Homemade crayfish breeding business for sale - detailed business plan

Alexander Kaptsov

Reading time: 9 minutes

A A

The benefits of crayfish for the human body do not require proof; the demand for this delicacy is invariably high. Ecological deterioration, as well as the use of barbaric fishing methods, have contributed to the decline in the population of this invertebrate species. That is why today the crayfish breeding business is a promising and profitable activity. Let's take a closer look at all the nuances of this business idea.

How to open a crayfish breeding business officially in the city - minimum documentary

To open an official crayfish breeding business in the city, you will first need to obtain a certificate confirming the status of an individual entrepreneur. Next you need to register with the tax structure. An entrepreneur engaged in breeding crayfish is classified as a producer of agricultural products, which means that a possible form of taxation could be the Unified Agricultural Tax (UST).

To open a farm for breeding crayfish, you need to find a plot of land where a pond or several reservoirs will be built.

According to the law, certain conditions will be required:

• The future businessman must be the owner of the site (the tenant will have big problems with paperwork when obtaining permits). He has the right to build a pond or other objects on his land, and no one will interfere with his decision.
• The reservoir can be used for the owner’s own purposes , if during its construction urban planning, environmental and sanitary standards are not violated.
• Pond should not be connected to natural bodies of water.

Crayfish are bred for subsequent sale, therefore, a number of additional documents will need to be completed in order to sell invertebrates:

1. Certificate for products in accordance with GOST R 50380 of 2005.
2. Certificate issued by the veterinary service (form No. 2).
3. Declaration , reflecting the product’s compliance with all standards.
4. For auto The vehicle on which the crayfish will be transported requires a sanitary passport.

The above documents will be required by both individuals and legal entities.

What else do you need to know about crayfish farming?

Naturally, documentation is an important component of business. However, the conditions for growing crayfish are no less important.

To make them acceptable, you need to study a lot of information and understand the following details:

• Where to keep crayfish

Crayfish can live and breed in natural conditions - in the nearest rented pond. If we are talking about a more profitable business, then it is better to equip an artificial reservoir or reservoirs (aquariums) on your personal property and use an intensive method of breeding crayfish.

• What equipment will you need?

For crayfish, water quality is a very important factor; having a pond alone is not enough. A set of special equipment is what you should take care of.

What does it consist of:

1. Made from thermal insulation structure , maintaining water at the specified temperature parameters. In fact, a polycarbonate greenhouse can perform this function.
2. From a pond frame . It is usually made from polypropylene sheets. This material is durable, waterproof, and quickly joined using polyfusion welding. The main advantage is that it is neutral towards water.
3. Aerator or air compressor . This technique will not allow the water to stagnate. Otherwise, the crayfish will not survive.
4. Oxidizer . Its function is to oxygenate water. This is especially important in winter for open ponds. Ice prevents the flow of oxygen.
5. Flow type filter – the filtration system removes toxic substances in the form of food residues and waste products of the pond inhabitants. It supports the vital activity of crayfish and allows production volumes not to decrease.
6. If the quality of water during breeding plays a decisive role, then you cannot do without measuring instruments , which determine its parameters: oximeter (measures oxygen concentration), selenium meter (determines water hardness), conductivity meter (assesses the efficiency of filters).

• What to feed crayfish

Crayfish are omnivores. They feed on earthworms, insect larvae, and small snails. In an artificial reservoir, grain (steamed and crushed), boiled potatoes, grated carrots, fish, and meat are suitable for them.

The best option for feeding crayfish is to reproduce their natural habitat, excluding negative facts such as the presence of predators . If the reservoir is filled with food supply (phytoplankton, zooplankton, and so on), then you don’t have to purchase expensive food. The introduction of organic matter and mineral fertilizers significantly improves the feed supply. The main thing here is not to overdo it, so as not to excessively increase the growth of vegetation in the water.

There is a way to save on the purchase of fertilizers if you sow the bottom of the reservoir with legumes, oats, vetch, and so on. To do this, the pond is drained, and after sowing it is filled with water again. The method is environmentally friendly and cheap.

Where to buy crayfish for breeding at home and on an industrial scale?

To breed crayfish, you don’t have to buy them. You can catch crayfish yourself in the nearest body of water. Of course, you will need some experience and special equipment.

If there is no suitable lake/river nearby or you do not have skills in such a matter, then you can buy crayfish from those who catch them professionally or in a regular supermarket (at the market). The main thing is that the individuals are young, then you can count on a solid increase and a good income .

Please note that there are no farms specializing in crayfish breeding in Russia. Therefore, regardless of the scale of the enterprise, it is necessary to independently select crayfish for breeding. Viable and healthy individuals are needed.

Features of crayfish breeding technology - selection and preparation of reservoirs

The choice of reservoir largely depends on the size of the business. If this is a production scale, then it is more profitable to immediately invest funds (and considerable ones) in a farm for breeding crayfish.

