Editor’s note: This article was first published in July 2010. It is based on a TV report about a supposedly “new” trend in Spain and Spanish-speaking countries, and gives no figures on prices, rental fees or taxes.
The other day I saw on TV a new business that is taking off in Spain and in Spanish-speaking countries: raising, renting out and selling laying hens. At first I didn’t pay it much attention, since farming and animals don’t appeal to me much, truth be told, but it’s undeniably proving very profitable.
More and more poultry entrepreneurs and private individuals are starting to carve out a niche in this sector.
A laying hen doesn’t need a rooster to lay eggs. On her own she can lay between 5 and 8 eggs a week. The advantage of having a laying hen for a private individual is the natural egg. Let me explain: people are increasingly worried about whether the food they eat is natural, or whether these animals are raised on lab-made feed that hurts the quality and vitamin content of the eggs.
It’s easy to start your own laying hen business if you have some land and a basic knowledge of how to raise them. After that, you can rent the laying hens out.
Sometimes the customer ends up growing fond of the animal and decides to buy it. I’ve spoken with several farms that do this, and they say they have no trouble at all selling the eggs at a higher price, renting out the hens, or selling them.
So here is a new business in which, with a bit of advertising, you can bring in a good income.
As I said at the start, I know nothing about poultry businesses, the taxes that apply in this sector, or what laying hens sell or rent for, but I’m clear about the strong demand. So for those who love the countryside and birds, this could well be their first business idea.
Further reading
- Business ideas in home services
- Business ideas in leisure and tourism
- The businesses and jobs of the future
- The advantages of starting your business in a crisis
- How to become a successful entrepreneur
Featured image: USDAgov, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.
