Starting a chicken farm in Jamaica is a great way to earn money and support your community with fresh eggs or meat. Whether you’re raising broilers for quick returns or layers for a steady egg supply, this beginner’s guide breaks down everything you need to know to start strong in 2025.
🐥 Step 1: Choose the Right Type of Chicken
There are two main types of poultry farming in Jamaica:
- Broilers – Raised for meat, ready in 6–8 weeks.
- Layers – Hens raised for eggs, begin laying in 5–6 months.
👉 Most beginners choose broilers for quicker returns.
🌿 Step 2: Find a Suitable Location
You don’t need acres of land to begin. Even a backyard setup can work with good sanitation and spacing:
- Broilers: 1–2 square feet per bird
- Layers: 2–3 square feet per bird
Ensure the space has proper airflow, is clean, and protected from weather and predators.
🏠 Step 3: Build a Coop (Chicken House)
Essentials for a basic coop:
- Wire mesh walls for ventilation
- Dry floor (sawdust, concrete, or wood)
- Perches and nesting boxes (for layers)
- Feeding and watering stations
💰 Step 4: Estimate Startup Costs
Here’s a rough breakdown for a 50-bird broiler setup:
- Chicks: JMD $5,000
- Feed (starter, grower, finisher): JMD $18,000–$25,000
- Coop materials: JMD $15,000–$30,000
- Feeders, drinkers, meds: JMD $5,000–$8,000
Total: Around JMD $45,000–$70,000
🐔 Step 5: Feed & Care for Your Chickens
- Use proper feed stages (starter → grower → finisher)
- Provide clean water 24/7
- Clean coop weekly
- Use vitamins and antibiotics as needed
📈 Where to Sell Your Chickens
- Cook shops and restaurants
- Community butchers
- WhatsApp/Facebook sales
- Farmers’ markets
🧑🌾 Get Support from RADA
RADA (Rural Agricultural Development Authority) offers:
- Free consultations
- Small farmer training
- Help with pests and diseases
Visit rada.gov.jm or your parish office.
⚠️ Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding = poor health & growth
- Dirty coops = disease risk
- Underfeeding = longer grow time
- No buyers = wasted investment
🙋 Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I start with 10 chickens?
Yes! Start small and build experience before scaling.
2. How long until broilers are ready?
6–8 weeks with good feed and care.
3. Do I need a license?
Not for small-scale operations, but you may need to register with RADA if you expand.
4. What’s better for beginners — broilers or layers?
Broilers are quicker and easier. Layers require longer time and more equipment.
✅ Summary
Chicken farming in Jamaica is one of the best low-cost businesses to start. Start small, stay clean, and work smart. Link up with RADA, use social media for sales, and grow your hustle from coop to cash.
Explore more guides in our Jobs & Work section here on HowToJA.com.
