Small Scale Poultry Farming in Nigeria to make millions (2023)

Poultry farming in Nigeria is a thriving industry, and it’s not surprising considering the country’s high demand for poultry products.

Over the years, small-scale poultry farming in Nigeria has become increasingly popular, especially among rural farmers and aspiring entrepreneurs.

It is a section of Farming in Nigeria that any aspiring Agric entrepreneur should be eyeing.

This type of agriculture provides numerous benefits including a relatively low startup cost, flexible production options, and the potential for significant returns.

In this article, we will explore the ins and outs of small-scale poultry farming in Nigeria, from setting up a poultry farm to the challenges and opportunities in the industry.

Whether you’re a seasoned farmer or just starting out, this guide will provide valuable insights into Nigeria’s small-scale poultry farming world.

What is small-scale poultry farming?

According to Investopedia. Poultry farming is a form of animal husbandry that raises domesticated birds such as chickens, ducks, turkeys, and geese to produce meat or eggs for food.

Poultry – mostly chickens – are farmed in great numbers.

Also, more than 60 billion chickens are killed for consumption annually. Chickens raised for eggs are known as layers, while chickens raised for meat are called broilers.

The current state of small-scale poultry farming in Nigeria

Small-scale poultry farming is widespread in Nigeria and is an important source of income for many rural families.

According to recent estimates, there are over 50 million chickens in Nigeria, with most of them being raised on small-scale farms.

The industry provides employment for thousands of Nigerians and contributes to the country’s food security by providing a source of affordable protein for millions of people.

However, to realize its full potential, the industry must overcome the challenges it faces, including limited access to funding and disease outbreaks.

By addressing these challenges and supporting the growth of small-scale poultry farming, Nigeria can not only improve the lives of small-scale farmers but also contribute to the country’s food security and economic growth.

Next, we can move on to discussing the opportunities for growth in small-scale poultry farming in Nigeria:

Opportunities for growth in small-scale poultry farming in Nigeria

Despite the challenges faced by small-scale poultry farmers in Nigeria, there are also many opportunities for growth and expansion in the industry.

For example, there is a growing demand for high-quality, locally produced poultry products, both within Nigeria and in other countries.

This presents an opportunity for small-scale farmers to increase their sales and improve their profitability by producing and selling high-quality, premium products.

Another opportunity for growth in small-scale poultry farming is the development of new technologies and innovations in the industry.

For example, the use of precision agriculture techniques, such as drone technology and data analytics, can help farmers to optimize their operations and increase their yields.

Additionally, the development of new vaccines and veterinary treatments can help to control and prevent disease outbreaks, improving the health of poultry flocks and reducing losses for farmers.

Finally, there is also a growing recognition of the importance of sustainable and organic farming practices. Many consumers are now willing to pay a premium for locally produced, sustainably raised poultry products.

This presents an opportunity for small-scale farmers to differentiate themselves from larger, industrial operations and to appeal to consumers who are looking for high-quality, sustainably produced food.

In conclusion, small-scale poultry farming in Nigeria presents many opportunities for growth and expansion.

By taking advantage of new technologies and innovations, increasing their focus on quality and sustainability, and tapping into growing demand for locally produced food, small-scale poultry farmers can overcome the challenges they face and build a more profitable and sustainable industry.

Next, we can explore the challenges faced by small-scale poultry farmers in Nigeria and possible solutions to overcome them:

Challenges of Poultry Farming in Nigeria

As mentioned earlier, small-scale poultry farmers in Nigeria face several challenges that limit their potential for growth and profitability.

These challenges include limited access to funding, disease outbreaks, and a lack of resources and support.

However, there are also several solutions that can help farmers to overcome these challenges and improve their operations.

One solution to the challenge of limited access to funding is the development of innovative financing models that can help farmers to secure the capital they need to start or expand their operations.

For example, microfinance institutions, agricultural cooperatives, and community-based organizations can provide farmers with the loans and support they need to purchase equipment, build infrastructure, and purchase inputs.

Another solution to the challenge of disease outbreaks is the development of effective disease control and prevention programs.

This can involve providing farmers with access to veterinary services, vaccines, and other preventative measures, as well as educating farmers about best practices for disease control.

In addition, the development of disease-resistant poultry breeds and the use of precision agriculture techniques can also help to reduce the impact of disease outbreaks.

Finally, the development of supportive policies and programs can help small-scale poultry farmers to overcome the challenges they face and build a more profitable and sustainable industry.

