2025 Cost Breakdown: Starting a Poultry Farm in Nigeria

Starting a poultry farm in Nigeria is a lucrative business opportunity, given the high demand for poultry products such as eggs and meat. However, setting up a poultry farm requires careful financial planning and budgeting to ensure profitability. This guide provides a step-by-step cost breakdown of starting a poultry farm in Nigeria in 2025, covering capital requirements, operational costs, and other essential expenses.

Step-by-Step Guide and Cost Breakdown

1. Land Acquisition and Housing Setup

Cost Estimate: ₦500,000 – ₦5,000,000+

The cost of land depends on the location. In rural areas, a plot of land may cost between ₦500,000 and ₦1,500,000, while in urban areas, it could go as high as ₦5,000,000.

• Housing Construction: Depending on the type of poultry housing (battery cages, deep litter system, or free-range), construction costs can range between ₦1,000,000 – ₦3,000,000.

2. Poultry Breed Selection and Procurement

Cost Estimate: ₦100,000 – ₦1,500,000

The choice of poultry breed will determine initial stock costs:

• Broilers: ₦500 – ₦1,000 per chick (for meat production)
• Layers: ₦800 – ₦1,200 per chick (for egg production)
• Cockerels: ₦500 – ₦700 per chick (for long-term meat production)

If you start with 1,000 birds, expect to spend around ₦500,000 – ₦1,200,000.

3. Feeding and Nutrition

Cost Estimate: ₦2,000,000 – ₦6,000,000 (per 6 months)

Feeding accounts for about 70% of poultry farming expenses. Prices of feeds vary depending on quality:

• Starter Feed: ₦8,000 – ₦10,000 per 25kg bag
• Grower Feed: ₦7,500 – ₦9,500 per 25kg bag
• Layer Mash (for egg-laying birds): ₦8,500 – ₦11,000 per 25kg bag

For 1,000 birds, you may need about 100 bags per month, translating to an estimated cost of ₦2,000,000 – ₦6,000,000 for 6 months.

READ MORE: The Importance of Agricultural Cooperatives for Small Farmers

4. Equipment and Infrastructure

Cost Estimate: ₦500,000 – ₦3,000,000

Some essential equipment includes:

• Battery cages: ₦1,000,000 – ₦2,500,000 (for 500-1000 birds)
• Drinkers and feeders: ₦100,000 – ₦300,000
• Incubators (if hatching chicks): ₦200,000 – ₦1,000,000
• Brooders (for heating): ₦100,000 – ₦500,000

5. Vaccination and Medication

Cost Estimate: ₦100,000 – ₦500,000

Poultry diseases such as Newcastle disease and coccidiosis can be devastating. Vaccination and medications are crucial:

• Vaccines: ₦30,000 – ₦100,000
• Antibiotics and supplements: ₦50,000 – ₦200,000
• Veterinary consultation: ₦50,000 – ₦200,000

6. Labor and Management

Cost Estimate: ₦500,000 – ₦2,000,000 (annually)

Hiring farmworkers depends on the farm size. Typically:

• Farm manager: ₦300,000 – ₦1,200,000 per year
• Casual workers: ₦150,000 – ₦500,000 per year
• Security personnel: ₦100,000 – ₦300,000 per year

7. Miscellaneous Costs and Unexpected Expenses

Cost Estimate: ₦200,000 – ₦1,000,000

• Electricity and Water Supply: ₦100,000 – ₦500,000
• Waste Management: ₦50,000 – ₦300,000
• Marketing and Branding: ₦50,000 – ₦500,000

Total Estimated Cost of Starting a Poultry Farm in Nigeria (2025)

Expense Category	Estimated Cost (₦)
Land and Housing	₦500,000 – ₦5,000,000+
Poultry Stock	₦100,000 – ₦1,500,000
Feeding	₦2,000,000 – ₦6,000,000
Equipment	₦500,000 – ₦3,000,000
Vaccination & Medication	₦100,000 – ₦500,000
Labor & Management	₦500,000 – ₦2,000,000
Miscellaneous	₦200,000 – ₦1,000,000
Total	₦3,900,000 – ₦19,000,000+

How to Minimize Costs When Starting a Poultry Farm

1. Start Small and Scale Gradually

If you’re new to poultry farming, consider beginning with a small number of birds and increasing stock as you gain experience. This minimizes initial risks and allows better management of costs.

2. Buy in Bulk

Purchasing feed, chicks, and equipment in bulk can significantly reduce costs. Many suppliers offer discounts for bulk purchases, helping to lower expenses.

3. Use Locally Available Materials

Instead of expensive building materials, opt for cost-effective local alternatives for housing construction. Bamboo, thatch, and locally made bricks can help cut down costs.

4. Learn Best Practices

Attending poultry farming training sessions, joining cooperative groups, and researching best farming practices can help reduce losses due to diseases, poor feed management, and inefficiencies.

5. Seek Government and Private Sector Support

Several government programs, such as the Anchor Borrowers’ Scheme and NIRSAL loans, provide financial support for small and medium-scale poultry farmers. Also, look out for agricultural grants and funding opportunities from banks and NGOs.

6. Implement Efficient Waste Management

Convert poultry waste into organic manure, which can either be used on your farm or sold to crop farmers. This reduces disposal costs and creates an additional revenue stream.

7. Invest in Disease Prevention

Rather than spending excessively on treatments, focus on preventive measures like proper vaccination, clean water supply, and adequate ventilation to keep poultry healthy and reduce medical costs.

Conclusion

Starting a poultry farm in Nigeria in 2025 requires a solid financial plan and business strategy. The total startup cost ranges from ₦3.9 million for small-scale operations to over ₦19 million for large-scale commercial farms. By understanding these costs, you can effectively budget and set up a profitable poultry business.

Key Takeaways:

✅ Choose a suitable location for cost-effective operations.
✅ Invest in quality poultry breeds and feeds for higher productivity.
✅ Regularly vaccinate birds to prevent losses from diseases.
✅ Plan for marketing strategies to ensure profitability.

Are you considering starting a poultry farm in 2025? Let us know your thoughts and questions in the comments below!