This blog is a follow on to my previous blog post ‘How to Start Poultry Farming in Nigeria’. Since that blog posts I’ve received a lot of messages asking me – “Why is poultry farming so lucrative?” “What is the future of poultry farming in Nigeria?” and “What is the most profitable way to start poultry farming in Nigeria?”
In this blog post I will try and answer these questions and more.
Modern Day Poultry Farming in Nigeria
Poultry Farming has become one of the most lucrative Nigerian businesses, and is arguably the big thing in Nigerian agriculture. Many big businesses, entrepreneurs, retired uncles, job seekers and Nigerians living overseas are making inroads into the sector, either to pursue their keen interest in livestock farming or to rake in big money.
In the last decade Nigeria’s poultry farming industry has changed into a full-blown sustainable business sector, and contributed greatly to the nation’s economic stature.
Like me, there are numerous supporters of poultry farming in Nigeria, who in some way or another, are trying to draw focus and promote this old but growing sector, and highlight its benefits. The most notable feature of poultry farming is that it ensures phenomenal returns in a blink of an eye, but it is also sensitive. With a population of about 160 million, where most citizens consume poultry products on a regular basis, Nigeria is a lucrative market that continues to grow.
Why Choose Poultry Farming?
One of the reasons behind the dramatic rise of poultry farming in Nigeria is the non-dependence on educational background. Every citizen can practice the occupation, irrespective of his or her educational status.
The profession can also be pursued with limited capital and resources, but huge return on investment is assured, if you are meticulous and diligent in how you set up and run your operations.
Another reason for the rising success of this field is the growing rate of chickens. A chicken becomes fully-developed and matures quite faster. For instance, a goat takes a time span of 2-3 years to mature completely, but within 28 weeks from birth, a chicken can reach a fit state and size that it can be sold at market.
Let’s take a deep look into the benefits of poultry farming in Nigeria
1. Reproduction Rate of Chickens: Business in Poultry Farming in Nigeria never leaves you barehanded because you never run out of stock. An average chicken hatches eggs almost every day and four times in a week. Some breed of chickens can produce around 325 eggs a year. By this account, your chickens will produce one egg a day that you can sell every day of the year. leaving out some dry days. If these figures are anything to go by, a chicken can give birth to another chicken twice in three days. Talking bigger, if you breed 500 layers, they will reproduce an astounding 12,000 chickens within a time gap of just 40 days.
2. Chickens Mature Faster: As discussed earlier, a baby chick becomes a full-grown, egg-bearing chicken in a jaw-dropping 28 weeks. This means a pullet is ready to be sold in market as a full-feathered chicken in just seven months. Taking into account such a fast-development process, a farmer can reap returns on investment within 34 weeks of the farm being in operation.
3. Large Markets: The demand for chicken never dies. In fact, it is always there and increasing. In Nigeria, a chest of smaller eggs is purchased for N500-N550, while the bigger ones demand an asking price of around N600-N650. A crate contains 30 eggs. Therefore, you will be receiving approximately N300,000 if you have 500 healthy chickens.
4. High Value, Good Price: Without a doubt! Raising your own flock of chicken will make you realize how lucrative poultry farming is in Nigeria. A customer in Nigeria can easily shell out N2000 – N2500 for a fertile layers chicken. Multiply the amount with the cost if you have 12000 layers in your farm. Now do you see how lucrative poultry farming is in Nigeria?
An old layer chicken in Nigeria costs around N1000 to N1200. If you had 500 old layers, you can make up to N600,000 residual income. Then use this money to reinvest to buy a new younger and more fertile flock of layers chicken. Every 12 to 24 months you can continue this cycle for continued success.
A 7-week broiler sells for N100.00 to N1200.00. A broiler aged 12 weeks and above will sell for N3000 to N4000.
4. A Rich Source of Protein: Poultry products are a tremendous source of protein, and a key nutrient for a healthy mind and body. Protein is essential for body functioning, energy and muscular development. Also, poultry products are delicious, great in taste and can be used in a range of Nigeria, African and worldwide dishes. For these reasons alone, it is safe to say that the demand for poultry products will never diminish.
For me, poultry farming is the best bet if your considering entering the lucrative world of agriculture. As long as you follow the basic rules that I outlined in my previous blog post, it is a clear-cut source of wealth.
Do you agree with the points that I’ve made in this blog post? Please share your thoughts and any experience you have had with poultry farming.