For example, the government can provide technical assistance and training to farmers, support the development of new technologies and innovations, and encourage the growth of local markets for poultry products.

In conclusion, small-scale poultry farming in Nigeria faces several challenges, but there are also many solutions that can help farmers to overcome these challenges and improve their operations.

By providing access to funding, improving disease control and prevention, and supporting the growth of the industry, Nigeria can build a more sustainable and profitable small-scale poultry farming sector.

Types of Birds available to make money are

• Chicken (Broilers and layers)
• Ducks (Egg, Meat)
• Geese (Egg, Meat, and feathers)
• Pigeon (Meat)
• Quail (Egg, Meat)
• Turkey (Meat)

For the purpose of this article, we will be concentrating on Chicken Farming.

Profitability of Poultry Farming in Nigeria

1. Chickens Reproduce Quickly

Almost every day or at least four times per week, a healthy layer lays an egg. Some breeds can lay up to 325 eggs each year, which hatch in 21 days.

This implies that a Layer theoretically has the capacity to produce two more chickens in a period of three days.

Thus, 500 healthy layers of good breeds (such as California whites) can produce 12,000 chicks in under 40 days if they are in good health.

2. Chickens Grow Quickly

The egg hatches in 21 days, and after 28 weeks, the product is ready for sale. That indicates that after successfully establishing the farm, a farmer may begin to make money in just 34 weeks, and according to this figure, any returns he makes might treble in a year.

3. Chicken Sells at an Excellent Price

In Nigeria, a fully grown, healthy chicken costs between ₦3,000 and ₦10,000 and above.

Consequently, if you raise 12,000 chickens on your farm, you will earn more than ₦40 million when all of them have been sold.

4. The egg market is Large

In addition to chicken, eggs are a separate source of income. For little eggs, a crate costs between N1500 and N2000, while larger eggs cost between N2000 and N3000 and above.

Furthermore, each box has 30 eggs inside. You will therefore earn above ₦1,000,000 per month if you have 500 layers that produce 12,000 pullets every month and opt to sell them all.

As you can see, Nigerian poultry farming offers mouthwatering profits and amazing returns on investment. The main issue right now is how to launch this firm.

How to Start a Poultry Farm in Nigeria

Things you need to start a poultry farming business in Nigeria

To start poultry farming in Nigeria, you will need the following:

1. Capital
   This will be used to purchase the land, construct a poultry house, purchase birds, and cover other start-up costs.
2. Land
   The size of the land required depends on the scale of the poultry farm. It should accommodate the poultry house, feeding and drinking areas, and manure pit.
3. Poultry House
   The poultry house must be designed to protect the birds from weather elements and predators. It should be spacious enough to provide enough space for the birds to move around in other not to hinder their growth.
4. Birds
   You will need to purchase day-old chicks or point-of-lay birds. Choose a breed that is suitable for your area, and that has a good reputation for egg production and growth rate.

Other things you need to start

1. Feeding and Watering System
   You will need a feeding and watering system for the birds, including feeders and drinkers.
2. Incubator
   You will need an incubator for hatching eggs, especially if you are starting a layer farm.
3. Electricity, Equipment, and Supplies:
   You will need electricity and purchase other equipment, such as heating lamps, nests, and lighting fixtures, as well as supplies like feed, bedding material, and disinfectants.
4. Marketing Plan
   You will need a marketing plan to sell your eggs and birds, which could include direct sales, distribution to supermarkets or food markets, or online sales.
5. Knowledge and Skill
   You will need to have knowledge of poultry farming, including bird nutrition, health management, marketing, and cost. Consider taking courses or workshops to build your knowledge and skills.
6. Labour
   You will need to hire labor for feeding, cleaning, and general management of the poultry farm.
7. Support from Government
   It is important to obtain support from the Government, as they can provide you with information and resources to help you start and run your poultry farm.

Conclusion on Small-Scale Poultry Farming in Nigeria

Small-scale poultry farming in Nigeria has the potential to significantly contribute to the country’s agricultural sector and the overall economy.

With the increasing demand for poultry products, small-scale farmers have the opportunity to provide high-quality and affordable food to the growing population.

However, the industry faces challenges such as disease outbreaks, high feed costs, and limited access to financing.

To address these challenges, the government and relevant organizations should provide support in the form of training programs, improved access to veterinary services, and financial assistance to small-scale farmers.

By addressing these challenges, the small-scale poultry farming sector in Nigeria can continue to grow and contribute to the country’s economic development.