A Nigerian woman has taken to social media to voice the financial struggles her husband is facing after venturing into small-scale poultry farming for the Christmas season. The man, who reared chickens specifically for sale during the festive period, is now grappling with alarmingly low customer patronage, putting his investment at risk.
High Investment Meets Disappointing Returns
According to the wife, who shared the experience on her TikTok account @honeydeecloset, this was her husband's first attempt at commercial chicken rearing. The venture required significant upfront capital, primarily spent on feeding the birds. He reportedly used at least four bags of specialized chicken feed every month, with each bag costing a substantial N27,000.
After months of careful rearing and considerable expense, the chickens have now matured and are ready for the market. However, the anticipated Christmas rush has not materialized for the new farmer. Instead of a steady stream of buyers, he is facing a severe lack of customers. The few potential buyers who have shown up are making offers deemed far too low, typically between N10,000 and N15,000 per bird, which does not cover the high cost of production.
Social Media Reactions and Shared Struggles
The online post sparked a wave of reactions from other Nigerians who have faced similar hurdles in agribusiness. Many commenters echoed the sentiment that poultry farming is a challenging venture, especially for newcomers. One user, @Robert Harvey, succinctly called it a "Business and waste of money."
Another, @INNER ROOM, shared a personal tale of regret: "Na so dem dey price my chicken anyhow last 2years oooo....i com dey regret ever going into the business aswear." The comments section turned into a forum where others, like @nanalicious momma, revealed they were in the same boat, staring down unsold stock. Some offered practical advice, with @joel suggesting early marketing to neighbors and church members as a key strategy, and @crafted wigs in Nigeria recommending broader online advertising on platforms like Facebook and TikTok.
A Wider Trend of High Prices and Low Sales
This individual story reflects a broader, paradoxical trend in Nigeria's poultry market ahead of Christmas. While reports indicate that poultry farmers have released new, higher prices for chickens due to skyrocketing feed costs—with broilers reportedly selling between N15,000 and N25,000—many small-scale producers are finding it difficult to actually sell their birds at these prices. The market is caught between the high cost of production and the purchasing power of consumers, leaving new entrants particularly vulnerable.
The experience serves as a stark reminder of the risks inherent in small-scale agriculture. It highlights the importance of market research, strategic timing, and having a solid sales plan before investment. For this husband and wife, the festive season has brought more financial anxiety than celebration, as they hope for a last-minute turnaround to salvage their poultry business venture.
