How to Raise Broilers in 6 Weeks: A Complete Beginner’s Guide

Broiler farming is one of the fastest and most profitable livestock ventures you can start. With proper management, broilers reach market weight in just 6 weeks, giving farmers quick returns and steady cash flow. Whether you’re raising 50 birds or 5,000, the principles remain the same — good housing, quality feed, clean water, and proper care.

This guide walks you through every step, week by week.

Why Broiler Farming Is So Profitable

• Fast growth — ready for sale in 42 days
• High demand — restaurants, butcheries, households
• Small space requirement
• Low labour needs
• Predictable production cycle

Broilers are a perfect agribusiness for beginners and experienced farmers alike.

1. Prepare Before the Chicks Arrive

Success starts before you bring the chicks home.

Set Up the Brooder

A brooder is a warm, safe space for day‑old chicks.

You Need:

• Heat source (charcoal stove, gas brooder, or infrared lamp)
• Wood shavings for bedding
• Feeders and drinkers
• Thermometer (optional but helpful)
• Clean, draft‑free room

Disinfect the House

Clean and disinfect the brooder 7 days before chicks arrive. This prevents early diseases.

2. Week‑by‑Week Broiler Management

Week 1: Brooding Stage (Day 1–7)

This is the most critical week.

Temperature

• Keep brooder at 32–35°C
• Reduce by 2–3°C each week

Feeding

• Give broiler starter feed
• Provide glucose water + vitamins on Day 1
• Ensure 24‑hour lighting

What to Watch

• Chicks huddling = too cold
• Chicks panting = too hot
• Chicks evenly spread = perfect temperature

Week 2: Growth Begins (Day 8–14)

Chicks start growing rapidly.

Management

• Reduce heat gradually
• Keep bedding dry
• Introduce more feeders and drinkers

Feeding

• Continue starter feed
• Ensure clean water at all times

Week 3: Feathering and Weight Gain (Day 15–21)

Birds become stronger and more active.

Management

• Remove heat source if weather is warm
• Increase ventilation
• Watch for coccidiosis (bloody droppings)

Feeding

• Continue starter feed
• Birds should weigh 500–700g by end of week

Week 4: Switch to Grower Feed (Day 22–28)

Growth accelerates.

Management

• Keep litter dry
• Maintain good airflow
• Avoid overcrowding

Feeding

• Switch to broiler grower feed
• Birds should weigh 1.2–1.5 kg by end of week

Week 5: Final Growth Phase (Day 29–35)

This is where profits are made.

Management

• Keep environment stress‑free
• Maintain hygiene
• Remove any sick birds

Feeding

• Switch to broiler finisher feed
• Birds should weigh 1.8–2.2 kg

Week 6: Market Ready (Day 36–42)

Your broilers are now ready for sale.

Management

• Reduce feed slightly 24 hours before transport
• Keep birds calm to avoid bruising
• Sort by size for better pricing

Target Weight

• 2.2–2.8 kg depending on breed and feed quality

3. Feeding Guide for 6 Weeks

Feed Type	Duration	Purpose
Starter	Week 1–3	Early growth & immunity
Grower	Week 4	Muscle development
Finisher	Week 5–6	Final weight gain

Tip: Always buy high‑quality feed — it determines 70% of your success.

4. Water Management

Broilers need clean, fresh water at all times.

Additives to Use

• Day 1: Glucose + vitamins
• Weekly: Multivitamins
• During heat: Electrolytes

Never let drinkers run dry.

5. Disease Prevention

Broilers grow fast but are sensitive to disease.

Key Practices

• Keep litter dry
• Limit visitors
• Disinfect equipment
• Remove dead birds immediately
• Follow a vaccination program

Common Diseases

• Newcastle
• Gumboro
• Coccidiosis

Good hygiene prevents most problems.

6. Marketing Your Broilers

Sell to:

• Restaurants
• Hotels
• Butcheries
• Households
• Events (weddings, parties)

Marketing Tips

• Advertise early
• Offer delivery
• Sell live or dressed
• Build repeat customers

Conclusion

Raising broilers in 6 weeks is absolutely achievable with the right management. Focus on good brooding, quality feed, clean water, and proper hygiene — and your birds will reach market weight quickly and profitably.

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