Sri Lanka’s rich agricultural heritage and tropical climate make it ideal for backyard poultry farming—a practice deeply embedded in rural livelihoods. Contributing 0.38% to the national GDP and accounting for 64% of the livestock sector’s output, poultry farming is a vital source of protein and income. Village chickens alone produce ~15% of the country’s eggs, often commanding premium prices (LKR 55–65 per egg) due to consumer perceptions of higher nutrition. This guide equips beginners with practical strategies to launch a sustainable backyard enterprise.
1. Why Backyard Poultry Farming?
Backyard farming aligns with Sri Lanka’s socio-economic and environmental needs:
- Low Investment: Requires minimal capital for housing, feed, and chicks.
- Nutrition Security: Provides daily protein through eggs and meat.
- Climate Resilience: Native breeds thrive in free-range systems, reducing reliance on commercial feed .
- Women Empowerment: Over 60% of small-scale poultry farmers are women, enhancing household income equality.
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| Image by Reijo Telaranta from Pixabay |
2. Choosing the Right Breeds
| Breed Type | Purpose | Key Traits | Annual Yield |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Village | Eggs/Meat | Heat-tolerant, disease-resistant | 80–100 eggs |
| Cobb 500 | Meat | Fast growth (slaughter in 6–7 weeks) | 2.5–3 kg live weight |
| Lohmann Brown | Eggs | High production, adaptable | 300–320 eggs |
| Ceylon Jungle Fowl | Dual | Indigenous, scavenging ability | 60–70 eggs |
3. Housing and Infrastructure
Proper housing protects birds from predators, rain, and disease.
Key Requirements:
- Space: Allow 3–4 sq ft/bird indoors and 10 sq ft/bird in outdoor runs.
- Ventilation: Use mesh windows to prevent respiratory diseases.
- Flooring: Elevate coops 1–2 ft above ground to avoid flooding.
- Nesting Boxes: Provide 1 box per 5 hens (filled with paddy husk or straw).
- Cost-Saving Tip: Use bamboo, cadjan, or recycled wood for construction
4. Feeding Strategies
Backyard poultry can cover 30–40% of dietary needs through scavenging.
Supplement with:
Feed Options:
- Kitchen Scraps: Vegetable peels, cooked rice, and leftover grains.
- Local Resources: Rice bran, maize, coconut kernel, and termites.
- Commercial Feeds: Use starter (0–8 weeks) and layer/grower feeds as needed.
Daily Requirement: 70–100 g/bird. Reduce costs by fermenting feed or growing protein-rich plants like murunga
5. Health Management
Disease prevention is critical for flock sustainability.
Essential Practices:
Vaccination: Administer free Newcastle disease vaccines (available via government vets). Also vaccinate against Gumboro and fowl pox.
Biosecurity:
- Quarantine new birds for 2 weeks.
- Disinfect footwear and equipment weekly.
- Restrict wild bird access with nets.
- Common Diseases:
- Newcastle Disease: High mortality, gasping.
- Coccidiosis: Bloody droppings, lethargy. Treat with amprolium.
- Warning: Only 16.7% of Sri Lankan farmers understand biosecurity—prioritize learning this
6. Economic Viability & Marketing
A typical flock of 20 hens can generate steady revenue:
Income Streams:
| Product | Price (LKR) | Monthly Revenue (20 hens) |
|---|---|---|
| Eggs (Village) | 55–65/egg | 8,250–9,750 (150 eggs) |
| Meat (Live bird) | 800–1,000/kg | 16,000–20,000 (20 birds) |
| Organic Manure | 50/kg | 1,000–2,000 |
Marketing Channels:
- Local Markets: Sell eggs/meat at polas (fair prices).
- Eco-Stores: Target urban consumers seeking "organic" products.
- Tourist Hotels: Supply free-range eggs via cooperatives
7. Overcoming Challenges
Mitigate Risks with These Steps:
- Disease Outbreaks: Join farmer groups for bulk vaccine purchases.
- Feed Costs: Grow fodder (kurakkan, maize) and use black soldier fly larvae as protein.
- Predators: Secure coops with wire mesh and motion-sensor lights.
- Climate Stress: Provide shade nets and electrolyte-rich water (e.g., coconut water) during heat
8. Sustainability Practices
Adopt eco-friendly methods to enhance resilience:
- Waste Management: Compost manure for vegetable plots.
- Water Conservation: Use drip feeders to reduce wastage.
- Biodiversity: Plant papaya or moringa around runs for shade and feed.
- Integration: Combine poultry with crop farming ("circular agriculture")
Conclusion: Your Path to Success
Backyard poultry farming in Sri Lanka is a low-risk gateway to entrepreneurship that bolsters food security and income. Start small (10–20 birds), focus on disease prevention, and leverage local resources.
Take Action Today:
- Source chicks from trusted suppliers (e.g., government farms).
- Attend training via the Department of Animal Production and Health.
- Join a collective to amplify bargaining power.
- Backyard poultry isn’t just farming—it’s reclaiming resilience.
Contact DiAgri Consultancy Service : + 94729033257
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