Is Poultry Farming a Risky Venture?

©Shutterstock Old Ethiopian man selling a rooster in a market.

In the past, farmers went into poultry farming mostly on a subsistence basis – basically, to feed their household and sell what’s leftover in the market. Same cannot be said these days. Poultry farming has become fully commercialized. The fact that it is a business means you are either going to gain or lose depending on factors in and out of your control.

What is a business in the first place? A business is any activity which involves the exchange of benefits for both parties involved. There are risks associated with business and for that reason, if we classify poultry as such then – of course – it is a risky venture. Every business is risky. You have to play your cards well and with good fortune, you’ll make it.

Back in school, my friends and I before graduation tried to start a business. We agreed on three but due to capital constraints, we agreed on going into farming.
We travelled from Accra to a town in the Ashanti Region. I still don’t remember the name but on your way from Accra to Kumasi, before getting to Konongo, you branch to your right.

We secured land in that area and started orange farming. We lost our investment over land litigation. But as business people, we knew we could lose our investment so we weren’t too surprised.

Without fear of contradiction, I’d like to say that poultry farming has some element of risk. In the first place, it involves so much money and as a consultant, I advise people to make sure that they are ready to lose whatever they invest.
I have dealt with so many people who tell me how they failed miserably after spending so much to start a poultry farm. I asked them if they sought advice before going into it and they answered in the negative.

Poultry farming is a bit complicated and you’ll need to be coached and mentored before you make an attempt. Don’t take things for granted.
It’s for this reason we ask you to get a business plan which helps you to know exactly what to expect and the amounts involved. It’s reckless to start a business by spending so much when you have little practical knowledge or no plan at all.

With the right advice and plan, you’re on your way to success as a poultry farmer. It’s better to spend time in preparing to start than to rush, start and fail; in the process, losing so much of your life savings.

From afar poultry farming looks rosy and one to make so much money from. It’s a false belief. The potential of diseases outbreak may threaten your investment. Reptiles eat the chicks very often especially depending on your location. It’s important to take the necessary biosecurity measures.

I have witnessed people lose half of their birds due to bad practices. The weather conditions can be worrying too especially at the early stages.
Businesses face risk and uncertainty but with the right measures and advice, you’re on your way to succeeding as a poultry farmer.
Keep the faith.