Raising chicken in the Philippines offers many benefits for small-scale and commercial farmers. In the Philippines, several common chicken breeds are popular among local farmers. These breeds have been specifically chosen for their ability to adapt well to the country’s tropical climate and produce high-quality eggs or meat.
Chicken Farming Practices in the Philippines
The Philippines has a wide variety of chicken breeds well-suited to local conditions. From excellent egg layers to native breeds that thrive in free-range environments, there’s something for every type of chicken farmer. Farmers typically raise chickens in enclosed spaces called coops or houses in chicken farming. These structures provide shelter and protection from predators while allowing for proper ventilation and sanitation.
The chickens are provided with food and water to meet their basic needs. The Philippines offers a variety of chicken breeds that are suitable for different purposes. It is a common agricultural activity in many parts of the world, including the Philippines. To ensure optimal growth and productivity, proper care and management practices are crucial in chicken farming.
This includes regular cleaning of coops, providing nutritious feed, monitoring health conditions, and taking preventive measures against diseases. Furthermore, chicken manure is an excellent organic fertilizer that can improve soil quality and enhance crop yields. Filipino farmers can reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers while promoting sustainability by incorporating poultry waste into their farming practices.
Chicken farming can be profitable for small-scale backyard raisers and commercial producers. However, it requires dedication, knowledge about poultry management practices, and continuous learning to maximize productivity. Chicken raising is integral in sustaining rural livelihoods and urban backyard farms across the Philippines. Chicken farming has become deeply ingrained in our culture, providing communities with a sustainable source of food and income.
Many households have spacious yards or vacant lots perfect for setting up coops and allowing chickens to roam freely. This gives them access to fresh air and natural sunlight and allows them to forage for insects and plants, resulting in healthier birds. In addition to being a source of meat, chickens provide an abundant supply of eggs that can be consumed or sold in local markets.
Best Chicken Breeds in the Philippines
Common Breed of Chicken Raised in the Philippines
- Brahma – These birds can produce approximately 200 eggs annually, and the hens can grow up to 8lb while the roosters average 10lb.
- Barred Plymouth Rock – These chickens also have quite a productive nature, laying about 200 eggs annually and growing between 7.5 lbs (females) and 9.5 lbs (males).
- Black Australorp – Originating from Australia, these magnificent birds can weigh between 6.5 and 8 lbs for hens and between 8.5 and 10 lbs for males. Plus, they boast an average of around 250 light-brown eggs per year.
- Light Sussex – Many backyard chicken enthusiasts favor these due to their substantial size and decent egg production capacity. With roosters weighing approximately 9 lbs on average and hens averaging around 7 lbs.
- Buff Orpington – The chickens produce 200 to 280 eggs yearly. Female Orpingtons weigh around 8 lbs, while males can grow up to 10 lbs.
- Darag – This is the most popular native chicken breed for backyard raisers in the Philippines. This breed is known for its resilience and adaptability to various climates, making it an ideal choice for backyard farming. With their striking black feathers and strong bodies, Darag chickens are not only stunning to look at but also incredibly hardy.
- Jersey Giant – Jerseys can produce a decent amount of eggs ranging from 150-200 brown eggs per year. Male Jersey giants weigh around 13 to 15 pounds, females are about 11 pounds, and the black variety is typically heavier than the white.
- Rhode Island Red – These beautiful birds are known for producing many medium to large-sized brown eggs, with an impressive range of 200 to 300 eggs per year! Not only that, but RIR roosters can weigh around 8.5 lbs, while the hens grow up to approximately 6.5 lbs.
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Best Egg Laying Chicken Breeds in the Philippines
- Lohmann Layers – These hens are known for their impressive egg production, with an average of 290 to 320 eggs per year when they reach 72 weeks old.
- Rhode Island Red – These birds can produce around 200 to 300 medium to large-sized brown eggs annually.
- Sussex chickens – They have roosters weighing approximately 9 pounds and hens averaging 7 pounds. Orpingtons and Brahmas also make excellent choices with their decent egg production and larger sizes.
- Jersey Giants – The Jersey Giant is an American breed of domestic chicken. They will produce between two and four eggs each week, for 150 and 200 eggs a year.
- Marans – Marans are famous because of their eggs. They lay a rich and deep brown (almost chocolate) colored egg. You can expect them to lay between 150-200 eggs each year.
Philippine Native Chicken Breeds
The beauty of native chicken breeds lies in their ability to thrive under local conditions without much intervention or special care requirements. They have naturally resisted common diseases in the Philippines, making them low-maintenance options for poultry farmers. The native chicken breeds in the Philippines are Darag, Banaba, Bolinao, Camarines, Joloanon, and Paraoakan.
The Darag breed stands out as one of the most popular choices for backyard raisers. Renowned for their distinct black feathers, vibrant red combs, and wattles, these chickens possess excellent meat quality and superb disease resistance. Banaba chickens exhibit versatility in both meat production and egg-laying capabilities. Their striking appearance, characterized by multi-colored plumage patterns, has become a favorite among farmers seeking dual-purpose chickens.
These birds are prized for their delicious meat and high egg production capabilities. They have a beautiful reddish-brown plumage that sets them apart visually. Bolinao chickens boast an elegant display of long-tail feathers that shimmer under sunlight. Known for their exceptional broodiness and mothering skills, they make ideal choices for natural incubation methods. Camarines chickens present a majestic presence with their regal features and graceful movements.
This breed is highly valued not just for its ornamental value but also for its flavorful meat. Joloanon chickens originate from the island province of Sulu in Mindanao. These birds are known for being hardy yet docile—a combination that makes them suitable companions for small-scale farming ventures.
Paraoakan chickens hail from Iloilo province on Panay Island. They possess distinctive characteristics such as reddish-brown plumage adorned with white spots or streaks on some individuals. Farmers appreciate this breed’s ability to thrive even under challenging environments.
Free-Range Chicken Breeds in the Philippines
Free-range farming offers numerous benefits, including healthier birds with access to natural food sources and ample space for exercise. By choosing the right breed suited for this type of farming system, you can ensure optimal results in terms of both meat quality and sustainability.
- Red Hubbard Chicken – These chickens are known for their excellent foraging skills and adaptability to different climates. They also have a good growth rate and can produce high-quality meat.
- Dekalb Chicken – This breed is known for its strong maternal instincts, making it an ideal choice if you’re looking to raise chickens naturally without much intervention. Dekalb chickens also have good disease resistance and can tolerate various weather conditions.
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Conclusion
By raising these common chicken breeds in the Philippines on a larger scale or even in backyard settings, farmers can enjoy various benefits such as self-sufficiency and increased income opportunities through selling surplus eggs or meat locally. Additionally, raising chickens provides a sustainable source of meat that is more affordable than store-bought poultry products.
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