Poultry encyclopedia · NEXTEKCI School · Trades and the poultry industry
Starting in poultry farming: the steps
A successful start in poultry farming takes preparation: defining the project, choosing the land, building a suitable house, finding finance and getting trained before the first flock arrives. Starting small and learning from each flock remains the safest path.
Key facts
- Step 1
- Define the project and the market
- Step 2
- Choose the land and build the house
- Step 3
- Finance without borrowing beyond your means
- Step 4
- Get trained, then start small
Defining the project
Which production (broilers, coloured chickens, layers)? For which customers? With how much time available? A clear project starts with a simple study of the local market: who buys, when, and in what form (live, dressed, eggs).
A small project that sells well is better than a large one with no buyers.
Choosing the land
The land must be accessible all year round, have a reliable water source, be well drained and far enough from homes and other farms. It is worth checking there is no land dispute and that the activity is allowed there.
Also think about electricity, vehicle access (chicks, feed, buyers) and room to expand.
Building a suitable house
In a hot climate, the basis is an open-sided house, oriented to limit direct sunlight, well ventilated and with an insulated roof. The floor must be easy to clean and the entrance equipped with a footbath.
Brooding equipment (heating, drinkers, feeders, litter) should be planned at the same time as the house.
Finding finance
Personal funds, family savings, microfinance institutions, banks or some support programmes can finance a project. In every case, a realistic budget is needed, covering the house, equipment and the working capital for the first flock (chicks, feed, health care) until the first sales.
The School’s profitability calculator helps prepare this budget with your own figures.
Getting trained and starting
Before the first flock, it is worth getting trained: lessons, farm visits, advice from a technician and a vet in your area. The NEXTEKCI School offers a complete free online course, from the first level to large-scale farms.
NEXTEKCI also helps with ordering chicks: collection at the Agnibilékrou hatchery from 50 chicks, delivery by carrier from 200.