroom for labourers. If hens roost on them, cover the space between beams and rafters with wire netting.
130. Rafters cut 2′ (feet) apart from centre to centre: to avoid wastage of roof boards when cut.

Floors

Type of alternative flooring for the poultry house – materials and designs for differing circumstances.

131. Concrete flooring must not be laid in direct contact with the ground: otherwise, the floors will be damp and cold, leading to bird discomfort and perhaps disease. To combat this, install flooring on a deep and porous foundation and well insulated.
132. An even and complete floor coverage with litter should be used: this helps to keep the floor dry and warmer for the birds.
133. Best practice for concrete flooring: lay tamped compact foundation of cinders, broken stone or gravel, approximately 6″ (inches) deep, with 3″ to 4″ (inches) of cement flooring on top. Between the two layers (the foundation and the cement floor) it is advised that an impermeable layer of tarred building paper inserted. This prevents moisture from rising up from the ground and getting into the concrete, thus making the floor damp.
134. Best practice for wooden flooring: lay single thickness matched flooring in milder conditions and climates. In cooler climates, use double floor layering, with lower layer boards set diagonally and tight: the space between layers and building paper will help to insulate and prevent damp absorption.

Walls

Upright structures for upholding the integrity of the building.

135. Mostly, single-walled and nailed directly into the studs: this provides a good combination of optimal cost-effectiveness and satisfactory strength.
136. In colder climates, use double-thickness walls with space in between and also a layer of building paper over sheathing: this adds to insulation, heat retention and thermal efficiency.
137. Lumber of 2.5″ to 6″ (inches) thick should be used: because boards are likely to shrink a  lot – even to produce cracks.
138. The lowest board on the wall should extend beyond the sill: this makes sure the joint is entirely covered.
139. Tight joints at the eaves: by cutting off the rafters with the rear wall and also covering the joint with roofing paper.
140. Shutters under the eaves: allow for better ventilation in summer months and hot climates.

Roofs

Weatherproof, thermal efficient roofing design for poultry houses.

141. 3-ply sheeting on the roof: to prevent heat loss.
142. Planed on one side and laid close together: smooth side up helps you lay on prepared roofing successfully.
143. Sheathing paper between sheaths and layers: this improves insulation and waterproofing.
144. A slope of 1″ (inch) or more to the foot: to prevent pooling of rainwater, by quick run-off.
145. The steeper the slant, the longer-lasting the roof: because it endures less weathering by preventing pooling of water.
146. A good way of sealing off the end of the roofing paper is to bend them under the heating layer:  this prevents the tracking in of rainwater into the roofing structure by capillary action at the edges of the roof sheathing.

Paints and whitewash

A covering for the inside and outside of poultry houses giving a clean, hygienic and crisp finish.

147. Layer of paint (on the inside and outside) of the poultry house:  adds a clean appearance and durability.
148. Primer coat half paint and half linseed oil: is thoroughly brushed into the wood, to protect against moisture.
149. Spread whitewash lightly and evenly: for complete coverage.

Artificial lights

Artificial lights are required to compensate for the lack of natural light in darker, winter months.

150. Give hens 12 – 14 hour days with artificial lighting to extend winter months:  this increases the proportion of eggs laid in winter months (but not increasing the total egg output of the farm).
151. 40-watt lamps 10′ (feet) apart, with 2 lights in a pen of twenty sq. ft. : for even and satisfactory distribution of light.
152. 6′ (feet) high with reflectors of 16″ (inches) in diameter and 4″ (inches) deep: for the appropriate intensity of light for flocks.
153. Greatest concentration of light should be on the mash hoppers and water dispensers: to encourage correct patterns of feeding in the flock.
154. Lights can be programmed on a timer: to ensure automated delivery of artificial lighting and reducing man-power labour hours.

Artificial heating

Power-generated heating for the correct running of flock management including watering and normal usage of the entire floor space

155. Prevent freezing of water and keeping the house dry from damp and moisture: this ensures the folk is well watered, maintaining good feeding habits and that disease from damp does not occur.
156. Well structured and insulated poultry houses ought to be artificially heated: or else it proves too costly and inefficient.
157. Typical methods of artificial heating: hot water system, electrical panel heaters or stoves fueled with coal briquettes.

Insulation of walls and roofs

An additional layer that traps heat (reduces heat loss) laterally and vertically.

158. Double walls for insulation: preventing sudden changes in temperature or sharp gradient. Plus, is a reducer to condensation.

Ventilation

Planned airflow system for the poultry house, helping flock obtain good quality of air aiding performance.

