How to Raise Broiler Chickens for Maximum Profit

Broiler farming is one of the most lucrative agribusinesses in Kenya today. With the growing demand for white meat, particularly chicken, many small- and medium-scale farmers are turning to broiler production for quick returns. But what does it really take to raise broilers profitably? What are the week-by-week costs, and what kind of income can you expect?

In this article, we break down the full five-week broiler farming cycle using actual budget figures, analyze the cash flow, and highlight best practices that can maximize your success in this business.

Understanding Broiler Farming

Broilers are chickens raised specifically for meat. Unlike layers, which take months to start laying eggs, broilers are grown for just 5 to 6 weeks. By the end of this period, they reach a market weight of about 1.5 to 2.5 kg depending on the breed and feeding.

This fast turnover makes broiler farming attractive — but only if you manage the operation well.

Capital Required: Starting With 100 Chicks

Let’s say you’re starting with 100 day-old chicks, the typical size for a small-scale trial or first-time operation. Here’s how the budget looks week by week:

Week 1 (Days 1 to 7): Setup and Brooding Phase

Total cost: KSh 8,975

This is the most critical week in broiler farming. Chicks are extremely delicate at this stage. Losses from cold, poor hygiene, or poor nutrition can quickly erode your investment.

Expenses:

• Day-old chicks (100): KSh 6,000
• Disinfectant (0.2L): KSh 150
• Starter mash (16.5 kg): KSh 825
• Vitamins (0.5 kg Vigosine): KSh 350
• Charcoal (1 bag): KSh 1,500 (for brooding warmth)
• Wood shavings (1 bag): KSh 150 (for bedding)

You need to provide consistent heat, clean water, and top-quality feed. Even minor lapses here can cause chick mortality, which is why it’s standard to budget for at least a 10% loss.

Week 2 (Days 8 to 14): Feeding and First Vaccinations

Total cost: KSh 2,060

The chicks are slightly more resilient now, but disease remains a real threat.

Expenses:

• Starter mash (37.2 kg): KSh 1,860
• Vaccines (Newcastle, Infectious Bronchitis, Gumboro): KSh 200

Vaccination protects your flock from devastating diseases. Don’t skip it. Many beginners make this mistake and pay for it later with high mortality or slow growth.

Week 3 (Days 15 to 21): Growth Accelerates

Total cost: KSh 3,340

This is when the birds really start putting on weight, and your feed costs go up.

Expenses:

• Starter mash (64.8 kg): KSh 3,240
• Gumboro vaccine (0.2 packets): KSh 100

At this point, birds begin eating more aggressively. It’s important to monitor feed conversion ratio (FCR), a metric that tells you how much feed it takes to gain 1 kg of body weight. The lower the FCR, the more efficient your operation.

Week 4 (Days 22 to 28): Transition to Finisher Feed

Total cost: KSh 4,820

You now switch from starter to finisher mash, which supports final weight gain.

Expenses:

• Finisher mash (94.4 kg): KSh 4,720
• Vaccines (Newcastle, Infectious Bronchitis): KSh 100

This feed is higher in energy and protein, crucial for preparing the birds for market. You’ll start noticing a major increase in weight now.

Week 5 (Days 28 to 35): Market Readiness

Total cost: KSh 6,055

This is the final stretch. All your investment comes down to how the birds perform now.

Expenses:

• Finisher mash (121.1 kg): KSh 6,055

By the end of Week 5, birds should weigh around 1.8 to 2.2 kg if management has been optimal. It’s time to harvest.

Total Production Cost: KSh 25,250

This includes all feed, medication, and basic brooding materials — but excludes permanent infrastructure like a chicken house.

If you’re building from scratch, a small wooden or iron sheet coop might cost KSh 15,000–KSh 30,000. However, this is a one-time expense.

Income and Profit

Let’s assume a sale price of KSh 400 per chicken. You’re selling 100 birds (although, realistically, a 10% mortality rate is common, so you may end up with 90 birds — more on this shortly).

Revenue:

• 100 birds × KSh 400 = KSh 40,000

Profit:

• KSh 40,000 (income) – KSh 25,250 (costs) = KSh 14,750 net profit

This is a profit margin of about 58%, not accounting for labor or housing. Not bad for 5 weeks of work.

Mortality and Risk Management

No broiler farmer has 0% mortality — it’s practically impossible. Good farmers aim to keep mortality below 5–8%.

If you lose 10 birds (10%), your income becomes:

• 90 birds × KSh 400 = KSh 36,000
• New profit: KSh 36,000 – KSh 25,250 = KSh 10,750

Still profitable, but tighter. The key here is management:

• Always have clean water available.
• Monitor temperature closely.
• Disinfect regularly.
• Avoid overcrowding.
• Use high-quality feed.

