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How to start a lucrative Turkey Farming in Nigeria
Starting a turkey farm in Nigeria is like embarking on a journey
filled with opportunities, just like the intricate paths of love
and relationships, where every step forward is a step towards
growth and understanding. Imagine nurturing a bond, not just
with people, but with your farm, where every turkey is a
testament to your care and commitment.
Turkey production is a popular aspect of poultry farming that
comes with plenty of opportunities for agribusiness starters to
venture in to meet the demand for a good source of quality
protein.
The beauty of this business is that you can do it anywhere –
your house, your backyard, that open space where you live.
Wherever you are, whether in the village or in the city, you can
make a lot of money from turkey farming.
The growth of the Turkey industry in Nigeria has risen to 1.5- 2
million tons per year. This fast growth in the industry was made
possible by the intensification of production and development of
large breeds with standard weights ranging from 15-17 kg for
male and 8-10kg for female; some of these come from the
homestead,
It is one of the cheapest and simplest agribusinesses you can
start in the cities or right from your home. Again, turkeys are
more disease-resistant than other forms of poultry. They are
also easier to rear than the chickens.
Jumping straight into the heart of turkey farming, you’ll find
it’s a venture that blends simplicity with profitability. Think
of it as the beginning of a relationship – it starts with
understanding and nurturing. Initially, you’ll need a good grasp
of turkey rearing basics, a bit like knowing the do’s and don’ts
in a budding romance. With just a small flock, perhaps five
turkeys to start with, you’re setting the stage for a thriving
turkey community that could amplify into a lucrative business,
echoing the blossoming of love from simple, sincere
beginnings.
The site should be easily accessible, safe from predators, and
close enough to your market to minimize transportation costs.
Ensure the area is spacious enough for expansion and has a clean
environment to prevent diseases. Also, consider the availability
of clean water and the suitability of the land for constructing
poultry housing.
Your turkey farm should have sturdy, predator-proof housing,
adequate feeding and watering equipment, and a secure fencing
system. The housing should provide protection from the elements
and predators while ensuring good ventilation and sufficient
light. Include space for the birds to roam and exercise, as this
promotes healthy growth and development. Regular cleaning and
maintenance of these facilities are vital to keep your turkeys
healthy.
Learning and Preparation: Like any meaningful relationship,
success in turkey farming begins with knowledge. Immerse
yourself in the world of turkey rearing. Spend time on a farm,
learn from experienced farmers, and absorb every piece of wisdom
as if it were life lessons from a trusted mentor.
Market Research: Understand your market as deeply as you would
understand your partner. Know what your community needs, the
demand for turkey products, and plan your farm’s location and
scale accordingly. It’s about connecting your farm’s output with
the hearts and tables of your customers.
Setting Up Your Farm: Your farm is your home, where your turkeys
will grow and thrive. Ensure it’s a sanctuary, with proper
housing, ample space, and a secure environment. Think of it as
building a home, laying down a strong foundation for a future
filled with promise and prosperity.
Care and Nutrition: Just as every relationship thrives on care
and attention, so do your turkeys. Provide them with nutritious
feed, clean water, and regular health checks. Their well-being
is a mirror of your farm’s health and, ultimately, its success.
Selling Your Produce: When the time comes, market your turkeys
or turkey products with pride. Each sale is a testament to the
love and hard work you’ve invested, much like celebrating the
milestones in a long and fulfilling relationship.
Breeds of Turkeys
There are two common breeds of turkey, namely:
Heritage or Local Turkey, and
Hybrid or Exotic Turkey
Heritage or Indigenous Turkeys: They are the old-style varieties
that can naturally mate. They have a long life span and are
hardy like the modern-day local fowl. They are very good for
breeding purposes, but if you wish to use heritage turkeys for
meat birds, it will take 8-9 months to grow them to market/table
size.
Heritage turkeys are much more disease-resistant than the
broad-breasted varieties and will do well on free-range or in
pens.
