Start a backyard poultry operation

Local chicken sells year-round and a broiler cycle runs 45 days. This kit covers the starter coop, chicks, feed, disease prevention and selling — at real market prices.

1. 1

   Size the first cycle

   Start with 25–50 birds, no more: first-cycle losses are your tuition. A simple coop (mesh, wood, sheet roof) on 10 m² is enough; shade and ventilation matter more than materials.

2. 2

   Chicks and feed

   Buy chicks from a recognised hatchery (never roadside) and starter feed by the full bag — feed is 60–70% of your cost price. Poultry input-supplier offers circulate on Oppium.

   ⚡ Live on Oppium: matching opportunities for this step
3. 3

   Disease prevention: the non-negotiable line

   Newcastle and Gumboro vaccination on exact dates, clean water changed daily, footbath at the entrance. A vet or livestock auxiliary in your area sets the schedule — their visit costs less than a lost batch.

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4. 4

   Sell BEFORE slaughter weight

   At day 30, prospect: grill houses, restaurants, poultry traders, neighbours. The goal is 80% of the batch reserved before day 45 — every extra day is paid in feed. Post your availability on Oppium to reach buyers in your area.

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5. 5

   Reinvest and scale

   Keep the cycle sheet (purchases, losses, sales): three documented cycles form the file that convinces a savings cooperative, DER/FJ or a livestock support programme to finance scaling to 200 birds.

   ↗ DER/FJ

   ⚡ Live on Oppium: matching opportunities for this step