The Most Profitable Time to Raise Broilers in Nigeria: A Seasonal Guide

The most profitable time to raise broilers in Nigeria typically aligns with festive periods when chicken demand peaks—primarily Christmas/New Year and Ramadan/Eid celebrations. However, success requires careful planning, as recent market conditions have shown that even traditional peak seasons can present challenges. During the 2024/2025 Christmas season, several Nigerian markets experienced weak patronage and unsold inventory, forcing farmers to cut prices after the holidays. Smart farmers now focus on confirmed preorders, controlled batch sizes, and strategic timing that accounts for the 6–8 week production cycle.

Methods: weekly market checks (Abuja, Kano, Bauchi), breeder docs, and 2024–2025 press; see sources at the end.

Policy Guardrail: This guide provides strategic insights and is for informational purposes only. The financial figures presented are hypothetical examples and do not constitute a guarantee of profit. All figures should be verified with current market data and adapted to your specific business plan.

The Best Season for Broiler Production in Nigeria

Profitability in broiler production depends on matching your harvest with local demand peaks while keeping input costs tight—especially feed, which typically accounts for roughly 50–70% of total costs in Nigeria. The Nigerian poultry sector demonstrates strong seasonal patterns, with large-scale operations often seeing greater returns due to economies of scale and better market timing. The most profitable periods traditionally center around religious and cultural celebrations when protein consumption increases significantly. New to broilers? Compare broilers vs noilers for Nigerian farmers.

Regional studies show positive margins when flock size, feed quality, and timing align; your outcome depends on local prices and management. The trick lies in backward planning from your target sale date, factoring in the typical 35–42 day growth period for modern broiler breeds like Ross 308 or Cobb 500.

Calculating Your Broiler Production Schedule

To precisely time your broiler flock for a specific market, you must work backward from your target sales date. This is the single most critical planning step. Modern broilers (Ross 308/Cobb 500) often reach market in ~35–42 days under good management. If you’re timing for Christmas or Eid, here’s why broilers should not be kept longer than 6 weeks.

1. Identify Your Target Sale Window: The goal is to have your birds at optimal weight for the key market days (e.g., December 22–24 for Christmas or a few days before Eid al-Fitr).
2. Factor in Growth Time: Most modern broiler breeds (Cobb 500, Ross 308) reach an ideal market weight of 2.5kg to 3.0kg in 35–42 days (5–6 weeks).
3. Add Processing and Marketing Time: Allow an additional 3–5 days for processing, packaging, and transporting your birds to market. This brings your total production cycle to roughly 6–7 weeks.
4. Determine Your Placement Date: Count backward 6 to 7 weeks from your target sale window to pinpoint the exact date you should purchase your day-old chicks (DOCs). For example, if you want to sell broilers on December 23rd, you should plan to place your chicks around November 1st to 7th.

Knowing the best time to sell is just the first step; your next move is to build the ideal environment for your flock to thrive. The foundation of a successful broiler business begins with a well-thought-out farm setup. For a comprehensive guide on building your farm from the ground up, refer to this detailed resource: Broiler Farm Setup Guide

Seasonal Management: Adapting to Heat and Rain

Nigeria’s climate significantly impacts broiler production costs and mortality rates, making seasonal management crucial for a profitable festive batch.

Navigating the Hot Season (February–May)

The hot season can be challenging for broilers due to heat stress. High temperatures can cause birds to pant, reduce their feed intake, and slow down their growth, which directly affects your harvest timeline and profitability.

• Improve Ventilation: Ensure your poultry house has excellent airflow. In open-sided houses, use fans to move air, and consider a north-to-south orientation to minimize direct sunlight. Heat waves crush intake—avoid the common ventilation mistakes that overheat your flock.
• Provide Cool Water: Birds drink more during the hot season. Ensure they have constant access to cool, fresh water. Adding ice to waterers during the hottest parts of the day can help keep your flock hydrated. For more tips on managing heat, check out what to feed chickens during a heatwave.
• Adjust Feeding Times: Feed your birds during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning and late evening, to encourage appetite and maximize feed intake. During Harmattan, adjust management with this Nigeria-specific guide.

Controlling the Rainy Season (June–October)

The rainy season brings high humidity, which can lead to wet litter and increase the risk of diseases like coccidiosis and respiratory issues. Learn more about managing disease risk in rainy season.

• Manage Litter: Increase the depth of your litter (wood shavings, rice husks) to absorb moisture and prevent it from becoming a breeding ground for bacteria. Stir the litter regularly to keep it dry and loose.
• Ensure Good Drainage: Make sure there’s no water pooling around your poultry house. Proper drainage prevents moisture from seeping into the house, keeping the floor and litter dry.
• Enhance Biosecurity: The wet season increases disease transmission risk. Be extra vigilant with biosecurity measures, including foot baths and restricting access to the farm.

