Last updated on August 1, 2025
When I first decided to start a chicken farm, I was drowning in a sea of conflicting advice. Every blog and forum had a different “best” chicken, and I felt like I was walking into a trap, ready to sink my savings into a flock that would fail. The real secret? There is no “best” chicken. There is only the right chicken for your goals.
This guide is the story of how I learned that lesson, and how you can avoid the same costly mistakes. I’ll share my journey of testing broilers, layers, and noilers, and give you the real-world insights I gained from what worked, what failed, and what finally built a thriving farm.
The Specialist for Meat: All About Broilers
What is a Broiler Chicken?
A broiler chicken is a breed that has been genetically selected and bred exclusively for rapid, high-yield meat production. They are the go-to choice for large-scale commercial poultry operations focused solely on meat. For a more in-depth look, check out our Broiler Chicken Farming Guide.
Key Characteristics:
- Growth Rate: Broilers have an astonishingly fast growth rate, typically reaching market weight in just 6-8 weeks. This speed is their primary advantage.
- Body & Build: They have a heavy, broad-breasted, and stocky frame. Their entire body is designed to convert feed into maximum meat yield.
- Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR): Broilers have an excellent FCR, meaning they efficiently convert a high volume of feed into body weight, making them cost-effective for their purpose. You can learn more about this in our guide on how many 50kg bags of feed you need for 100 broilers.
- Feed Requirements: They require specialized, high-protein feeds, typically a “broiler starter” and “broiler finisher,” to fuel their rapid growth. For specific timing, see our Broiler Finisher Feed Timing Guide.
- Egg Laying: Egg production is not their function. They rarely, if ever, lay eggs, and their eggs are not reliable for breeding.
- Temperament & Hardiness: Broilers are generally docile and inactive, spending most of their time eating. Due to their rapid growth and the high-density environment they are often raised in, they can be susceptible to health issues like leg problems and heart failure. They are not very hardy.
What to Consider Before Choosing Broilers
My first thought was, “broilers are a get-rich-quick scheme.” The promise of a fast turnaround was intoxicating. I learned quickly, though, that this speed comes at a price. The profit margin is razor-thin, and one small mistake—a ventilation error, a disease outbreak like Newcastle or Gumboro—can wipe out your entire investment. The real strategic insight isn’t the speed; it’s the need for a bulletproof system.
As poultry expert Mr. Gbolade once said, “One of the major discoveries… is that the smallest unit in the whole value chain is the farmer and the farmer must be profitable for the scheme to be successful.” This is the core principle of broiler farming: every aspect must be optimized for maximum efficiency to make the system sustainable.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Quick Return: You can get a fast return on your investment, as they reach market weight in a couple of months.
- High Meat Yield: Their large, meaty breasts and thighs provide a high yield of tender meat.
- Uniform Size: They grow to a very uniform size, which is ideal for commercial sale.
Cons:
- High Feed Cost: The specialized feed required for their rapid growth is expensive and makes up a large portion of the total cost.
- Susceptible to Disease: They are less hardy and more vulnerable to diseases than other breeds, requiring a strict biosecurity protocol.
- Not Self-Sufficient: They are not good foragers and cannot breed naturally, meaning you must constantly buy new chicks.
The Egg-Laying Machine: All About Layers
What is a Layer Hen?
A layer hen is a breed specifically developed for high-volume, long-term egg production. While there are many different types of layers, they all share a common purpose: to be a prolific producer of eggs.
Key Characteristics:
- Egg Production: Layer hens are prolific, producing 250-300+ eggs per year. They typically begin laying at around 18-22 weeks of age. To understand what affects production, read our article on how many eggs your chickens will lay.
- Body & Build: They are smaller, lighter, and leaner than broilers. Their bodies are optimized to put energy into creating eggs, not body mass.
- Growth Rate: They have a much slower and steadier growth rate compared to broilers.
- Feed Requirements: Layers need “layer mash” or pellets that are rich in calcium to ensure they produce strong, healthy eggshells. We break down the costs in our guide on how many bags of feed for 100 layers per month.
