Broiler farming looks simple from the outside — buy chicks, feed them, sell them. In practice, the questions come thick and fast. Here are the ones new farmers ask most, answered straight.
Growth and time
How long do broilers take to reach market weight?
Under good management, broilers reach 2–2.5 kg live weight in about six to seven weeks. Slower growth usually points to feed, water, space (how many birds you keep) or health problems — track it with a broiler feeding and weight chart.
How much space does each broiler need?
Allow roughly 0.1 square metres per bird on deep litter (a floor covered with bedding such as wood shavings) — about 10 birds per square metre. Overcrowding causes slow growth, pecking and disease.
Feeding
What feed do broilers need?
A high-protein starter feed (22–24% protein) for the first 3–4 weeks, then a finisher feed (17–18%) to market. Feed and clean water should always be available.
How much feed does it take to raise one broiler?
A good flock turns feed into weight at roughly 1.6–1.8 (about 1.6–1.8 kg of feed for each 1 kg of weight gained), so a 2–2.5 kg bird takes about 3.5–4 kg of feed over the cycle. See how to formulate cheaper poultry feed in Nigeria.
Health
When should broilers be vaccinated?
Follow the hatchery's schedule — Newcastle disease and Gumboro (a disease that destroys young birds' immunity) are the common vaccines. Never skip or guess the timing.
How do I prevent disease in broilers?
Buy chicks from a reputable hatchery, vaccinate on schedule, keep the house clean and dry, provide clean water, and keep new birds separate for a while (quarantine). Learn to spot the symptoms of a sick chicken early.
What causes sudden death in broilers?
Heart problems, ascites (fluid build-up in the belly), heat stress and disease are common causes. Fast-growing birds are prone to sudden death — watch heat and ventilation.
Breeds and scale
What is the best broiler breed in Nigeria?
Cobb 500, Ross 308 and Arbor Acres are the common commercial breeds. All perform well with good feed and management.
How many broilers should a beginner start with?
Start small — 50 to 200 birds — learn the full cycle, then scale with confidence. Starting too big is a common beginner mistake.
Can broilers be raised free-range?
Not ideally. Broilers are bred for fast growth in controlled conditions; free-range slows them and raises the number of deaths. Noilers suit free-range better.
Money and selling
How do I sell broilers?
Live-bird markets, eateries, hotels and households all buy. Line up buyers before the birds are ready so you are not forced to sell off cheaply at a loss.
How much does it cost to start broiler farming?
It depends on scale and prices, which move with the naira. See our full cost of starting a poultry farm in Nigeria for a realistic planning range.
Key takeaways
- Broilers reach 2–2.5 kg in six to seven weeks.
- Give ~10 birds per square metre and feed starter then finisher.
- Vaccinate against Newcastle and Gumboro on schedule.
- Start small, track weight and feed conversion, and sell into a planned market.