Broiler chicken farming in South Africa is booming. Broiler chickens serve as a protein source for South Africans. The consumption rate of broiler chicken stands at 2.3 million tons per year.
In 2023, broiler chicken farming in South Africa attributed to a 2% increase in broiler chicken consumption. Broiler chicken compared to alternative protein sources is cheaper and more economical to sustain a household in South Africa.
Steps to broiler chicken farming in South Africa
1. Permits and Licenses In South Africa
To run a smooth broiler farm in South Africa, you need to obtain permits and licenses to operate. An organization like the South African Poultry Association sets standard procedures for poultry farming which requires you to register with them.
2. Suitable location
You need to select a suitable location to start your broiler chicken farm. The farm location must not be close to a residential area due to the stench broiler farms produce.
The location must not be a flood-prone area, it should be easily accessible by vehicle, and a good amount of water sources in the area to help with the farm operations.
3. Chicken housing
After choosing a suitable location, you need to build a structure to keep the broiler chickens. The size of the chicken house depends on the capacity of broiler chickens to raise.
The chicken house must be well ventilated for air circulation, with enough space to avoid overstocking. You have to also create a space to store broiler chicken feed, a heat and lighting room commonly known as brooding room.
4. Source broiler day old chicks
A successful broiler chicken farm heavily depends on the quality of broiler day old chicks. Make sure to purchase healthy day old chicks from reputable chicken hatcheries in South Africa.
The question is how can you tell the day old chicks are healthy and quality. The first thing you can do is to ask around if anyone purchased from the same place, check online for reviews left by customers, and lastly, you can request vaccination records.
5. Brooding broiler day old chicks
Straight from the hatchery, the first place the day old chicks should is the brooding room. The brooder room must contain a heat source with temperature adjusted between 28°C and 32°C.
Provide the baby chicks with clean water and chicken starter mash during the 14 days of brooding. Reduce heat source gradually as chickens start developing feathers.
6. Feed and water management
Broiler chickens demand more feed and water. Ensure they have enough broiler chicken feed at all times including water. Despriving them of water can result in throat injuries and mortalities among birds.
7. Health and biosecurity management
Broilers may die if their health and biosecurity is not well managed. You need to follow the broiler chicken medication charts provided by the South African Poultry Association.
To ensure a more healthy chicken production, you need restrict movement in and out of the chicken house. Allowing indiscreminet movements in and around the chicken house will infect your production with bacteria and diseases.
8. Litter management in broiler production
Broilers discharge heavy and watery waste because they consume a lot of feed and drink more water. Litter changes must be done the moment you notice the litter is soaked and wet.
Leaving the litter soaked and wet for a long time can breed bacteria infection and cause great health problems for the chickens.
9. Processing and marketing
Broiler chickens are ready to be sold in South Africa when they are 5 to 6 weeks old. A good broiler management will result in an average weight of 2 to 3 kg. The price of broiler chicken in South Africa ranges between R55.00 to R60 per kg.
10. Records management
One important thing to take into consideration when starting broiler chicken farming in South Africa is records keeping and managements. You need to keep a well and detailed records of your production as this will help you make informed judgetment in future productions.
How to start a chicken farm with no money
It is possible to start a chicken farm with no money. This can only be done when you have sponsors and the technical knowledge. When you have grants or financial sponsors, you can start a chicken farm without your own money.
List of funding for poultry farming in South Africa
- LRAD grant
- NYDA grant
- SEDA funds
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