Poultry farming is a year-round business that generates income in two main ways: selling chicken (meat) or selling eggs. Both business directions have high profit potential, but their business models, investment requirements, and revenue generation methods differ significantly.
Let's first look at the meat production business (broiler). In this model, chickens are raised that quickly gain weight and are intended exclusively for meat sales. A broiler chick reaches a weight of 2 to 2.5 kilograms in about a month and a half and is ready for sale. This allows for batches of products to be prepared 5-6 times a year, ensuring a frequent influx of profit. Furthermore, the initial capital investment in a broiler farm is lower than in a layer farm.
Layer farming, on the other hand, involves keeping hens whose function is to lay eggs. This is a source of stable and constant income. The hen starts laying eggs approximately 18-20 weeks after hatching and continues doing so for a year and a half. Daily egg sales allow for significant profit. When the laying hen stops laying eggs, it is also sold on the market as meat, which brings additional income. Experts note that the income in the egg business is more stable and higher because daily cash flow is guaranteed, and the demand for eggs is constantly high, although this requires a larger starting budget.
For novice entrepreneurs, it is recommended to start with broiler (meat) farming through contract production. Under this scheme, large companies such as Suguna and Venky's provide chicks and feed, and then purchase the finished poultry, which significantly reduces risks. Moreover, if the budget is limited, starting with a broiler farm will be more advisable.
With a budget of 200 thousand rubles, one can start with 500-600 broiler chickens. About 80 thousand rubles can be spent on setting up the shelter, and another 80 thousand on purchasing chicks, feed, and medications. The remaining 40 thousand rubles should be kept as working capital.
Calculations show that after 45 days, the average weight of one chicken reaches 2 kilograms, resulting in a total weight of 1000 kilograms for a batch of 500 birds. At an average price of 25 rubles per kilogram, the net profit from one batch can be around 25,000 rubles. Since 6 cycles can be conducted per year with an interval of 45 days, the annual income can easily reach 150 thousand rubles.
In layer farming, hens require a rearing period of up to five months before they start laying eggs. With a starting budget of 200 thousand rubles, about 300 layers can be kept. Approximately 100 thousand rubles will be needed to build the shelter and purchase cages before egg-laying begins. Over five months, keeping 300 chicks with feed and vaccines will cost approximately 90 thousand rubles.
After five months, 300 hens can yield about 250 eggs daily. After deducting feed costs, the net profit per egg is 1.50 rubles. Thus, the daily income from selling 250 eggs can amount to 370 rubles, which is equivalent to about 11,000 rubles per month. From egg sales alone, one can earn about 130 thousand rubles per year. Additionally, after a year and a half, selling the old hens can bring a lump sum of 40 thousand rubles, increasing the annual egg income to 170 thousand rubles.
Experts agree that with a budget of 200 thousand rubles, the meat business will provide faster and higher income. The reason is that in broiler farming, capital is frozen for only 45 days, allowing funds to be invested 6 times a year to increase profit. Whereas, to achieve substantial profit in the egg industry, it requires keeping between 1000 and 1500 hens.