Globally, poultry farming has become the backbone of animal protein supply.
The Food and Agriculture Organization reports that over 130 million tons of poultry meat are produced every year, and egg production exceeds 1.4 trillion pieces worldwide.
What makes this significant is the fact that poultry provides about 38% of the total animal protein consumed globally.
It’s cheaper, faster to produce, and has fewer cultural restrictions than other livestock meats like beef or pork.
This accessibility makes poultry farming one of the most inclusive agribusinesses in the world.
In Nigeria and most parts of Africa, poultry farming has evolved from backyard operations to intensive, technology-driven businesses.
Smallholder farmers who once reared ten birds at home are now managing flocks of thousands.
The demand for poultry products keeps increasing because of urbanization and population growth.
With Nigeria’s population projected to hit 230 million by 2030, the demand for affordable animal protein is expected to rise by over 40%.
The country consumes about 1.5 million metric tons of poultry meat annually, but produces less than 600,000 tons locally.
This production gap has led to a rise in importation and smuggling, signaling untapped potential for local farmers willing to scale up.
Broilers, which are raised for meat, can be ready for market in just 6 to 8 weeks, while layers start producing eggs within 18 to 20 weeks.
A single hen can lay about 250 to 300 eggs annually under proper management.
That means a poultry farmer with 1,000 birds could produce up to 300,000 eggs a year, a substantial income stream in any economy.
Beyond profitability, poultry farming contributes to nutrition and health.
Eggs are among the most complete natural foods, rich in high-quality protein, vitamins, and essential minerals.
The World Health Organization(WHO) identifies eggs as one of the best and most affordable sources of protein, especially for developing countries.
A 2023 Statista report estimated that global egg consumption per capita rose from 230 eggs annually in 2010 to over 290 eggs in 2023, a clear indication of how essential poultry products have become in modern diets.
How to Start Poultry Farming
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, the global poultry industry produces over 134 million tons of meat annually, and the demand for poultry products is projected to rise by 85% by 2030.
This surge is driven by population growth and changing dietary preferences, especially in developing regions like Africa, where poultry meat and eggs remain the cheapest sources of animal protein.
The Nigerian poultry industry itself is a powerhouse.
It’s currently valued at over ₦1.6 trillion, employing more than 25 million people across the value chain.
The Poultry Association of Nigeria estimates that the country produces over 650,000 metric tons of chicken meat and 14 billion eggs yearly, making it the largest producer of eggs in Africa.
Yet, despite this scale, demand still exceeds supply.
Nigeria consumes nearly 1.5 million metric tons of poultry meat annually, leaving a deficit that is often filled through importation or illegal smuggling.
Identifying your purpose
You need to decide whether you want to rear birds for meat(broilers), eggs(layers), or breeding(parent stock).
Each category has its dynamics.
Broilers grow quickly and are ready for sale in six to eight weeks, making them suitable for quick turnover.
Layers, on the other hand, take longer to mature but provide continuous income through egg production.
Breeding operations require higher expertise and capital because they involve producing day-old chicks sold to other farmers.
Globally, commercial broiler operations dominate the industry, accounting for nearly 80% of poultry meat production, while layer farms represent the backbone of the egg market, producing over 1.4 trillion eggs annually.
Location
The success of your farm depends largely on where it’s sited.
Poultry farms thrive in environments that balance accessibility with biosecurity.
You want a site that is far enough from residential areas to reduce disease risks but close enough to markets and feed suppliers for operational efficiency.
In Nigeria, agricultural experts recommend locating poultry farms at least 500 meters from human settlements.
The land doesn’t have to be massive; a plot of land can hold hundreds of birds if properly planned.
However, what matters most is drainage, ventilation, and protection against predators.
Housing comes next
Poultry housing is not just about putting up a structure; it’s about creating the right microclimate for bird comfort and productivity.
The design must allow proper air circulation, control temperature, and minimize moisture buildup.
In tropical countries like Nigeria, heat stress is a major challenge that reduces feed intake and egg production.
According to research by the National Veterinary Research Institute(NVRI), farms that maintain temperatures between 18°C and 30°C record 25% higher productivity compared to poorly ventilated farms.
The materials used can vary from wood and blocks to bamboo and galvanized sheets, depending on the budget.
What matters most is maintaining a clean, well-aerated, and secure environment.
Next comes the stock
The quality of your chicks determines the foundation of your farm.
Always source day-old chicks from certified hatcheries that maintain high biosecurity standards.
Because poor-quality chicks can lead to stunted growth, high mortality, and disease outbreaks.#
In Nigeria, reputable hatcheries like Amo Byng, CHI Farms, and Zartech have built strong credibility in chick production.
Globally, hatcheries in the Netherlands, Brazil, and the U.S. lead the world in producing superior hybrid strains known for high feed efficiency and productivity.
