I find some weird ideas for micro businesses, and here’s one that may actually work!!! Ruth Haldeman moved to rural Hot Springs, Ark., in 2002 and promptly took in a couple of orphan chicks. She soon discovered chickens poop–a lot.
According to Entrepreneur.com, in the interest of keeping her house relatively clean, Haldeman broke out her sewing machine and designed a roomy cloth diaper with a disposable liner.
As time went on, she made them in several sizes. Chickens, it seems, outgrow their diapers.
The first diapers were made from fabric scraps. When orders started pouring in, Haldeman ordered a few bolts of cotton blend and tricot, and built a website where a small, hand-sewn diaper sells for $9 ($14 for big birds).
America is having a chicken moment. The ranks of pet-chicken owners are swelling (to more than 60,000–up from 35,000 just a year ago, according to BackYardChickens.com). The diapers let owners spend quality time with their birds without having to deal with major stain removal afterward.
Haldeman is looking to hire extra help. Right now she can’t keep up with the back orders
Weird, but the lady is making money selling somthing that meets a need! If she can do it, so can you! Find tips in my book, Starting a Micro Business, to get your idea up and running.
Carol Topp, CPA
