Broilers or layers: Which makes more money in 6 months?
Dr. Joseph Deji-Folutile, a poultry expert and founder of the AgriMillions Network, addresses a common question for aspiring farmers: “Should I raise broilers or layers, and which will give me more money in six months?” Dr. Deji-Folutile explains that while both are profitable, they have different financial trajectories. “Some people say broilers are the fastest […]
The Broilers section of one of the revamped farms
Dr. Joseph Deji-Folutile, a poultry expert and founder of the AgriMillions Network, addresses a common question for aspiring farmers: “Should I raise broilers or layers, and which will give me more money in six months?”
Dr. Deji-Folutile explains that while both are profitable, they have different financial trajectories.
“Some people say broilers are the fastest way to cash. Others say layers provide long-term daily income. Both are correct in their own way,” he said, emphasizing that farmers must consider the unique characteristics of each.
Below, Dr. Deji-Folutile outlines the pros and cons to help farmers make an informed decision:
Broilers: Fast Cash, Fast Risk
Broilers are raised for meat and are ready for sale in about 6 to 8 weeks. This allows for multiple cycles within six months. If a single batch of 100 broilers yields a profit of up to N150,000, a farmer could potentially make N450,000 in six months.
However, broilers are sensitive, and small mistakes in feeding, medication, or temperature can lead to high mortality. The market price is also unstable, and a price crash can wipe out profits. Most importantly, you only earn money when you sell, not daily.
Layers: Slow start, daily income
Layers are raised for egg production and take about five months to start laying.
The initial period requires significant investment without immediate returns.
Once they start laying, however, the income becomes consistent.
A farmer with 200 layers could produce about 10 crates of eggs daily.
At N1,000 per crate, that’s a gross daily income of N10,000, or a net profit of N150,000 to N180,000 per month for the next 12 to 14 months. Layers offer steady, predictable income, which is ideal for building long-term wealth.
What a 6-month period looks like
Broiler Farmer: Could complete up to three cycles, potentially making N400,000 to N500,000 if everything goes perfectly.
Layer Farmer: Will just be entering early egg production with modest profits. The real, consistent income begins from the seventh month and continues for over a year.
In short, broilers can make more money initially within six months, but layers provide a consistent, long-term income stream without the stress of constant restocking and market fluctuations.
Which one should you choose?
Choose broilers if your goal is quick returns and you have reliable buyers, a secure feed supply, and experience managing fragile birds.
Choose layers if you want to build a long-term, daily-income business and have the patience and budget for a higher upfront investment.
A powerful farming strategy: Do both
Many successful farmers start with broilers to generate quick capital and then reinvest that profit into layers. This strategy combines the best of both worlds: broilers provide speed, while layers provide stability.
Ultimately, the choice depends on your goals. “Whatever you do, don’t enter poultry farming with guesswork. Enter with a plan,” Dr. Deji-Folutile advises.