Key Tips for Success

1. Start Small, Scale Smart

Begin with 100–200 birds. Once you’re confident in your system, scale up in batches. This helps manage risk and cash flow.

2. Watch the Market

Chicken prices fluctuate. Holiday seasons (December, Easter) typically offer higher prices — up to KSh 500 or more per bird. Align your production cycle with these windows when possible.

3. Control Feed Costs

Feed accounts for over 70% of your total expenses, so optimizing this one area can dramatically boost your margins. Consider the following strategies:

• Buy feed in bulk to get discounts.
• Mix your own feed if you have the expertise and access to quality raw materials.
• Limit feed wastage by using proper feeders and feeding schedules.
• Monitor bird growth closely and avoid overfeeding once optimal market weight is achieved.

4. Plan for Disease Control

Don’t wait until disease strikes. Have a strict vaccination and sanitation schedule.

• Use footbaths and limit visitor access to reduce infection risk.
• Quarantine new chicks if you’re running multiple batches.
• Always clean and disinfect the house thoroughly between batches.
• Train yourself or your workers on signs of illness to respond early.

5. Sell Smart

Where and how you sell your broilers matters:

• Marikiti (open air markets) offer direct cash but can be competitive.
• Bulk sales to hotels or butcheries often offer lower prices but guaranteed off-take.
• Neighborhood door-to-door sales or social media marketing can fetch premium prices if you brand yourself well (e.g., “farm-fresh hormone-free chicken”).

You could also consider contract farming with big suppliers, though these come with strict guidelines and less control over pricing.

Hidden and Optional Costs

The budget we explored excluded infrastructure like the chicken house. This is often a one-time cost, but still significant:

Sample Breakdown:

• Chicken house (for 100–200 birds): KSh 15,000–30,000
• Feeders, drinkers, heating system: KSh 2,000–5,000

To avoid overcapitalizing, many small farmers start with converted sheds or small DIY structures made from timber, iron sheets, or even repurposed greenhouses.

Is Broiler Farming Worth It?

Let’s zoom out and look at annual potential.

If you do 6 cycles a year (allowing one week between batches for cleanup and prep), your yearly profit could be:

• 14,750 profit per cycle × 6 cycles = KSh 88,500

Even if mortality rises or feed prices fluctuate, a modestly-run broiler farm can earn KSh 70,000–100,000 per year on just 100 birds per batch.

Now scale that up:

• 200 birds = ~KSh 160,000 per year
• 500 birds = ~KSh 400,000 per year
• 1,000 birds = ~KSh 800,000 per year (assuming proper management and market access)

That’s why many farmers are expanding beyond backyard setups into commercial broiler farms.

Real Challenges Farmers Face

Despite the potential, broiler farming isn’t a walk in the park. Here are some common obstacles:

1. High Feed Prices

Feed prices are volatile, influenced by maize and soy costs. When prices spike, your margins shrink fast.

Solution: Plan ahead and store feed in bulk during lower-price periods.

2. Market Gluts

If too many farmers harvest at once, prices can crash.

Solution: Avoid peak supply periods or negotiate off-take deals with buyers ahead of time.

3. Power and Heat

During brooding, chicks need warmth. Power outages can kill an entire batch overnight.

Solution: Use charcoal brooders or backup LPG heating systems.

4. Diseases

From Newcastle to Gumboro, diseases can wipe out entire flocks.

Solution: Stick to the vaccine schedule, and maintain absolute hygiene.

5. Cash Flow Gaps

You spend for 5 weeks before you see any return.

Solution: Stagger batches or seek small loans to bridge the cash flow gap.

Practical Advice from Successful Broiler Farmers

We spoke to a few local broiler farmers and compiled their most actionable advice:

• “Track everything.” Keep detailed records of feed used, weight gain, and expenses. This helps identify where you’re losing money.
• “Don’t cut corners on vaccines.” It’s tempting to save KSh 100 here or there, but one outbreak will cost you thousands.
• “Plan your market before you even buy chicks.” Know where and to whom you’ll sell. Waiting until harvest time can leave you desperate and forced to sell cheap.
• “Observe your birds every few hours.” Healthy birds are active and noisy. Silence is often a warning sign.

Broiler Farming vs. Layer Farming: Which is Better?

If you need quick returns and can manage high turnover, broiler farming is ideal. For long-term, steady income, layer farming might suit you better — or consider combining both once your business grows.

Final Thoughts: Is It Time to Get Started?

Broiler farming in Kenya is not just a side hustle anymore — it’s a full-blown income stream if done right.

With KSh 25,000 in working capital, a clear 5-week schedule, and a reliable market, a small broiler operation can turn a consistent profit cycle after cycle. It’s not without risks — but then again, no business is. The key is knowledge, planning, and discipline.

If you’re sitting on unused land, have access to affordable feed, and are willing to roll up your sleeves, broiler farming could be your next big move.