Facing the Realities: Common Challenges in Poultry Farming
How are your birds doing today? I trust your flock is thriving and that you’re seeing the fruits of your hard work. Congratulations on all the milestones you’ve reached so far in your poultry farming journey!
As with every worthwhile venture, the road is not always smooth. There are highs and lows — challenges that test your resolve, knowledge, and strategy.
Poultry farming is indeed a rewarding and profitable agro-business, but like any enterprise, it comes with its share of obstacles. Understanding these challenges is the first step to overcoming them. Let us explore some of the most common challenges poultry farmers face .
Disease Outbreaks – One of the greatest threats to poultry farming is the outbreak of diseases . These diseases can spread rapidly through the flock, leading to high mortality rates, reduced productivity, and major financial losses. Some factors responsible for disease entry and spread are-
- Poor sanitation on the farm, particularly, the poultry house
- Lack of vaccination,
- Ineffective biosecurity measures on the farm
Example of common poultry diseases include – Newcastle disease, coccidiosis, fowl cholera, and avian influenza.
High Cost of Feed –
Feed is the single largest expense in poultry production, making up to 60–70% of total operating costs. Price fluctuations, scarcity of quality raw materials, and competition for feed ingredients drive up costs and can significantly cut into farm profitability and sustainability if not well managed.
Market and Price Fluctuations –
The poultry market is highly unpredictable, with prices often influenced by seasonal demand, inconsistent supply, and the activities of middlemen. These factors lead to significant fluctuations in the prices of eggs and meat, making it difficult for farmers to maintain a steady income. To navigate this challenge, poultry farmers must adopt strategic planning which aligns production with peak market periods. Also, reduce reliance on middlemen and explore direct-to-consumer sales channels. This approach can help stabilize income and improve profitability.
Harsh Weather Conditions –
Extreme heat, cold, or humidity can stress poultry birds, leading to poor feed intake, low egg production, disease vulnerability, and even death. Climate-related stress emphasizes the need for well-ventilated and weather-resistant poultry housing to protect birds year-round.
Waste Management Issues –
Improper handling of poultry droppings and other farm waste poses serious environmental and health risks. It can result in offensive odours, contamination of water sources, and the spread of harmful pathogens. Effective waste management is crucial to prevent these problems. Farmers should adopt safe and sustainable disposal methods such as composting, which turns waste into valuable organic fertilizer, or biogas production, which provides an alternative energy source. These practices not only protect the environment but also contribute to the overall efficiency and profitability of the farm
Unfavorable Government Policies –
Many poultry farmers face policy-related challenges such as inconsistent regulations, importation of cheap poultry products, lack of access to credit, and inadequate government support. These issues can weaken local production and demoralize small and medium scale poultry farmers
The Root Challenge: Lack of Information
In summary, many of the difficulties encountered in poultry farming stem from insufficient access to the right information. A well-informed farmer is a prepared farmer. With the right knowledge on disease prevention, nutrition, farm management, and market trends, most of the above challenges can be anticipated, avoided, or properly managed.
As the old saying goes: “Not to be informed is to be deformed.” – Jumping into poultry farming without understanding its intricacies is a recipe for frustration and failure. But with the right guidance, training, and mindset, you can build a poultry business that thrives.
One of the reason I have created this space is to share knowledge with beginners who are interested in poultry farming, as well as, assist some old-time poultry farmers who are having challenge(s) due to lack of (adequate) knowledge about poultry farming. Some of the knowledge that will be shared are based on my personal experience. I can tell you, the feel is not pleasant when going through some of these challenging experience.
Keep learning. Stay updated. Ask questions. Seek expert advice. You don’t have to face these challenges alone—we’re here to support your journey. Let us know where you need more information, and we’ll walk with you every step of the way toward success in poultry farming.
Cheers to healthier birds and a thriving poultry business.