It should consist of:

1. Hatching aquariums heated.
2. Pools for growing individuals - for young of the year. This is the name given to crayfish whose age does not exceed one year.
3. Outdoor and indoor swimming pools to make production year-round.

However, you can start a cancer business with less expensive options:

• Living conditions in a natural pond

A natural reservoir has its advantages: there is no need to dig a hole, fill it with water, improve the bottom, or purchase large quantities of food. Nature has thought of everything. The only condition is the presence of a natural flow of water to eliminate the lack of oxygen. Complementary feeding is also needed, otherwise the crayfish will begin to eat young individuals. Periodic cleaning of the bottom will be required so that the depth of the reservoir is two meters. In this case, the crayfish will have favorable conditions for reproduction. However, even if all conditions are met, you should not count on business profitability in the first few years.

• Conditions for keeping at home (artificial pond)

What size should the pond be? Depth within 1.5-2 meters, area from 30 to 60 “squares”. Clay is suitable as a soil. The bottom is lined with stones so that there are gaps between them. These are future burrows for crayfish. A drainage system equipped with a wooden mesh is required. The net will become an obstacle, and the crayfish will not leave their home.

Plants are planted around the pond. Caring for crayfish is simple.

They will reproduce well if the following conditions are met:

1. Change the water every 14-20 days, but not completely, only 30%.
2. Periodically remove mud and clean the bottom. This will ensure there is enough oxygen in the water.
3. Water temperature is important. Usually 21ºС. For babies to grow quickly – 24ºС.
4. Monitor the water hardness indicator. The pH level should be from 7 to 8.5.
5. Feed regularly in the evening or morning. The daily value for cancer is 2% of its weight.
6. If the crayfish have produced offspring, then the adult individuals should be transplanted into another body of water (if available). Crayfish can eat babies. Young animals that have a hard shell can be combined with old crayfish.
7. For a profitable business, it is better to organize 3-4 reservoirs.

During the season, the female lays 100 eggs, about half of which survive. The annual offspring from one female is 25-50 crayfish. After what period will the population begin to reproduce itself? In 5 years, not earlier. Cancer maturation time is at least two years. During this period, it grows up to 12 cm and gains weight up to 200 grams.

Types of crayfish and their purchase - which species are easier and more profitable to breed?

There are two types of crayfish: long-fingered and broad-fingered. The second species is valued for its fleshy bellies, which are popular in cooking as “crawfish necks.” However, the population of broad-clawed crayfish has declined sharply. They ended up on the pages of the Red Book. To avoid problems with inspection organizations, it is better not to breed this species.

Crayfish are also divided into inhabitants of lakes and rivers:

• Lake crustaceans reach impressive sizes, they do not have a hibernation period - they are all good for business at home. You need to know about the demanding maintenance requirements of this species. They must have a warm room - 20 m².
• Crayfish characterized by smaller size and lower cost, although they are not as finicky. So decide which individuals are more profitable to buy for breeding?

Another nuance is how many crayfish are needed. What should be their number per square meter of reservoir? For artificial reservoirs, experts recommend the following density: six crayfish per square meter, one male for two females.

Profitability of a business for breeding and selling crayfish: costs, start-up capital, maintenance, etc.

How much should you invest in the business if a crayfish farm is built on a plot of 1100 m² and will have 20 reservoirs at once:

• The construction of ponds will require about 290,000 rubles.
• Equipment costs will amount to 2,800,000 rubles.
• The cost of a plot of land is at least 70,000 rubles.
• Feed costs are 150,000 rubles.
• Other expenses up to 200,100 rubles.

Total investment size – 3,510,100 rubles.

Note to entrepreneurs. In the crayfish farming industry there is no strict interconnection of infrastructure. Therefore, the figure should not be taken as mandatory. It is permissible to make only two indoor swimming pools, and after receiving the profit, invest it in further development.

What will be the earnings - revenue for the year:

• On average, a kilogram of crayfish costs 510 rubles.
• Over the course of a year, 12,500 crayfish will grow, weighing a total of 2,500 kg.

The annual revenue will be – 1,275,000 rubles.

Amount of expenses throughout the year:

• For electricity – 9,500 rubles.
• For feed - 12,500 rubles.
• Other expenses (transport, veterinarian, etc.) – 100,000 rubles.

Total expenses – 122,000 rubles.

Net profit will be: 1,275,000 - 122,000 = 1,153,000 rubles. The payback period for the project is 3-4 years.

How and where to sell crayfish profitably: potential customers and important sales nuances

The main advantage of this business is the lack of competition with constant demand for products. This means that it will not be difficult to establish sales. Buyers of crayfish can be supermarkets and small shops, restaurants and cafes. They tend to prefer wholesale suppliers. Therefore, it is important to find in advance stores and food outlets that are willing to buy crayfish on a regular basis . Next, all that remains is to catch the crayfish, issue a veterinary certificate and deliver the products to the customer.