Mastering the seasonal challenges of climate ensures your birds will be healthy and ready for market, allowing you to focus on the next critical step: understanding and conquering the market itself.

Broiler Production in Nigeria: Christmas, Easter, and Ramadan Compared

Christmas and New Year Broiler Demand

Christmas traditionally represents the strongest demand period for broilers across Nigeria, with prices typically rising 15–25% above regular market rates. Urban centers like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt experience particularly intense demand as families prepare for celebrations. During favorable years, farmers can sell large volumes quickly, generating substantial revenues.

However, the 2024/2025 Christmas season brought unexpected challenges. Economic pressures and reduced purchasing power led to weak patronage in several states, particularly in northern markets. Some farmers reported significant unsold inventory requiring post-holiday price cuts to clear stock (Daily Trust, Vanguard). This shift emphasizes the importance of securing preorders from churches, event centers, and corporate buyers rather than relying solely on walk-in retail demand, with sellers cutting prices to clear unsold stock in several northern markets.

Caution: Press coverage from the 2024/2025 Christmas season highlights market volatility. Farmers should not assume past price spikes will repeat and should focus on securing guaranteed sales through pre-orders rather than relying on speculative demand.

Post-Christmas 2024/2025 reports from Daily Trust and Vanguard documented weak patronage in northern markets and price cuts to clear unsold stock (Daily Trust, https://dailytrust.com/chicken-sellers-crash-prices-count-losses-over-low-christmas-patronage/).

Insight: The 2024/2025 season taught a crucial lesson: diversify your marketing channels. Utilize social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram to post real-time updates and engage with local communities. Secure formal agreements with corporate canteens, restaurants, and event planners to guarantee sales before your flock reaches market weight.

Easter Demand Patterns

Easter presents a moderate but reliable demand increase, particularly in Christian-majority states across southern Nigeria. The holiday typically coincides with school breaks, family reunions, and church celebrations, creating steady demand for both live birds and processed chicken. Easter demand tends to be more predictable than Christmas, with less dramatic price spikes but also lower risk of oversupply.

Smart farmers coordinate with local churches, wedding planners, and catering services to gauge Easter demand weeks in advance. The April timing often provides favorable weather conditions for broiler production, reducing heat stress management costs that plague December batches. Regional church calendars and community event schedules become valuable planning tools for optimizing Easter production volumes.

Insight: Given Easter’s more predictable nature, focus on building long-term relationships. Partner with a few key buyers who can consistently purchase a specific volume. The lower-risk market allows you to refine your production processes and build a reputation for quality.

Ramadan/Eid al-Fitr Broiler Demand

Ramadan creates unique demand patterns with evening iftar meals driving consistent daily consumption throughout the holy month. The celebration of Eid al-Fitr marks a significant demand spike, with Muslim-majority states like Kano, Kaduna, Bauchi, and Sokoto experiencing particularly strong markets. Nigeria observed Eid al‑Fitr on Sunday, March 30, 2025 (NSCIA/Sultan), and Bauchi live‑chicken prices rose to roughly ₦15,000–₦25,000 in the week prior.

The Ramadan market favors farmers who can supply consistent quality throughout the month rather than single large batches. Many successful operations stagger their production to provide fresh birds weekly during Ramadan, culminating in larger volumes for Eid celebrations. Building relationships with mosques, Islamic schools, and Muslim community organizations helps secure steady orders throughout this period.

Insight: Plan for a continuous harvest by staggering the placement of your DOCs into smaller batches. This ensures a steady supply of fresh birds, which is highly valued during this period. For example, if you have a 1,000-bird capacity, place 250 DOCs every week for four weeks leading up to Ramadan.

Eid al-Adha (Sallah) Dynamics

Eid al-Adha traditionally focuses on ram and cattle sacrifice, but 2025 saw exceptional ram prices that pushed some families toward poultry as a more affordable protein option. While not universally applicable, urban areas witnessed increased broiler substitution when ram prices exceeded family budgets. This creates a conditional opportunity—farmers should monitor ram prices and be prepared to capitalize if similar price disparities occur.

The Sallah period requires careful market intelligence since broiler demand depends heavily on the relative pricing of traditional sacrificial animals. Farmers near urban centers with diverse income levels often benefit most from this substitution effect.

Insight: Monitor local livestock market prices in the weeks leading up to Eid al-Adha. If ram prices are unusually high, you can increase your marketing efforts for broilers, positioning them as a budget-friendly alternative.

Understanding the market is only one part of the equation; to truly succeed, you must master the entire production cycle. From the moment your chicks arrive, every day counts toward hitting your target market date and maximizing your profit.