Hybrid or Exotic Turkey: The broad-breasted varieties or
Nicholas are typically used only for meat, so they are not meant
to be raised beyond 16 to 20 weeks of age. They are very docile,
need a lot of attention and extra care. These type of turkeys
are similar to the modern-day broilers and rarely mate because
they are overweight. However, where fertile eggs are needed, you
can use artificial insemination.
As a farmer, you can choose how you rear your turkeys based on
the available resources and your desired outcome.
There are three principal rearing systems, and a lot of other
decisions will depend on which rearing system you choose.
Free-Range System
In the free-range system, turkeys are allowed to roam about and
forage. So, this means they have access to pasture and they can
exercise during the day.
Turkey Sexing
Turkey sexing is a challenge to many in turkey production. The
ability to distinguish between a male and a female turkey is
often learned through experience. So, it is easier when the
turkeys are mature, but when they are young, even a lot of
experienced farmers make mistakes.
Housing in Turkey Production: Turkeys are more fragile and
vulnerable in the first few weeks of their existence, so you
need to do everything possible to give them comfort. Therefore,
good planning of housing will help you achieve many of these
things. So, take your time to prepare the house where your
turkey would be.
A typical turkey house is supposed to protect the turkeys form
sun, rain, wind, predators, and provide comfort. Anything short
of this is not good housing.
The long axis of the house should run from East to West. This
east-west orientation prevents the sun from heating a larger
portion of the house for a long period during the day
Brooding of Poults
Brooding refers to the period immediately after hatch when
special care and attention must be given to poults to ensure
their health and survival. It encompasses all management
activities including the provision of warmth, feed, and
medication.
Essentially, turkeys require much higher protein than chickens,
and many people make the mistake to give their turkeys chicken
feed. This will not only hinder them from growing to their full
capacity, but it can also open doors to diseases as they will
have a weakened immune system. So, for feed, you need to get
feeds that are specially formulated for turkeys. There are
classes of turkey feed, that is starter, grower and finisher
stage.
One would be right to say that brooding is the same for poults
and chicks, however, there are a few things that you need to
know about poults’ brooding. Brooding of poults is the most
sensitive and critical part of raising turkeys.
Navigating Challenges: Be prepared for the ups and downs, much
like in life’s personal journeys. From potential threats like
predators and diseases to market dynamics, your turkey farming
adventure will test your resilience and adaptability. Embrace
these challenges with the wisdom and patience of a seasoned life
partner, turning obstacles into stepping stones for growth and
success.
Market: Turkey is eaten all over Nigeria throughout the year
but is in higher demand during festive periods such as
Christmas or December period, Easter, and other festivals. Many
people use it as gifts throughout the ember months. It can be
sold live, frozen or grilled. You can sell it to frozen food
shops, shopping malls, supermarkets, or local markets. It can
be sold in parts or whole.
High Profit: You can buy turkey chick for about N3,000 or less
depending on how many weeks old. And in six months you would be
offloading them to the market at the rate of N15,000 and 12,000
from each. Suppose you started with about 15 chicks (N20,000),
by six months, you would be making close to N300,000.
You will agree with me that it is good business. It has the
lowest death rate among the birds family. You can use the eggs
for breakfast, for sales or you can use them to feed the turkey.
Launch into the business and prosper.
Embarking on turkey farming in Nigeria is more than just an
agricultural venture; it’s a journey of growth, learning, and
heartfelt engagement. Treat your farm like a blossoming
relationship, nurturing it with dedication, informed decisions,
and a deep understanding of the living beings you’re growing and
the market you’re serving. The rewards, both personal and
financial, will be as fulfilling as the most enduring and
supportive companionships in life.
Get our Practical Training Guide on Turkey Farming in Nigeria.
Our team is eager to provide you with quality poults, feeds, and
expert advice to ensure your turkey farming venture is a
success.
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