A hundred birds is the classic first batch — big enough to learn the real numbers, small enough to survive a mistake. Here's how to budget it.
The budget in buckets
- Day-old chicks — 100 chicks from a reputable hatchery (strong, vaccinated stock costs more and is worth it).
- Feed — the big one. At 4–4.5 kg per bird, 100 broilers eat roughly 400–450 kg of feed to reach market weight.
- Vaccines & medication — small per bird, but essential.
- Brooding heat — a heat source for the first two to three weeks.
- Water, power and transport — plus a small buffer.
Feed dominates the total
Feed is 60–70% of your running cost. At a good feed conversion ratio of 1.6–1.8, 100 birds should reach 2–2.5 kg live weight each by six to seven weeks. Track total feed bought against weight gained — a rising ratio is your earliest warning that something is wrong.
The number that matters: cost per bird
Add everything up and divide by 100 to get your cost per bird. Your selling price must clear that number, plus your time. If it doesn't at today's prices, start smaller or buy feed smarter before you commit.
Why this is a range, not a single figure
Chick and feed prices move with the naira and the season. Use this as a planning frame and confirm current prices with your hatchery and feed mill before you buy.
Key takeaways
- 100 broilers eat roughly 400–450 kg of feed to market.
- Feed is 60–70% of the running cost.
- Work out your cost per bird — your price must clear it.
- Confirm chick and feed prices locally before committing.