- Broiler farming involves raising chickens specifically for meat production.
- It is one of the most profitable poultry businesses in India.
- Requires low initial investment and provides quick returns.
- High demand for broiler meat ensures steady market opportunities.
- Ideal for farmers and new agri-entrepreneurs looking to start a business.
- This guide explains setup cost, space, feeding, care, and profit potential.
- Best suited for beginners who want to run a successful poultry farm.
Broiler chicken farming (also known as broiler poultry farming) is one of the fastest-growing agribusiness sectors in India. With increasing demand for chicken meat due to rising protein consumption, many Indian farmers and entrepreneurs are turning towards broiler farming as a profitable venture. This guide provides a simple, step-by-step breakdown of how to start a broiler poultry farm, including setup cost, profit margins, feeding tips, and farm management practices.
What is Broiler Chicken Farming?
Broiler chicken farming involves raising chickens specifically for meat production. These chickens are fast-growing breeds that are ready for market in just 5–6 weeks.
Note: Broilers are different from layers, which are raised for egg production.
Benefits of Broiler Poultry Farming
- Quick returns: Ready for sale in 35–45 days.
- High demand: Chicken meat consumption is increasing rapidly in India.
- Low investment: Can start even with a small number of chicks.
- Employment generation: Suitable for rural and urban entrepreneurs.
Expert Tip: With proper planning and management, you can achieve 20–25% profit margins consistently.
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Growth Rate | 1.5 to 2.5 kg in 5–6 weeks |
| Break-even Time | As low as 2 months |
| Investment Return | Up to 25% per cycle |
Broiler Farming Business Models
Choose the model that fits your resources:
a. Contract Farming
- Poultry integrators provide chicks, feed, and medicines.
- You provide land and labour.
- Fixed growing charges per bird.
b. Independent Farming
- You manage everything: from chicks to marketing.
- Higher risk, higher profit.
Comparison of Broiler Business Models
| Parameter | Contract Farming | Independent Farming |
| Risk | Low | High |
| Profit | Moderate | High |
| Control | Limited | Full |
Expert Note: Beginners can start with contract farming to learn the basics.
Broiler Poultry Farm Setup Requirements
Key Requirements:
- Land: Minimum 1 acre for 1,000–2,000 birds
- Water & Electricity: Reliable supply
- Shed: Proper ventilation, temperature control
- Equipment: Feeders, drinkers, brooder, etc.
| Equipment | Quantity (for 1000 birds) | Cost (INR) |
| Feeder | 15–20 | 5,000 |
| Drinker | 15–20 | 4,000 |
| Brooder | 2–3 | 8,000 |
| Others | – | 10,000 |
| Total | – | ~₹27,000 |
Setup Tip: Always choose a location with good road access for easy transportation.
Broiler Poultry House Design
Proper shed design ensures bird comfort and productivity.
Design Features:
- East–West orientation to reduce heat
- 1 sq ft per bird floor space
- Raised platform with proper drainage
- Ventilation windows or fans
Ideal Shed Dimensions for 1000 Birds
| Parameter | Measurement |
| Length | 100 ft |
| Width | 20 ft |
| Height | 10 ft |
| Space per Bird | 1 sq ft |
Pro Tip: Use a deep litter system for better hygiene and cost-effectiveness.
Broiler Chicken Breed Selection
Popular breeds in India include:
Selection Tip: Choose high-feed conversion ratio (FCR) breeds for better profits.
| Breed | Avg. Market Weight | Time to Market |
| Vencobb | 2 kg | 35–40 days |
| Ross 308 | 2.2 kg | 42–45 days |
Broiler Chicken Feeding Chart
Feed is 60–70% of the total farming cost. A proper schedule is essential.
Feeding Schedule:
| Age | Feed Type | Quantity/Day (per bird) |
| 0–10 Days | Starter Feed | 25–30g |
| 11–25 Days | Grower Feed | 60–80g |
| 26–40 Days | Finisher Feed | 100–120g |
Feeding Tip: Always provide clean, fresh water. Add probiotics for better digestion.
Broiler Farming Cost Per 1000 Birds
| Component | Cost (INR) |
| Day-old chicks | ₹35/chick = ₹35,000 |
| Feed (3.5 kg/bird) | ₹40/kg = ₹1,40,000 |
| Medicines/Vaccines | ₹5,000 |
| Electricity & Labor | ₹10,000 |
| Miscellaneous | ₹5,000 |
| Total | ₹1,95,000 |
Cost Tip: Bulk feed purchase reduces cost by 5–8%.
Broiler Chicken Profit Per Batch (1000 Birds)
| Description | Value (INR) |
| Total Cost | ₹1,95,000 |
| Mortality (5%) | 50 birds |
| Sale (950 birds × ₹100 avg) | ₹95,000 |
| Revenue | ₹95,000 |
| Net Loss | -₹1,00,000 (unprofitable) |
Profit Scenario (₹150 per bird selling price):
- Revenue: ₹1,42,500
- Net Profit: ₹(1,42,500 – 1,95,000) = -₹52,500
Profit Tip: To ensure profit, the selling price must be above ₹200 per bird, or costs must be reduced.
Broiler Chicken Health & Biosecurity
Preventive Steps:
- Follow a vaccination schedule.
- Quarantine new birds.
- Use footbaths at the shed entry.
- Disinfect waterers and feeders regularly.
Vaccination Schedule for Broilers:
| Age | Vaccine | Disease |
| Day 1 | Marek’s | Marek’s Disease |
| Day 7 | Lasota | Newcastle Disease |
| Day 14 | Gumboro | Gumboro Disease |
Health Tip: Monitor the flock twice a day for abnormal behaviour or mortality.
Marketing & Selling Strategies
Common Channels:
- Local meat shops
- Chicken wholesalers
- Online B2B platforms
- Local mandis
Marketing Tip: Build relationships with bulk buyers like hotels or caterers.
| Channel | Profit Margin | Risk |
| Direct to Consumer | High | Moderate |
| Wholesaler | Medium | Low |
| Contract Buyer | Low | Very Low |
Government Schemes & Loans
Key Schemes:
- NABARD poultry farming subsidy
- PM FME Scheme
- State Livestock Missions
Loan Tip: You can get up to 25%–33% subsidy on infrastructure and working capital.
| Scheme | Benefit |
| NABARD | 25–33% subsidy |
| PMFME | Loan up to ₹10 lakh |
Final Tips from Experts
- Always maintain hygiene to reduce bird mortality.
- Monitor feed conversion rate (FCR) to control costs.
- Rotate crops on the litter soil to avoid contamination.
- Start with 500–1000 birds and scale gradually.
One Line Expert Tip: In broiler farming, profits come from precision and prevention.
Conclusion
Broiler chicken farming in India can be a highly rewarding venture when managed properly. From selecting the right breed to managing feed and health, every step must be handled with care. Start small, understand the market, and slowly scale your operations for long-term success.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Broiler farming means raising chickens for meat.
You need around ₹3 to ₹7 lakhs to start a farm with 1,000 chickens.
You can earn ₹12 to ₹25 profit per bird. That’s ₹15,000 to ₹30,000 for 1,000 birds.
You can raise 8,000 to 12,000 chickens on 1 acre of land.
Broilers need protein-rich feed. Use good-quality starter and finisher feed.
Broilers are ready for sale in 35 to 45 days.
Diseases, feed costs, and market price changes are the main issues.
Each chicken needs about 1 to 1.5 square feet of space.
Yes, you may need FSSAI registration and local permissions.
Yes, you can start small in your backyard with good care and hygiene.