6–8 Week Production Calendars to Hit Each Festive Peak

Planning successful broiler production requires working backward from your target sale date, accounting for the standard 35–42 day growth period plus processing and marketing time. Modern broiler breeds like Ross 308 (Performance Objectives/Handbook) and Cobb 500 (Broiler Performance and Nutrition Supplement) achieve a market weight of 2.3–3.5 kg within this timeframe under proper management. The production cycle breaks down into critical phases: brooding (0–14 days), growth (15–28 days), and finishing (29–42 days).

2025/2026 Festive Season Production Calendar

Here is a quick-reference calendar for your DOC placement dates to hit the upcoming festive peaks.

Note: The dates for Ramadan and Eid are tentative and subject to confirmation based on the moon-sighting by the National Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA). Dates may shift by ±1 day.

Brooding Phase (Weeks 0–2)

The first two weeks are the most critical for a broiler’s life. Proper brooding ensures a strong start and low mortality rates.

• Temperature Control: Maintain a brooding temperature of around 32–34°C in the first week, gradually reducing it to 28–30°C by the end of week two. Use heat lamps or brooders and a thermometer to monitor the temperature closely.
• Feeder and Waterer Placement: Ensure feeders and waterers are easily accessible. Place them in a circular pattern around the heat source to encourage chicks to eat and drink.
• Ventilation: Good ventilation is crucial to remove ammonia and provide fresh air without creating cold drafts.

Growth and Finishing Phases (Weeks 3–6)

This is the period of rapid weight gain. Your focus should be on optimizing feed conversion and monitoring health.

• Feed Transition: Gradually transition from a high-protein starter feed to a grower feed around day 14 and then to a finisher feed by day 28. This ensures the birds get the right nutrients at each stage of growth.
• Space Management: As the birds grow, they will need more space. Expand their pen size and add more feeders and waterers to prevent overcrowding and stress, which can negatively impact growth.
• Weight Monitoring: Regularly check the weight of a sample of your flock to ensure they are on track to meet your target market weight. If not, adjust your feeding program.

The production calendar is the operational roadmap for your business, but the financial model is how you measure success. A deep understanding of your costs, especially the largest one—feed—is the key to turning a good harvest into a great profit.

Profit Model: Costs, Feed, and Sensitivity

Understanding your cost structure determines profitability regardless of season. According to various Nigerian studies, feed represents the largest variable cost, accounting for a substantial 50–70% of total expenses (MDPI review citing feed at ~70% of total costs; Lagos broiler study noting a range starting at 45%, depending on farm scale and management). A comprehensive cost breakdown for a typical 1,000-bird operation includes:

• Inputs: DOC price; feed price per kg; target live weight; FCR; mortality %; meds/vet per bird; labor/overheads per bird; transport/marketing per bird.
• Formulas:
  • Feed used per bird (kg) = target weight × FCR
  • Feed cost per bird = feed used × price/kg
  • Cost per marketed bird = (DOC + feed + meds + labor + transport + overhead) ÷ (1 − mortality)
  • Profit per bird = selling price − cost per marketed bird

Not sure how many bags you’ll need? See how many bags of feed for broilers by batch size. For a step-by-step budget and ration estimates, use our chicken feed calculator and cost guide. In 2025, many farmers reported feed bag prices around ₦25k–₦28k per 25 kg; update with current local quotes.

While some farmers choose to make their own, be cautious: making your own chicken feed can be complex, and broiler diets require precise nutrient ratios. Learn more about how to make your own chicken feed.

The feed conversion ratio (FCR) is a critical metric for profitability and typically ranges from 1.6–1.8 for well-managed flocks, meaning 1.6–1.8 kg of feed produces 1 kg of live weight. Farmers achieving better FCR through quality feed and management see dramatic profitability improvements.

Your financial success depends on both production efficiency and market savvy. To get a more accurate picture of your potential profits, use our interactive broiler cost calculator.

Regional Price Checks and Pre-Sales Strategy

Success in seasonal broiler production requires intimate knowledge of local market dynamics. Lagos typically offers the highest prices but also faces the most competition from imported frozen chicken. Abuja’s government worker population provides steady institutional demand, while Kano’s large population creates volume opportunities during Muslim festivals.

Effective Price Discovery

Effective price discovery involves multiple channels: visiting local live bird markets weekly, joining farmer WhatsApp groups for real-time price updates, and maintaining relationships with established buyers. The Poultry Association of Nigeria chapters provide valuable market intelligence and help coordinate group marketing efforts for better prices.

Insight: Create a simple spreadsheet on your phone or computer to track prices. Record the price per kg or per bird from at least three different markets or buyers each week. This will help you identify price trends and make more informed decisions.

