Small-Scale Poultry Farming in Nepal: The Complete Guide to Starting and Succeeding
Small-scale poultry farming in Nepal is gaining popularity as a reliable source of income, nutrition, and employment. With the ever-increasing demand for poultry products like eggs and meat, even rural poor farmers can venture into poultry farming and achieve tremendous success.Â
Below is a comprehensive guide on how to start and operate a small-scale poultry farm in Nepal, covering everything from planning and investment to housing, feeding, disease control, and profitability.
Small-scale poultry farming refers to rearing a small flock of chickens (typically 50 to 1,000 birds) for layers (egg), broilers (meat), or dual-purpose (meat and egg).
Why Choose Small-Scale Poultry Farming in Nepal?
In Nepal, the farm is particularly well-suited for practice by rural families, marginal farmers, women entrepreneurs, and young people interested in self-employment.
- Low Investment, High Return: It requires minimum capital and provides fast returns.
- Rising Demand: The demand for eggs and chicken meat is increasing in Nepal.
- Sustainable Climate: The varying agro-climatic zones of Nepal are suitable for poultry farming in almost all regions of the country.
- Employment Generation: It provides employment opportunities, especially in rural areas.
- Scalable Business: Farmers can start small and grow incrementally.
Types of Poultry Farming
Here are the following types:
Broiler Farming
Broilers are meat-raised. They grow rapidly and are commonly sold at 6 to 8 weeks of age. The breed is ideal for short-term returns.
Layer Farming
Chickens explicitly raised to produce eggs are known as layers. They start laying eggs at an age of around 18–20 weeks and can keep on laying eggs for over a year.
Layer Poultry Farming in Nepal(Source: asiafarming )
Dual Purpose Farming
Few farmers raise breeds like the New Hampshire or Rhode Island Red, which can be used for both eggs and meat.
Planning Your Small-Scale Poultry Farm
Small-scale poultry farming in Nepal is not just about raising chickens—it’s a pathway to income, empowerment, and food security. Whether you’re a youth seeking self-employment, a housewife looking to support the household, or a retiree with land and time, poultry farming can offer both livelihood and satisfaction.
Choice of Breed
Breeding choice depends on your production objectives (meat or egg):
- For Broilers: Cobb 500, Hubbard, Ross
- For Layers: Hy-Line Brown, Lohmann Brown, ISA Brown
- For Dual Purpose: New Hampshire, Australorp
Place and Infrastructure
- A well-chosen location is critical to bird health and well-being.
- Must be high and well-drained.
- Must be accessible for the delivery of feeds and the market.
- Separate from other poultry farms to avoid disease spread.
Basic infrastructures are:
- Poultry shed (east-west direction preferable)
- Water supply system
- Feed storage
- Brooding and growing area
Housing System for Poultry
Housing affects bird health and productivity. For small-scale poultry farming in Nepal, two housing systems are used:
Deep Litter System
Birds are kept on litter material (like rice husk and sawdust). It can be used for broilers and layers.
Cage System
Primarily used in layer farming. Hens are kept in groups or individual cages, which enhances egg collection but increases the expense.
Optimal Housing Conditions:
- Temperature: 20°C to 30°C
- Ventilation: Good airflow is necessary
- Lighting: 16 hours/day for layers
- Dry and clean floors
- Protection from predators
Feeding and Nutrition
Feeding accounts for nearly 70% of the total cost of production in poultry farming.
Broiler Feed
- Starter (0–2 weeks)
- Grower (3–4 weeks)
- Finisher (5–6 weeks)
Layer Feed
- Chick mash (0–8 weeks)
- Grower mash (9–18 weeks)
- Layer mash (19 weeks onwards)
Nutrient Requirements:
- Proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals
- Availability of clean drinking water 24/7
Alternatively, farmers may buy commercial feed or compound homemade feed from maize, soybean meal, rice bran, limestone, and fish meal.
Prevention and Vaccination against Disease
Birds are prone to the following diseases:
- Newcastle Disease
- Infectious Bursal Disease (Gumboro)
- Avian Influenza
- Coccidiosis
- Fowl Pox
Prevention Methods:
- Immunization schedule (weekly)
- Biosecurity (footbath, restricted entry)
- Disinfection of the poultry house
- Sick bird isolation
Marketing and Sales
Good marketing guarantees profitability.
Where to Sell:
- Local markets
- Hotels and restaurants
- Wholesalers
- Retail shops
- Direct consumers
- Online platforms (e.g., Facebook Marketplace)
Packaging and Hygiene: Clean and well-presented products get better prices. Practice hygienic slaughtering and egg handling.
Government Support and Training
The Nepal Government and most NGOs/INGOs offer support to poultry farmers:
- Subsidy for shed construction and equipment
- Agriculture loans at subsidized interest rates
- Training and skill development initiatives
- Vaccination and veterinary services
Organizations to Contact:
- Livestock Service Department
- Agriculture Knowledge Center
- Heifer International Nepal
- Nepal Agricultural Research Council (NARC)
Challenges in Small-Scale Poultry Farming in Nepal
Despite its potential, poultry farmers face several challenges:
Small-Scale Poultry Farming in Nepal(Source: savewater)
- Disease outbreak
- High feed cost
- Volatility of market prices
- Lack of technical knowledge
- Limited access to veterinary care
- Transportation issues in remote areas
Solutions:
- Join farmer cooperatives
- Regular training
- Internet linkages
- Engage with NGOs and government schemes.
- Explore alternative feed sources.
Successes and Potential for the Future
In Nepal, many small farmers have enhanced their livelihood by cultivating poultry. In districts such as Chitwan, Nuwakot, Kavrepalanchok, and Rupandehi, small-scale poultry farms are thriving, serving both local and regional markets.
With increases in organic and free-range chicken markets, there exists an opportunity to sell and brand premium prices on high-quality poultry products. Consumers in urban areas are increasingly willing to pay a premium for high-quality, traceable eggs and meat.
Beginner’s Tips
- Start small, build slowly
- Keep records (feed consumption, death rate, egg laying, income/expenses)
- Keep the environment clean.
- Attend training sessions
- Be prepared for seasonal variations.
- Prioritize customer satisfaction
Conclusion
Poultry production in Nepal is a remunerative and sustainable business, particularly for young people, women, and small-scale farmers with limited land and capital. Provided that proper planning, breed selection, feeding, healthcare, and marketing systems are adopted, it is feasible to build a sustainable venture. With access to growing market demand, government investment, and training, Nepali farmers can ensure long-run income security and food autonomy through poultry farming.
Whether you’re a beginner or someone looking to expand, the key lies in continuous learning, adapting to market needs, and maintaining a healthy flock.