Starting a poultry farming business is one of the most practical and profitable agribusiness ideas, especially for beginners in India. With growing demand for eggs and chicken meat, poultry farming offers regular income, faster returns, and scalable growth if done correctly.
If you are new and don’t know where to start, this guide will walk you through everything you must know—from basics and investment to profit, mistakes, and success tips.
What Is the Poultry Farming Business?
Poultry farming is the business of raising domestic birds such as chickens, ducks, turkeys, and quails for commercial purposes like egg production and meat production.
Among all types, chicken farming is the most popular and profitable for beginners due to:
- High market demand
- Short production cycle
- Easy management
- Availability of government support
Types of Poultry Farming for Beginners
Before starting, you must choose the right type of poultry farming.
Broiler Poultry Farming (Meat Production)
- Birds are raised for meat
- Ready for sale in 35–45 days
- Faster cash flow
- Ideal for beginners
Layer Poultry Farming (Egg Production)
- Birds are raised for eggs
- Egg production starts after 18–20 weeks
- Long-term steady income
- Requires more patience and management
Investment Required to Start Poultry Farming Business
- The investment depends on the number of birds, type of farming, and location.
- Approximate Cost for 500 Broiler Birds will be around 85k to 90k
- Costs may vary based on feed prices and local conditions.
Profit in Poultry Farming Business
Poultry farming can be highly profitable if managed properly.
Example Profit (500 Broiler Birds)
Selling price per bird: ₹180–₹220
Total sales: ₹90,000 – ₹1,10,000
Net profit per cycle: ₹20,000 – ₹30,000
Production cycle: 40 days
This means you can run 6–7 cycles per year, making poultry farming a strong income source.
Land & Housing Requirements
- Poultry farming can be started on small land
- Backyard or rural land is sufficient
Shed should be:
- Well-ventilated
- Dry and clean
- Protected from predators
- Properly spaced (1 sq. ft per broiler bird)
Poultry Feed Management
Feed accounts for 60–70% of total cost, so managing it properly is crucial.
Common Types of Feed:
- Starter feed (0–14 days)
- Grower feed (15–28 days)
- Finisher feed (29–40 days)
- Always use quality feed and ensure clean drinking water 24/7.
Vaccination & Disease Control
Disease is one of the biggest risks in poultry farming.
Basic Prevention Tips:
- Follow proper vaccination schedule
- Keep the shed clean and dry
- Limit visitor entry
- Isolate sick birds immediately
- Consult a veterinarian regularly
- Prevention is always cheaper than treatment.
Government Subsidy & Loans for Poultry Farming
In India, beginners can get support
Bank loans with subsidy (up to 25–35% in some cases)
👉 Visit your local animal husbandry office or bank for updated schemes.
through:
NABARD poultry farming loans
State government animal husbandry schemes
Common Mistakes Beginners Must Avoid
- Many beginners fail due to small but costly mistakes:
- Starting without basic training
- Overcrowding birds
- Poor ventilation
- Using low-quality feed
- Ignoring vaccination
- Not studying the local market
- Learning before starting saves money and stress.
Is Poultry Farming Business Good for Beginners?
Yes, poultry farming is one of the best agribusinesses for beginners because:
- Low entry barrier
- Fast returns
- Growing demand
- Easy to scale
- Suitable for rural and semi-urban areas
- With proper planning and discipline, even small farmers can earn good profits.
Final Thoughts
The poultry farming business is not a “get rich quick” scheme, but it is a reliable and profitable business when done the right way. Start small, learn from experience, focus on bird health, and gradually expand your operations.
If you are serious and consistent, poultry farming can become a long-term income source and successful business.