Heritage poultry breeder

Backyard and hobby farm keepers, small farms and fellow breeders looking for quality stock.

Per-bird or per-dozen prices for hatching eggs, chicks and started pullets, with higher prices for rare breeds or show-quality lines.

• Patience and attention to detail with animals
• Incubating and brooding know-how
• Biosecurity and record keeping
• Taking photos and writing clear online listings

• Municipal bylaws on keeping poultry and roosters, which vary widely, check with your municipality
• Avian influenza rules and movement restrictions, check with CFIA and your provincial agriculture ministry
• Provincial rules on selling birds and eggs, including limits for small flocks under supply management, check your marketing board
• Winter heating, predators and disease outbreaks, so plan biosecurity and a cash buffer
• Liability insurance if buyers visit your property

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $1,500 to $6,000, depending on the breeds, housing, incubator and brooding equipment you choose. Winter heating and predator protection can add to costs, so keep a cash buffer.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $300 to $1,500, depending on your breeds, flock size and whether you sell hatching eggs, chicks or started birds. Disease outbreaks can interrupt sales. These are estimates, not guarantees.

Check municipal bylaws on keeping poultry and roosters, avian influenza rules and movement restrictions with CFIA and your provincial agriculture ministry, and provincial rules on selling birds and eggs, including small-flock limits under your marketing board. Also consider liability insurance.