📍 Introduction
Poultry farming is one of the most lucrative and accessible agribusinesses in Nigeria. Whether you’re interested in raising broilers for meat, layers for eggs, or dual-purpose birds, starting small can help you build sustainable income, improve food security, and grow into a larger operation over time.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to start a small-scale poultry farm using best practices, scholarly research, and market-based insights, tailored to Nigerian conditions.
✅ Why Poultry Farming?
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), poultry contributes significantly to Nigeria’s food supply, providing affordable protein through meat and eggs. It’s ideal for small-scale entrepreneurs due to:
- Quick return on investment
- High feed conversion efficiency
- Low land requirement
- Strong domestic demand year-round
🔍 Stat: Nigeria consumes over 1.5 million metric tons of poultry meat annually, yet still imports to meet demand (CBN, 2022).
🛠 Step-by-Step: How to Start a Small-Scale Poultry Farm
🏗 Step 1: Plan Your Poultry Type
Choose what type of poultry farming to start with:
- Broilers: For meat; ready for sale in 6–8 weeks
- Layers: For eggs; start laying after 18–20 weeks
- Cockerels: Hardy birds, slower growth, suitable for rural markets
- Turkeys or Local Breeds: High demand during festive seasons
Start with 50–200 birds as a manageable number for small-scale beginners.
🏠 Step 2: Set Up Housing and Equipment
Poultry need a clean, dry, and well-ventilated space. Whether using deep litter or cage systems, ensure:
- Protection from weather, predators, and rodents
- Adequate space: 1 broiler requires ~0.1–0.15 sqm
- Basic equipment: feeders, drinkers, heat source, and lighting
Use locally sourced materials like bamboo, wood, and roofing sheets to reduce costs.
📌 Tip: Good ventilation reduces respiratory infections and ammonia buildup (ILRI, 2020).
🌾 Step 3: Secure Day-Old Chicks (DOCs)
Buy healthy chicks from reputable hatcheries or trusted suppliers like Grazers Haven Ltd. Always inspect chicks before buying—look for alertness, active movement, and clean vents.
📌 Vaccinate at day 1 and follow proper immunization schedule.
🧪 Step 4: Develop a Feeding and Health Program
Feed accounts for up to 70% of poultry production cost, so use high-quality feed appropriate to the bird’s age:
- Starter feed (0–4 weeks)
- Grower feed (5–6 weeks)
- Finisher feed (7–8+ weeks for broilers)
- Layer mash (for laying birds)
Supplements and dewormers should be administered regularly. Keep records of vaccination, medication, and feed usage.
🔍 Fact: According to the National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI), poor feeding and sanitation are the leading causes of poultry mortality in Nigeria.
📦 Step 5: Marketing and Sales
Start building your customer base early:
- Sell to neighbors, hotels, restaurants, and market women
- Use WhatsApp status, Facebook groups, and local co-ops
- Offer farm-fresh, direct-to-customer delivery options
Consider branding and packaging your eggs or processed meat for premium value.
📌 Offer pre-orders before maturity to guarantee sales.
📊 Step 6: Record Keeping and Scaling
Keep simple records of:
- Number of birds
- Feed costs
- Sales
- Mortality
- Health treatments
This helps you track profit and loss and identify areas for improvement before scaling up.
🚨 Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding birds (leads to disease and death)
- Skipping vaccination schedules
- Buying chicks from unknown sources
- Using dirty feeders or water containers
- Not planning for feed cost changes
📈 Final Thoughts
Starting a small poultry farm in Nigeria doesn’t require millions. With as little as ₦150,000–₦500,000, you can raise your first flock, learn the ropes, and build a profitable business.
At Grazers Haven Ltd, we provide:
- Day-old chicks (broilers, layers, turkeys)
- Starter kits and feeders for beginners
- Organic poultry feed and supplements
- Vet support, training, and after-sale consultation
🛒 Ready to Start Your Poultry Journey?
📞 Call/WhatsApp: +234 905 088 8482
📧 Email: [email protected] [email protected]
🌐 Visit: www.grazershavenltd.com
🟢 We deliver nationwide and support you every step of the way.