159. Usually controlled by openings in the front of houses: this plus the rafters is usually more than enough to raise a flock successfully.
160. No. (or frequency) or openings: is dependent on exactly how much ventilation is required for the climate, or flock density.
161. Best practice for poultry house ventilation via openings & windows: 4″ to 18″ (inches) wide and high up in the front and back of the house. This is enough to avoid condensation moisture but still allow enough heat retention.
162. On cold nights: rafter ventilation is all you need.
163. Ventilator flues: are advised for houses with 24′ (feet) depth or more,  and where walls are insulated. 1 sq. ft. of flue are for 100 hens. Flues should be just in front of droppings boards. Flues built with a slide to adjust depending on the weather.

Fixtures & equipment

Nests, hoppers and drinkers – anything that would be provided to enable normal bird behaviour and facilitate performance.

164. Avoid excessive items: otherwise interferes with bird behaviour, hinders the job of the labourers, adds unnecessary capital cost and makes cleaning more difficult.

Nests

Small, comfortable niches where hens can rest, lay and sleep.

165. Location: placed on end walls or partitions & high enough that birds can work beneath them.
166. User-friendly: arranged so then the hens can easily get into them.
167. Dimensions & design: about 12″ to 14″ (inches) square, about 12″ (inches) high and a lip of about 4″ (inches) at the door to prevent litter from escaping or spilling out.
168. Distribution: 1 nest for every 4 to 5 hens.
169. Style: darkened nests for the minimal egg-eating habit of hens.

Dry mash hoppers

Eating containers for birds to gather and economically receive their feed.

170. Key benefits: minimal wastage of feed, keep litter and dirt out. This keeps your birds performing and growing a peak performance.
171. Size: long enough to enable birds to eat with ample space and from both sides. 1′ to 1.5′ (feet) long for every 10 birds.
172. Small sections added for shell and grit: to encourage these good eating behaviours.
173. Small open troughs: are great for small birds and chicks and getting their feeding 2 to 4 birds at a time.

Drinking Stations

Drinking apparatus for birds to gather around and get refreshed.

174. Placed on platforms: to keep the dispensers sanitary and free from dust/dirt. Also, put slats on the floor of the platform to allow droppings to fall through for easy collection.

Poultry Farm Layout

These are just some of the practically useful poultry farm layout examples on the internet.

I pulled them together for your viewing pleasure and benefit, so to speak.

175. One man 10-acre poultry farm: well-organised use of space for using a 10-acre plot and running a layer and breeder farm, with free-range access to crops for foraging. Natural windbreakers and orientation for sunlight etc.

176. 1,000 hens 10-acre poultry farm: well laid out plans for accommodating 1,000 hens on 10 acres.

 

177. Broiler farm layout with feed mill: a good example of spatially organising a simple commercial broiler farm, complete with feed mill and incinerators. I like the fact this plan details recommended distances between structures on-site.

178. Buttercup Poultry Farm Poster: a useful artist’s impression of what a 200,000 layer farm would have been laid out like in the 1920s, for example. From the picture, you can only imagine that the smaller brown huts are where the brooder colony style houses were sited and perhaps where the pullets were kept. Layers, of course, were in the large houses.
179. 1+3 layer hen system and 4+1 broiler system: ever wanted to know what the layout plans would look like for your favourite layer hen or broiler rearing system? This is a simplified sketch (which needs LOTS of zooming up) that helps puts things into perspective for your poultry farm project report.
180. Norfolk Black 40,000 bird free-range farm plans: according to Norfolk Black Chicken (www.norfolkblackchicken.com) this bird is: “…corn fed and slow grown for succulence and an unrivalled depth of flavour.” This is an architectural drawing and plan for a 40,000 strong, 3 shed free-range farm.

181. How to design a modern automatic chicken farm (Africhic): this next example I’ve included as a useful step-by-step tutorial for designing what might be a more modern approach to poultry farming.

‘Controlled Environment’ Houses

Now, you might have landed on this post looking for something a little more technological.

Perhaps a computerised automated house capable of housing 100,000 birds, with a control shed and all the motorised and programmable help possible.

If that is the case,

I have a serious investment proposal for you.

What would you say if a leading, international poultry farming professional told you that:

…a controlled environment shed could increase your feed conversion ratio by as much as 1 point?

In his own language,

“For larger companies, one FCR point is worth up to US$ 300,000 per year.”

