How to Start a Freshwater Shrimp Farming Business

Freshwater Prawn And Shrimp Farming

One of the fastest growing business niches today is freshwater shrimp farming. Many people are starting to raise shrimp because they want to eat better food for less money. Mostly they want to cash in on the enormous profit margins in selling fresh water shrimp directly to consumers.
These are the essentials:

• You need something to raise them in. Although most people raise their shrimp in ponds, you can use anything that gets the depth you need. You can use tanks and even swimming pools. I first started looking into raising freshwater shrimp when I found an old hot tub had been left on my property and I was trying to find a use for it.
• You need somewhere to put the pond, tank or pool. Obviously, a pond would go in a field, but your tanks or pools could go into a barn, just in your backyard, or even your basement. I read about a guy who really did raise shrimp in his condo basement in some small diameter swimming pools he set up there.
• You need to have good water. Have your water tested, especially if you will be using runoff or captured water. If you're filling a pool with tap water, you will need to give it time to evaporate the chlorine out and to warm up.
• You need to oxygenate the water. The critters need to breathe. You will need to agitate the water or pump air into it. You can use a paddle like system or you can use a bubbler. You can also use a fountain type oxygenator. Try to make or buy one that uses solar power so you don't have to worry about your power going out.
• You need to buy good quality juveniles to grow out. There are a number of great growers out there. I have a link on my website to a guy with a great directory for everything you will need.
• You need to feed them good food. Even though they are bottom feeders, your result will be tastier if you feed them properly. Again, my website will show you where detailed information can be found.
• You need to keep other critters out. They like to eat shrimp too and that cuts into your profits big time. Unfortunately, this means you need to keep the bass out. They love shrimp.
• You need to make a sign. Make a sign that you can put in your yard letting people know when you will be harvesting. Plan to have someone help your customers with parking. Believe me, you will sell out in one day.

So, my advice is to go for it - start a freshwater farming business right now. You will never eat a better tasting shrimp than the one you raised yourself. The only downside to this whole idea is your friends and family will try to convince you to have a big shrimp boil or grill and invite them over for chow and then eat up all your potential profits.

Steve S. Frost became interested in freshwater shrimp farming when he found an old discarded hot tub shell on his property and he wondered how to make some money with it. You can learn more about raising shrimp at www.freshwatershrimpfarming.com

Freshwater Prawn And Shrimp Farming

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