Starting a poultry farm in Nigeria is one of the smartest ways to build a steady income, but let’s be honest—the prices of day-old chicks can be a bit of a rollercoaster. If you’ve been in this business for a while, you know that what you paid last month might not be the same price today.
The truth is, hatchery prices fluctuate based on things like the cost of poultry feed, the season, and how many farmers are currently stocking up. For example, prices usually climb as we approach the festive seasons because everyone wants their birds ready for the market at the same time. Understanding these price shifts is the first step to making sure you actually turn a profit at the end of your cycle.
Today, I’m going to break down the current market rates for May 2026. Whether you are looking for meat-heavy broilers or long-term egg-laying pullets, this guide will help you budget accurately so you don’t get caught off guard by hatchery price changes.
Buying chicks isn't as simple as walking into a shop and picking them up. You should always buy through reputable distributors or platforms like HTS Farms to avoid "unbranded" chicks. Safety during transport is also key. Make sure you have your brooding house ready with heat, water, and feed before the chicks arrive.
– HTS Farms
How much is a newborn chick?
In the Nigerian market, a “newborn” or day-old chick’s price depends heavily on the breed and the reputation of the hatchery. Generally, you aren’t just buying one chick; most commercial hatcheries sell them in cartons of 50 chicks (plus one or two extra to account for any mortality during transit).
As of May 2026, a single chick can range anywhere from ₦800 to ₦3,500 depending on if it is a standard broiler or a more specialized breed like a turkey poult. Buying a full carton is the standard practice for most small to medium-scale farmers because it’s easier to manage and transport safely.
When you see a price listed, always confirm if it is for a “half carton” (25 chicks) or a “full carton” (50 chicks). Many top-tier brands like Zartech, Amo, and Agrited have different price points because of their track record for bird health and growth speed.
What is the cost of one baby chick?
If we look at the individual cost, it helps you calculate your total investment per bird. For a day old chicken price in the broiler category, you are looking at approximately ₦900 to ₦1,200 per chick when bought in bulk. These are the birds that grow very fast and are usually ready for sale within 6 to 8 weeks.
For those focusing on eggs, the day old layers price (also called pullets) is typically higher because these birds stay on your farm for over a year, providing a steady supply of eggs. You should budget around ₦1,100 to ₦1,400 per pullet chick this May. Specifically, the zartech day old layers price is often a benchmark in the industry because of their high egg-laying capacity.
If you are interested in dual-purpose birds, the day old noiler price is usually more affordable, often falling between ₦700 and ₦950. Noilers are great because they are tougher than broilers and can be raised for both meat and eggs, making them a favorite for backyard farmers.
How much is a day old broiler chicken in Ibadan today?
Ibadan remains the “poultry capital” of Nigeria, meaning prices there are often the most competitive. If you are buying directly from major hatcheries in Ibadan today, you might get a slightly better rate than someone buying in Lagos or Abuja due to lower transport costs from the source.
Today’s rate for a day-old broiler in Ibadan fluctuates daily, but reputable brands like Fidan, Sayed, and Zartech are currently averaging between ₦45,000 and ₦55,000 per carton of 50. This works out to about ₦900 to ₦1,100 per chick. Keep in mind that these prices can change by 10 AM every morning based on the “hatch of the day”.
Farmers in Ibadan also have better access to different broiler breeds like the Arbor Acres Plus or Ross 308. These breeds are popular because they convert feed into meat very efficiently, which is exactly what you want if you’re trying to keep your costs low and your profits high.
Day Old Noiler (AMO Brand) | Half Carton
₦62,250.00
Day Old Brahma Chicken | 1 Carton
₦46,350.00
Day Old Brahma Chicken | 1/2 Carton
₦23,000.00
Day Old Black Cockerel | 1 Carton
₦49,750.00
Understanding Noiler and Turkey Pricing
The Noiler Advantage
The price of day old noiler birds is often the most stable in the market. Whether you call it a noiler day old price or day old noiler price, these birds are designed for the Nigerian climate. They don’t need as much expensive “booster” feed as broilers, which saves you money in the long run. They are a hybrid, giving you the best of both worlds: meat like a broiler and the ruggedness of a local chicken.
The Day Old Turkey Price
If you are planning for the December or Easter market, you need to look at the day old turkey price. Turkeys (poults) are significantly more expensive than chickens, often costing between ₦2,500 and ₦3,500 per bird. This is because they take longer to grow and require more intensive care in the first few weeks. However, the selling price of a full-grown turkey is also much higher, making it a high-risk but high-reward investment.
How to buy a baby chick?
Buying chicks isn’t as simple as walking into a shop and picking them up. Because hatcheries have specific “hatch days,” you usually need to book your chicks at least one to two weeks in advance. This ensures that the hatchery sets aside a carton for you on the day the eggs hatch.
You should always buy through reputable distributors or platforms like HTS Farms to avoid “unbranded” chicks. Unbranded chicks are often cheaper, but they have a high risk of diseases and slow growth, which will cost you more money in the long run. When your chicks arrive, check the carton for the hatchery’s seal and ensure the chicks are active and chirping loudly.
Safety during transport is also key. Make sure you have your brooding house ready with heat, water, and feed before the chicks arrive. They are very fragile in their first 24 hours, and any sudden cold or lack of water can lead to “mortality,” which is just a fancy word for losing your birds.
What breed of baby chick is best?
The “best” breed depends entirely on what you want to achieve. If your goal is quick cash from meat sales, you should go for Broilers like the Ross 308 or Arbor Acres Plus. These birds are like “meat machines” and can reach market weight in just 6 weeks if handled correctly.
For those who want a long-term business selling eggs, the Isa Brown or Novogen Brown pullets are the gold standard. These are the birds you see in the zartech day old layers price lists. They are very calm and can lay eggs consistently for over 70 weeks, giving you a very steady daily income.
If you are a beginner or live in an area where it’s hard to get specialized poultry feed, Noilers are your best bet. They are very hardy, can survive on different types of feed, and aren’t as easily affected by common chicken diseases compared to the highly sensitive broilers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many eggs will 4 hens lay a day?
How much does a 1 week old chick weigh?
How much is a 3 month old chicken?
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Poultry farming is a rewarding business, but your success starts with the quality and price of the day-old chicks you buy. By keeping an eye on the day old chick prices in May 2026, you can plan your expenses and set realistic profit goals. Remember, the cheapest chick isn’t always the best—focus on quality brands and proper brooding to ensure your birds grow healthy and strong.
Ready to start your next batch? Whether you need broilers, layers, or noilers, make sure you book from a trusted source today to lock in the best current rates.