Here is my analysis on how you can take Dhia Alchalabi’s advice and practically make it profitable…

My take:

182. “Increase Your Poultry Profit By $300,000 with optimal environmental control.” (Premium Newsletter & PDF): a thorough guide into how you can use tight poultry house environmental control to slash your feed costs and rocket your profit.
183. Computer monitored house: this is a simple schematic diagram of how a computer monitored house is relayed in a circuit. A good overview if you are new to the idea.
184. Poultry housing (Slideshare): An academic approach to a guide on poultry housing – very thorough and a good slideshow format – a kind of picture book on everything you might find in a commercial scale environmentally controlled chicken house.

 

QS construction plan of an automated house

Pictures of an automated, environmentally controlled poultry house are actually quite easy to find online.

However, getting quantity surveyor approved plans and accurate cost estimations is HARD.

This is why I have included this next section a reference to www.estimationqs.com

Authored by Derrick Navara [a qualified Quantity Surveyor ‘QS’ with experience in construction-related projects],

The website hosts THE MOST detailed QS plans of some very complex construction projects, including…

This one (essential if you’re planning a computer-controlled poultry house):

185. Cost of building a poultry house for 20,000 layers: an impressive step-by-step tutorial for building an automated environmentally controlled poultry house for 20,00 layer birds. Every nut and bolt is accounted for here in this cost analysis and with precise amounts of material – with layouts. Great work.

 

Budget calculation of an environmentally controlled poultry house

As a first-timer…

…calculating a detailed construction budget for an ‘environmentally controlled’ poultry house is near impossible without professional input.

It’s a completely different type of project to building a wooden shed.

For a start, half of the components involved are completely foreign to most laymen.

But without accurate estimates, you simply can’t calculate the capital cost or raise funding.

So, I put this chart together based on the findings of Derrick Navara of Estimation QS.

Here it is:

186. Cost of building a poultry house for 20,000 layers (COST ANALYSIS CHART): a proportional breakdown of the construction cost elements of the project.

(Source: https://estimationqs.com/cost-of-building-a-chicken-house-for-20000-layers/)

A 1,000 bird poultry shed construction budget calculation

In response to a question from one of my readers,

I wrote this example budget calculation for a 1,000 bird pen.

As a premium subscriber, I’ll answer your questions via my Q&A board.

Example Poultry Houses from around the World

In this section, I share some leading examples of poultry house designs from around the world.

I’ve taken a selection of houses with different:

• materials
• sizes
• systems
• use

…and on different types of land, locations and in a variety of climates.

They should help you have an eye for what currently works out there.

Please don’t think that these are entirely representative of each country’s poultry farming enterprises –

Rather think of this as a photo scrapbook of example poultry farm buildings.

I tried to make them as varied as possible to appeal to many types of poultry business model.

(Also, for a decent beginner’s  overview of poultry housing systems, complete with pros and cons take a look at this guide: https://agro4africa.com/types-poultry-housing-system/)

India

187. India Poultry Farm No.1: ANE, At Post : Shindewadi, Tal: Junner , Dist : Pune, Shindewadi, Maharashtra 412411, India. (LINK)

Nigeria

188. Dayntee Farms Limited: Kilometre 5, Offa Rd, Amberi Village, Ajasse Ipo, Nigeria. (LINK)

South Africa

189. Ismails Poultry Farm (LINK)

Kenya

190. Kari Imrpoved Kienyeji Chicken: Ruaka Town, Muchatha, Kenya (LINK)

United States

191. Pastured Life Farm: 6944 210th Pl, O’Brien, FL 32071, United States (LINK)

Philippines

192. Fermi Farm Free Range: Unnamed Road, Pola, Oriental Mindoro, Philippines (LINK)

Zambia

193. Poultry & Farm: Makeni Konga Makeni, Zambia (LINK)

Ghana

194. Westhood Farm: Sasaabi, Ghana (LINK)

Uganda

195. Kande Poultry Farm (Uganda) Ltd.: Semuto Town council, Sebagaala Zone Semuto Town Council, Uganda (LINK)

Zimbabwe

196. Rising Dawn Livestock And Poultry: 99 Seke Road, Hatfield, Zimbabwe (LINK)

Now, over to you…

That complete’s this guide to poultry houses.

I included various designs, structures with their plans, construction budgets with materials costs, site layout, systems of housing, components, photos and even country examples…

Are you currently planning a poultry house construction project?

Do you have experience with poultry buildings and have something to add?

Either way, I’d be interested to hear from you.

Leave a comment below, now.

References

---

https://estimationqs.com/cost-of-building-a-chicken-house-for-20000-layers/

https://quizlet.com/53374101/unit-12-print-reading-for-construction-residential-and-commercial-flash-cards/

https://patents.google.com/patent/US3206121

University of Noth Texas Digital Library

Sonoma Library

www.alphafarms.co.uk (featured image)