Feeding is the heart of poultry farming.
Birds convert feed into either meat or eggs, and the efficiency of that conversion determines profitability.
On average, feed accounts for 70% of total production costs.
A broiler consumes around 4.5 kilograms of feed before it reaches market weight, while a layer eats roughly 110 grams per day.
The quality of feed directly affects output. Balanced feed must contain proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals in appropriate proportions.
In Nigeria, the reliance on maize and soybeans as key ingredients has led to rising feed prices due to inflation and supply chain disruptions.
In 2024, the average price of a 25kg bag of broiler starter feed rose to ₦12,000 from ₦7,000 in 2021, a 71% increase.
Some farmers are now experimenting with alternative ingredients such as maggot meal, cassava peels, and moringa leaves to cut costs while maintaining nutritional quality.
Water is another critical but often overlooked factor
A bird’s body is about 70% water, and inadequate or contaminated water can drastically affect health and productivity.
Clean, fresh water must be provided at all times.
Studies show that broilers deprived of water for 12 hours can lose up to 10% of body weight, while layers reduce egg production significantly under water stress.
Using drinkers that minimize spillage and regular cleaning of water lines can prevent bacterial contamination and respiratory diseases.
Poultry health management is the lifeblood of sustainability.
Diseases such as Newcastle disease, Avian Influenza, Fowl Cholera, and Coccidiosis are the biggest threats to profitability.
In 2023, the Nigerian poultry industry reportedly lost over ₦100 billion to Avian Influenza outbreaks across several states.
These diseases are preventable through strict biosecurity measures, vaccination, and good hygiene. Every poultry farm must establish a vaccination schedule under veterinary guidance.
Footbaths at entry points, controlled access to the farm, regular disinfection, and rodent control are fundamental.
Globally, countries with advanced poultry systems maintain mortality rates of less than 5%, but in Nigeria, smallholder farms often experience rates as high as 20% due to poor management and lack of training.
Monitoring performance
Successful poultry farmers treat data as gold.
You need to record feed consumption, weight gain, mortality, and egg production daily. These numbers tell you what’s working and what’s not.
For instance, if feed conversion ratios(FCR) rise above 2.0 in broilers, it signals inefficiency.
Globally, the best commercial farms achieve an FCR of around 1.6, meaning they produce 1 kilogram of meat from 1.6 kilograms of feed.
The closer your figures are to that benchmark, the better your profitability.
Marketing is where many farmers either make or lose money.
You can produce the best birds, but without a clear marketing plan, your profits may slip away.
The Nigerian poultry market is competitive, but it’s also vast.
Urban centers like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt consume thousands of tons of poultry products weekly.
Restaurants, hotels, and fast-food chains rely heavily on poultry suppliers.
Developing direct relationships with these clients or leveraging online channels can help secure steady demand.
Globally, e-commerce is transforming poultry sales.
In countries like India and South Africa, digital farm-to-table platforms have emerged, connecting poultry farmers directly with consumers and retailers, cutting off middlemen and increasing margins.
Financial discipline is key
Many first-time poultry farmers fail because they underestimate startup and operating costs.
A small-scale poultry farm with 500 broilers can cost between ₦1.5 million and ₦2.5 million to set up in Nigeria, depending on infrastructure and feed costs.
But if properly managed, the same farm can yield profits of ₦700,000 or more per cycle.
Layer farms take longer to break even, usually after six to eight months, but provide long-term stability since egg sales are continuous.
Globally, profit margins in poultry farming range between 15% and 30%, depending on efficiency, market conditions, and scale.
Sustainability is the new frontier
Poultry waste, once considered a problem, is now an opportunity.
Manure can be converted into organic fertilizer or biogas, reducing environmental impact and generating additional income.
In Ghana, poultry farms are integrating solar-powered systems and organic waste recycling to cut energy costs and improve sustainability.
The FAO projects that circular poultry farming, where nothing is wasted, will dominate the next decade as the world seeks greener agricultural practices.
The future of poultry farming lies in precision and purpose.
You must start small but think big.
Every great poultry business today, from Tyson Foods in the U.S. to CHI Farms in Nigeria, began as a small operation fueled by passion and discipline.
Tyson Foods started in 1935 with a single truck delivering chickens to local markets; today, it’s one of the world’s largest food companies, processing over 37 million chickens weekly.
In Nigeria and across Africa, the potential is massive.
The continent’s poultry meat consumption is projected to rise from 11 million tons in 2020 to 20 million tons by 2040.
With the right infrastructure, technology, and policies, Africa could become a net exporter of poultry products.
The private sector is already taking the lead; companies like Amo Byng and Olam are setting up modern hatcheries and feed mills, empowering thousands of farmers in the process.
Globally, poultry farming will continue to grow as consumers demand healthier, affordable protein.
