By Aurelia Mbokazi-Kashe

When people venture into farming, poultry farming is often one of the first ideas that comes to mind. And it is easy to see why. According to the South African Poultry Association (SAPA), the local poultry industry is estimated to be worth around R65 billion, making it the second largest agricultural sector in the country. It is also the biggest employer in agriculture, providing jobs to almost 58 000 people across the value chain. Every week, about 22.5 million birds are slaughtered to meet the nation’s demand. Despite challenges such as the avian influenza outbreak that hit the industry hard in 2023, there is strong optimism about the sector’s growth in 2025 and beyond. For new and aspiring farmers, this presents an exciting opportunity.

However, like any business, success in poultry farming does not happen overnight. With the right mix of determination, access to funding, and a solid understanding of the basics, new farmers stand a good chance of thriving. Before you rush in, it is crucial to understand the key factors involved. With a little planning and preparation, you could be on your way to building a rewarding and sustainable poultry business.

In this feature, Francois Swanepoel, an engineer at the Agricultural Research Council, shares a simple guide for anyone thinking about getting into poultry farming. It walks you through everything you need to know to get started – whether you are already dreaming of your first flock or simply curious about what it takes.

Getting Started: Know Your Market and Resources

Before you dive into poultry farming, whether you are planning to raise chickens for meat or for eggs, it is important to take a few key factors into account. The most
important are your market, your resources, and your finances. First, make sure you have a reliable market for your chickens or eggs. Knowing who will buy your produce and in what quantities will help you plan how many birds you should raise.

If you produce too much without enough buyers, you risk making a loss. The price you can sell your chickens or eggs for will also influence how many you need to farm to turn a profit. Additionally, consider how far you are from your market. Transport costs can quickly add up, and the further you are, the less frequently you may be able to deliver your produce. In short, taking the time to research your market and calculate your costs before you get started will give you the best possible chance of success.

Understanding the Poultry Production Cycle
The journey begins with buying day-old chicks from a trusted supplier. If you are farming broilers, they grow quickly and are sold for meat. If you are raising layers, they first go into brooders, where they are nurtured before moving to egg-laying units. Each type is raised under different conditions, but the goal is the same — to get them healthy and ready for market.

Cost for Raising Broilers
Raising broilers is a short-term cycle, usually between six and nine weeks, meaning you can run several batches a year. But like any business, there are costs to consider —and losses, with up to 10% of chicks not making it to market.

Direct costs include buying the day-old chicks, feed (you will need different types as they grow), bedding like sawdust or straw, medicine, cleaning products and fuel for heating. Indirect costs cover things like building your coop, buying feeders and drinkers, and paying for transport and slaughtering.

Your income depends on how much each broiler weighs when sold, either live or slaughtered. You can also make a little extra by selling the chicken manure as compost. With good planning, broilers can be a solid starting point for small-scale poultry farmers.

Budgeting for Layers

Layers can be bought either as day-old chicks to raise or as ready-to-lay pullets at
about 18 weeks old. Whichever route you take, young birds and active layers need to be housed separately. Layers usually stay productive for two to three years, but egg production and quality decline over time.

Your main costs will include building materials, water supply, feeders, drinkers and
laying nests. You will also need to budget for feed, medication, cleaning products and transport for both birds and eggs. Eggs are your main source of income, with each hen producing between 150 and 230 eggs a year. Once their laying days are over, hens can be sold for meat, and chicken manure can also be used or sold as compost for gardens.

Know Your Numbers
Before diving into poultry farming, it is important to sit down and work out a basic annual budget. List your expected costs and potential income to see if the business can offer a decent return after all expenses are covered. This helps you decide if the effort is worth it and ensures your hard work will pay off.