Do you want to start quail farming? Then this post is for you, read to the end to learn how to start a successful quail farm.
Venturing into quail farming within the agricultural sector's poultry domain promises substantial profitability. This enterprise, which I aim to initiate in the coming weeks, offers a swift and high investment return.
Predominantly, quails are bred for their meat and eggs, with the latter being the more lucrative product. An effectively managed quail farm can expect each bird to lay an egg daily. These eggs, typically priced at twenty naira (N20) each, are in high demand and sell rapidly.
Quail eggs, revered for their nutritional superiority over chicken eggs, are often recommended by healthcare professionals for various health conditions such as hypertension, gastric ulcers, liver disorders, asthma, and anemia, affirming their status as a superfood. To produce fertile quail eggs, it's advisable to maintain a male to female ratio of 1:5 in the flock.
In Nigeria, quail farming is anticipated to overshadow the traditional chicken-poultry business. This shift is attributed to its higher return rates, minimal investment costs, and reduced labor requirements in comparison to chicken farming.
Contrasting with chickens that need regular medication and consume about 150 grams of food daily, quails require significantly less - about 20 to 25 grams daily, with minimal or no medication.
Quail eggs have a market price comparable to chicken eggs. However, quails reach maturity and begin laying eggs within five to six weeks, a significantly shorter period compared to the twenty to twenty-four weeks for chickens.
Financial Overview of Starting Quail Farming in Nigeria
An initial investment of N200,000, coupled with effective marketing, could yield approximately N100,000 monthly. Here's a breakdown:
1. 250 mature female quails at N500 each = N125,000
2. 50 mature male quails at N300 each = N15,000
3. Housing (2-step, 3 feet wide, 4 feet long) = N25,000
4. Feeders/drinkers = N4,000
5. Feeds (9 x 25kg bags monthly) = N22,500
6. Miscellaneous expenses = N8,500
Total = N200,000
Note: Items 1 to 5 are fixed capital costs. The prices of quails, cages, feeders, and drinkers may vary by location; Kaduna state is used as a reference here.
Profitability of Quail Farming
With each egg selling at N20, 250 female quails can produce over 225 eggs daily, or around 6,750 eggs monthly. This translates to N135,000 in monthly earnings. Quails typically lay eggs for a minimum of eighteen months. My plan is to expand the farm to 1,000 quails within two years.
Key Tips for Successful Quail Farming in Nigeria
1. Ensure the cages are secure from predators and thieves.
2. Maintain proper ventilation in the housing.
3. Regularly clean the environment to prevent disease and maintain egg production.
4. Always provide clean, accessible water as quails consume a lot of water.
5. Feed the quails high-quality food.
Marketing Strategy for Quail Eggs
Given the high demand for fertile quail eggs, an effective marketing strategy is essential. Begin by informing friends and family about your products, encouraging them to spread the word. Promote the health benefits of quail eggs through posters and leaflets in your locality, ensuring your contact details are included for potential buyers.