Unlike beef or pork, poultry has a smaller carbon footprint, making it more sustainable in an era of climate consciousness.
The International Poultry Council reports that modern poultry production emits 50% less greenhouse gas than it did 30 years ago, thanks to better genetics, nutrition, and management. That’s proof that farming can be both profitable and planet-friendly.
How profitable is the poultry business
Across the globe, poultry farming remains one of the fastest-growing agribusiness sectors because of its quick turnover and massive demand.
The Food and Agriculture Organization estimates that global poultry meat production surpassed 134 million metric tons in 2023, representing nearly 40% of total meat output worldwide.
Egg production exceeded 1.4 trillion pieces that same year.
Those aren’t just numbers; they represent one of the most consistent cash-generating industries in the global food economy.
The reason is simple: poultry farming bridges the gap between affordability and demand.
Poultry products are cheaper than beef or fish, yet packed with essential protein.
That affordability makes poultry the most consumed meat in many developing and developed countries.
In Nigeria, poultry farming is a multi-trillion-naira industry.
According to the Poultry Association of Nigeria(PAN), the sector contributes over ₦1.6 trillion to the economy annually and employs more than 25 million people directly and indirectly.
Nigeria is Africa’s largest egg producer, generating over 14 billion eggs yearly.
Yet, despite this scale, the country still imports large volumes of frozen chicken, legal or otherwise, to meet local demand. That gap between production and consumption highlights untapped potential.
The market is hungry, literally and economically, for more efficient poultry entrepreneurs.
The profitability of poultry farming begins with its fast turnover.
Unlike cattle that take years to mature, broilers can be ready for sale within six to eight weeks.
In simple terms, you can start a poultry cycle and earn a profit in less than two months.
Layers start producing eggs around 18 to 20 weeks and continue for more than a year.
With each hen laying about 250 to 300 eggs annually, the math becomes compelling.
A farm with 1,000 layers could produce roughly 25,000 eggs per month.
If each egg sells for ₦100, that’s ₦2.5 million in monthly gross revenue even before accounting for other by-products like manure, which can be sold as organic fertilizer.
However, profitability in poultry farming is not just about how many birds you rear but how well you manage them.
Feed is the biggest cost driver, accounting for up to 70% of total expenses.
On average, a broiler consumes about 4.5 kilograms of feed before reaching a market weight of 2.2 kilograms.
If feed costs ₦1,000 per kilogram, that’s ₦4,500 per bird in feed alone.
If the bird sells for ₦8,000, your gross margin before labor and overhead sits at ₦3,500.
Scale that across 1,000 birds, and you have ₦3.5 million in gross profit per cycle.
That’s the kind of potential that keeps farmers committed and investors curious.
But the maths only works when efficiency is high. In developed countries like the U.S. and the Netherlands, feed conversion ratios (FCR) average 1.6, meaning birds convert 1.6 kilograms of feed into 1 kilogram of meat.
In Nigeria, most farms operate between 2.0 and 2.3 FCR due to feed quality variations and poor management.
That small difference can determine whether you’re profitable or struggling.
Reducing feed wastage, maintaining good ventilation, and preventing disease outbreaks can improve your bottom line by 20% or more.
Egg production tells a similar story.
A 2024 report by Statista noted that global egg consumption per capita rose from 230 eggs in 2010 to over 290 eggs in 2023, driven by urbanization and rising health consciousness.
Eggs are no longer just breakfast staples; they’re essential protein sources for families and food manufacturers.
In Nigeria, one crate of eggs(30 pieces) sells for an average of ₦3,500 to ₦4,000 in 2025, depending on location.
A farm with 1,000 laying hens producing 800 eggs daily can generate over ₦100,000 daily gross income.
Multiply that by 30 days, and you’re staring at roughly ₦3 million in monthly revenue from a small-scale operation.
Globally, poultry farming has shown one of the best returns on investment in agriculture.
The World Bank notes that poultry farms, when well managed, can yield net profit margins of 15% to 35% per production cycle.
In Nigeria, small to medium-scale farmers typically realize 20% to 25% profit margins if feed costs are controlled and mortality remains under 10%.
For example, a farmer investing ₦2 million in a broiler farm may clear ₦400,000 to ₦500,000 profit in two months, while a layer farm may yield ₦700,000 to ₦1 million profit monthly once egg production peaks.
One of the biggest factors that makes poultry farming profitable is scalability.
Unlike cash crops that rely on seasons, poultry runs year-round.
You can operate multiple cycles annually, reinvest profits, and expand gradually. The production cycle for broilers allows at least five to six batches per year.
The global trend supports this momentum.
In 2023, Brazil exported over 4.8 million metric tons of chicken meat, earning $9.7 billion, while the U.S. generated nearly $6.2 billion in poultry exports.
