Cutting Feed Costs in Country Chicken Farming with Hydroponics

Poultry Feed Management

Effective feed management is one of the key factors determining success in country chicken (desi chicken) poultry farming. For many aspiring farmers, the high cost of commercially available feeds—typically priced between ₹35 and ₹40 per kilogram—can be overwhelming. Without proper planning, feed alone can eat up a major share of profits and even push small farmers into losses.

But here’s the good news: with smart feed management, farmers can not only save money but also boost profitability significantly. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is by producing your own poultry feed instead of relying fully on company-manufactured feed. Many successful poultry farmers are already doing this, and their results are inspiring.

Cost Comparison: Commercial Chicken Feed vs Homemade Chicken Feed 

Commercial feed is convenient but expensive. On the other hand, preparing your own feed can cut costs by over 50%, depending on the ingredients and methods you use. This isn’t just about saving a few rupees—it directly translates into healthier margins for your farm business.

👉 Example Case Study:

A farmer with 3,000 desi birds initially spent ₹3 lakh per month on commercial feed, averaging ₹10,000 per day. By shifting to a hydroponic-based feeding system, he reduced his feed cost to under ₹10 per kilogram. His monthly expenses dropped to just ₹45,000, saving over ₹2.5 lakh every month.

How to Start Producing Your Own Poultry Feed?

Transitioning from buying feed to making your own may seem daunting, but it’s very achievable with proper planning:

• Step 1: Learn the Basics – Watch educational videos on hydroponics and poultry feed formulation.
• Step 2: Enrol in Training – Many agricultural institutes offer hydroponic workshops. Hands-on learning is crucial.
• Step 3: Visit Working Farms – Interact with farmers already running hydroponic feed systems. This will give you practical tips and motivation.

Hydroponic System for Poultry Farming

Hydroponics is a soilless farming method where plants are grown in nutrient-rich water. It is an excellent way to produce fresh green fodder for poultry at a low cost.

Crops you can grow for chicken feed using hydroponics include:

• Pearl Millet
• Barley
• Wheat
• Maize and other cereals

Hydroponic fodder is not only cheaper but also more nutritious, improving growth and immunity in country chickens.

Azolla: A High-Protein Alternative for Chickens

Azolla - Country Chicken's Favorite Food

Alongside hydroponics, you can also grow Azolla, a fast-growing aquatic fern widely used as poultry feed.

• Commercial feed: ~27% protein
• Azolla: ~30% protein

Azolla is inexpensive, easy to cultivate, and loved by chickens. It supports better egg production, faster weight gain, and improved health in free-range desi birds.

Small-Scale Farmers: Where to Begin?

If you have land and want to enter free-range poultry farming, start with 100–200 birds. This way, you can manage them easily while learning feed production methods. Once confident, scale up gradually to 1,000 or even 3,000 birds, depending on your resources.

Remember: the goal is not just cutting costs but also ensuring a steady supply of fresh, nutritious feed every single day.

Benefits of Homemade Poultry Feed

• Reduces feed cost by more than 50%
• Ensures daily availability of fresh feed
• Increases nutrition and growth rates in chickens
• Improves egg production and meat quality
• Makes the poultry farm more profitable and sustainable

Feed is the backbone of poultry farming!

Feed is the backbone of poultry farming, and reducing its cost is the fastest way to maximise profits. With hydroponics and Azolla cultivation, farmers can turn feed management from a financial burden into a competitive advantage.

If you are serious about free-range poultry farming, now is the time to explore homemade feed production. Start small, learn continuously, and build a profitable and sustainable desi chicken farm.

Stay tuned to Rustic Rooster Tales for more bite-sized learnings about small-scale and large-scale poultry farming, feed management, and success stories from real farmers.