Pre-Sales Strategy

Pre-sales strategies should begin 3–4 weeks before harvest. Successful farmers collect 30–50% deposits from corporate buyers, churches, mosques, and event planners. This approach not only guarantees sales but provides working capital for feed purchases during the critical finishing phase. Written agreements specifying quantity, weight, price, and delivery dates protect both parties and ensure smooth transactions.

Track weekly quotes and confirm 30–50% of volume with deposits to avoid the post-holiday discounting reported after Christmas 2024/2025.

Insight: Develop a simple one-page agreement outlining the terms of your pre-sale. This professional touch builds trust and protects you from last-minute cancellations.

The Importance of Record Keeping

Running a profitable broiler business is impossible without proper records. Detailed records help you identify trends, improve management, and make informed financial decisions.

• Financial Records: Track all income (sales) and expenses (DOCs, feed, medication, labor, utilities) for each batch. This allows you to accurately calculate your profit per bird and per batch.
• Production Records: Log the number of DOCs placed, daily mortality rates, feed consumption, and average weekly weight. This data helps you calculate your FCR and identify potential health issues early.
• Market Records: Keep a record of market prices from different regions and different buyers. This allows you to compare your sales performance and negotiate better prices in the future.

Even with the best plans, environmental factors can pose a significant challenge. A proactive approach to biosecurity is your most powerful tool against diseases and climate stress.

Risk Controls for Festive Batches

Managing risk in seasonal broiler production requires multiple strategies beyond simple market timing. Batch sizing based on confirmed orders rather than anticipated demand prevents the oversupply situations experienced during Christmas 2024/2025. Successful farmers typically commit only 60–70% of production capacity to speculative sales, reserving the remainder for confirmed orders.

Staggered placements spread risk across multiple harvest dates. Rather than placing all DOCs simultaneously, dividing purchases across 2–3 weeks creates flexibility in harvest timing and market response. This approach proved valuable for farmers who could redirect later batches when early Christmas 2025 sales disappointed.

Contract growing arrangements with processors provide downside protection. Establishing minimum price agreements before DOC placement, even at slight discounts to expected spot prices, ensures cost recovery if festive demand weakens. Cold storage access, though limited in many areas, allows farmers to process and freeze excess birds for gradual sale rather than accepting distress prices.

A key part of risk control is managing health issues proactively. If you spot symptoms of illness, this guide on chicken diarrhea: health problems and fixes can help.

Value Addition and Diversification

When market prices are low, value addition can turn a loss into a profit.

• Processing: Instead of selling live birds, process them into packaged, cut-up chicken. This adds value and appeals to a wider range of buyers, including restaurants and households that prefer convenience.
• Smoking: Smoked chicken is a popular delicacy in Nigeria and can command a higher price.
• Sale of Parts: Processed birds can be sold as specific parts (wings, thighs, drumsticks) at higher prices than selling the whole chicken.

This guide has covered every step from strategic planning to risk management. As you apply these insights, you’ll find that success is a continuous process of learning and adaptation.

FAQs on Best Season to Raise Broilers in Nigeria

Conclusion and Next Steps

The most profitable broiler farming in Nigeria is a blend of strategic planning, proactive management, and astute business practices. By carefully timing your production to match seasonal demand peaks like Christmas and Ramadan, adapting your farm to manage heat and rain, and focusing on cost control through feed and proper records, you can significantly increase your chances of success.

Remember, a successful farm is built on a solid foundation. If you are just starting, the next step is to create a detailed poultry farming business plan Nigeria that outlines your specific goals, budget, and marketing strategy. For a broader look at the industry, you can also explore how to build a profitable poultry business in Nigeria year-round. Consistent learning and adaptation to local market conditions are the keys to long-term profitability.

Data Sources: Information is based on market reports from local and international poultry organizations, official breed performance objectives from Aviagen and Cobb-Vantress, and on-the-ground market data from Nigeria’s key agricultural hubs.

Disclaimer: This guide is intended for informational purposes and should not be considered financial or agricultural advice. All business decisions should be made after consulting with local experts and conducting independent research.

Additional Resources:

• How to Check Your Chicken’s Health
• Treating a Chicken’s Respiratory Infection
• Identifying and Treating Mites and Lice on Chickens
• Treating Internal Parasites (Worms) in Chickens
• Poultry Equipment Price List in Nigeria
• FRD Poultry Farming Equipment: Prices and Reviews

Oladepo

Oladepo Babatunde is the founder of ChickenStarter.com. He is a backyard chicken keeper and educator who specializes in helping beginners raise healthy flocks, particularly in warm climates. His expertise comes from years of hands-on experience building coops, treating common chicken ailments, and solving flock management issues. His own happy hens are a testament to his methods, laying 25-30 eggs weekly.