South Africa’s poultry sector, the largest in sub-Saharan Africa, contributes more than R50 billion to its GDP annually, with steady profit growth among commercial producers.
These statistics reflect a universal truth: poultry farming is profitable wherever demand, efficiency, and discipline intersect.
Poultry farming is profitable, but not without risk.
Feed price volatility, disease outbreaks, and market fluctuations can erode profits overnight.
In Nigeria, the Avian Influenza outbreak of 2023 caused over ₦100 billion in losses across several states.
Feed prices have risen by more than 70% since 2021 due to inflation and currency instability.
These challenges underscore why knowledge and planning matter more than enthusiasm.
The best farmers anticipate risks; they don’t react to them.
Smart entrepreneurs now integrate insurance, biosecurity, and local feed alternatives to protect their margins.
The rise of technology is amplifying profitability in new ways.
Modern poultry farmers are using sensors, automated feeders, and real-time temperature monitoring systems to cut labor costs and improve productivity.
In Kenya, for instance, smart poultry houses have boosted egg output by 25% and reduced mortality by 18%.
In Nigeria, agritech platforms like ThriveAgric and Farmcrowdy connect farmers with investors, ensuring capital flow and market access, two pillars of sustained profitability.
How much does it cost to start a poultry farming business?
In Nigeria today, the average cost of starting a small-scale poultry farm ranges from ₦800,000 to ₦3.5 million, depending on how many birds you plan to raise and how much infrastructure you already have.
For instance, a farm starting with 100 to 500 broilers will require less capital than one housing 2,000 layers.
The first major cost is land and housing
You need space that allows proper ventilation, hygiene, and ease of access.
If you already own land, that’s a significant saving.
But if not, renting or buying land in semi-urban or rural areas is more economical.
A half-plot of land in the outskirts of cities like Ibadan or Ogun may cost between ₦200,000 and ₦500,000.
Constructing a basic poultry pen that can house 500 birds costs around ₦350,000 to ₦700,000, depending on materials.
Concrete floors, wire mesh, feeders, and drinkers all add to the cost.
Commercial farms that require automated systems, electricity, and water supply can push the construction cost higher, sometimes exceeding ₦5 million for large-scale setups.
Next comes the cost of stock
In 2025, the price of a day-old chick in Nigeria ranges from ₦900 to ₦1,300 for broilers and ₦950 to ₦1,200 for layers, depending on the hatchery and breed. If you start with 500 broilers at ₦1,000 each, that’s ₦500,000 just for the birds.
For layers, the initial cost is slightly higher because they require longer feeding before egg production begins.
However, the return is continuous once they start laying, typically after 18 to 20 weeks.
Feeding is the heartbeat of poultry farming and also its largest expense.
Feed accounts for about 70% of total production costs.
A broiler consumes an average of 4.5 kilograms of feed before reaching market size, while a layer eats about 110 grams per day.
In Nigeria, a 25kg bag of quality broiler feed sells for ₦12,000 on average as of 2025, up from ₦7,000 in 2021.
That price increase reflects inflation and feed ingredient scarcity, especially maize and soybean meal.
For 500 broilers, you’ll need about 2,250 kilograms of feed, roughly 90 bags, costing ₦1.08 million.
That means feeding alone can exceed the cost of purchasing the chicks.
However, efficient feeding practices, good breed selection, and balanced rations can improve profitability and reduce waste.
Water and electricity are smaller but essential expenses. Birds need constant access to clean water, and a borehole or water storage system will help maintain hygiene.
Setting up a small water system might cost around ₦100,000.
Electricity for lighting and brooding can add another ₦30,000 to ₦50,000 per cycle, depending on your power source.
Many farmers now use solar energy to cut recurring costs and maintain consistent heating for chicks.
Then there’s the cost of labor and veterinary care.
If you’re managing the farm yourself, labor costs are minimal.
But for larger operations, you’ll need attendants to feed, clean, and monitor the birds.
Wages for a farmhand range from ₦40,000 to ₦70,000 monthly in Nigeria.
Vaccination and medications are mandatory to prevent diseases like Newcastle, Coccidiosis, and Gumboro.
A complete vaccination schedule for 500 birds may cost about ₦25,000 to ₦50,000, including antibiotics and vitamins.
Preventive healthcare is always cheaper than losing your flock to disease; one outbreak can erase your entire investment overnight.
Globally, poultry farming’s cost structure follows a similar pattern.
In the United States, starting a small poultry business costs about $10,000 to $25,000, while large commercial farms exceed $250,000 in setup and operational costs.
In Kenya, the average cost to start a 500-bird broiler farm is KSh 250,000 to KSh 400,000(approximately ₦1.5 million to ₦2.5 million), producing profits of up to KSh 100,000 per cycle.
These figures reveal that, regardless of location, poultry farming has a relatively low entry barrier compared to other livestock ventures but offers faster and higher returns.