Teen Farmer and Business Owner

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ARIELLA: PRODUCING EGGS FOR FOOD AND BUSINESS

By Camille Alleyne

Barbadian, Ariella Hinkson was just 13 years old when she got her first set of hens. It was her parents who persuaded her to choose chickens rather than the parrot she had her eyes on. They figured that if she was going to invest her time and money into the care of an animal, she should settle for the kind that would pay for its keep. That is how it all began with this teenage business owner who now produces eggs for food and business.

The inspiration for Ariella took root in the faraway land of New Zealand where she spent three years of her younger life. Ariella was surprised and excited to see that it was the normal practice for New Zealanders to keep all kinds of animals in their backyards – both as pets and livestock. She had a special liking for birds and interacted with them at every opportunity. It is not surprising that young Hinkson loves animals. After all, her mother, Dr Julie-Ann Hinkson, is a veterinarian.

In 2013, Ariella and her father, Anthony Hinkson, software developer and business owner, accompanied Julie-Ann to this twin-island nation that is located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. As a New Zealand Commonwealth Scholar for the Caribbean Region, Julie-Ann pursued her post-doctoral master’s degree and residency in veterinary studies with emphasis on veterinary pathology.

The First Chicks

Shortly after the Hinksons’ return to Barbados, Ariella got her first batch of chicks – six to be exact. Initially, she brooded her chicks in the garage in a basin, approximately 18 inches in diameter. Bedding was used to keep them warm until the red adult feathers replaced the yellow baby feathers. Eventually, they were relocated to the backyard.

The Chicken Coop

At first, the chickens were placed in a shed at the Hinksons’ St Philip residence. The galvanised zinc fence around the backyard offered protection for the small farm.

Eventually, Ariella designed a chicken coop to her own specifications. She explained, “My cousin built the coop. He made it with wheels so that I could easily move it around. I also had it made with external nesting boxes – the types that are accessible from the outside of the coop. Another feature that I wanted was mesh-wire floors. That way the droppings would immediately exit the chicken coop, making it easier for me to clean.”

Believe it or not, Ariella’s dogs have never killed any of the chickens, though they have been known to eat the eggs when not laid in the nest box.

The Hens’ Diet

This young egg producer feeds her chicks commercial 18% feed, grass, spinach, and other seed and vegetable matter. Scratch grain and eggshells are also fed to the brood, with eggshells providing a good source of calcium. Of course, they still end up scratching and foraging around the yard for insects and plants.

The Routine

As early as 5 a.m., Ariella starts her day so that she can complete some farm chores before heading to the Barbados Community College, where she studies. During the COVID-19 crisis, however, her classes were facilitated online, giving her more time to manage the farm.

Morning duties include letting the chickens out, watering them and collecting eggs. At lunchtime, she tops up the feed because other birds tend to eat from the farm’s supply throughout the day. Leftovers from the Hinksons’ dinner table become the birds’ evening meal. The cleaning of the yard is left for weekends.

The Business of Eggs

Ariella keeping her records

Chickens generally lay after 17 weeks and Ariella’s first batch had laid five to six eggs a day. This was more than adequate for her family. What the Hinksons did not eat, she gave away. However, as the number of eggs continued to exceed the rate of consumption, this teenage farmer decided to transform her enjoyable pastime into a business venture.

Over the years, the complement of chickens has increased by three additional batches. The second batch numbered six; the third, 15; and her last batch contained 30. Presently, the farm produces 28 to 30 eggs a day. These are sold to her community at a very competitive price.

The Joy of Chicken Farming

Each chicken on the farm is considered to be Ariella’s beloved pet. She names them, cuddles them and is presently training them to do tricks. She admits that it is a joy to raise chickens for eggs and considers herself blessed that her chickens have never been sick.

“I do see a future in chicken farming. It is a very simple task and chickens are easy animals to farm and profit from. I do think others should try selling eggs,” Ariella commented. “My plan for the future is to eventually expand my business so when I’m studying overseas, I can hire hands to manage my business and I can still have a reliable income.”

Ariella’s confidence and success in chicken farming are certainly inspiring. This 17-year-old Barbadian chicken farmer and business owner enjoys farming, and encourages other young people to try their hands at raising chickens and selling eggs.

For more inspiring and informative stories, read Grown at Home magazine.