- Meat Quality: After their productive laying cycle (typically 2 years), their meat can be eaten, but it is much tougher and less plentiful than a broiler’s. It’s often used in stews or soups.
- Temperament & Hardiness: They are more active, agile, and can sometimes be flighty. Layers are generally hardy and are good foragers, able to supplement their diet with insects and plants.
What to Consider Before Choosing Layers
Waiting for those first eggs felt like an eternity. But once they started, it was a game-changer. The weekly, predictable income from egg sales became the backbone of my farm. It wasn’t a sudden cash infusion like broilers, but it was a steady, reliable rhythm that paid the bills and built a foundation of trust with my customers. The longer laying cycle means you are investing in a long-term asset, not just a short-term project.
As poultry expert Gail Damerow wisely stated, “Grain tends to make hens fat, and fat hens don’t lay well.” This emphasizes the importance of a specialized diet to ensure peak egg production. The rearing phase is also critical for a layer’s success, as another expert noted, “If you get the rearing phase right, you’re halfway towards having a successful laying flock.”
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Steady Income: They provide a consistent stream of income or food from their high egg production.
- Lower Daily Feed Consumption: Layers eat less per day than a broiler, making their daily feed cost lower.
- Active and Resilient: They are more active and resilient, and good foragers, which can help reduce feed costs, making them a hardy choice for various farming systems.
Cons:
- Long Wait: There is a significant wait (around 5 months) before they start laying and generating income. This requires careful financial planning.
- Low Meat Value: Their meat is not a primary product and has little commercial value.
- Declining Production: Their egg production typically declines significantly after 2 years.
The Versatile All-Rounder: All About Noilers
What is a Noiler Chicken? (The Dual-Purpose Powerhouse)
The noiler chicken is a genetically improved dual-purpose breed that offers a robust balance of both meat and egg production. They were specifically developed to be a hardy and productive option for small-scale and rural farmers, particularly in Africa. The name “Noiler” is a brand name from AMO Farm in Nigeria, and the breed is a hybrid with origins similar to the Kuroiler. You can learn how to get started with our guide on how to start Noiler chicken farming with just 10 birds.
Key Characteristics:
- Meat & Growth: Noilers grow faster than layers but slower than broilers, reaching market weight in about 12-16 weeks. Many people prefer the taste and texture of Noiler meat, describing it as more flavorful and less fatty than broiler meat, similar to traditional free-range village chickens, especially in regions where traditional chicken flavor is valued. Get tips on how to make Noilers grow fast.
- Egg Production: They are decent egg layers, producing around 150-200 eggs per year. This is far better than a broiler’s output, though not as high as a specialized layer’s.
- Hardiness & Foraging: This is where Noilers truly shine. They are exceptionally hardy and highly resistant to common diseases, making them a low-risk option. They are excellent foragers and can supplement their diet by scavenging for insects and greens, which significantly reduces feed costs.
- Temperament: Noilers are active and resilient birds, making them perfectly suited for free-range or backyard farming systems where they can roam.
What to Consider Before Choosing Noilers
This is where I found my sweet spot. My goal wasn’t to get rich quick; it was to build a sustainable, resilient farm. With Noilers, I finally found a bird that fit that vision. They were survivors. They foraged, they laid eggs for my family, and when it was time, they provided a flavorful meat that my customers preferred. It wasn’t about maximizing a single product; it was about creating a self-sufficient ecosystem. To see how to manage their diet, check out our Noiler feeding chart. For a direct comparison of this breed to broilers, read our Noiler Chicken vs. Broiler Chicken guide.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Very Hardy: They are disease-resistant and thrive in free-range setups, requiring less intensive management.
- Dual-Purpose: You get a good supply of both meat and eggs from a single flock.
- Lower Feed Costs: Their excellent foraging ability means you spend less on commercial feed.
- Great for Free-Range: Their active nature and hardiness make them ideal for backyard and small-scale farms.
Cons:
- “Master of None”: While they are good at both, they are not the fastest for meat or the most prolific for eggs.
- Slower Growth: They take longer to reach market weight than broilers.
💡 Quick Summary:
- Broilers: fastest meat, highest cost, highest risk.
- Layers: slow start, steady eggs, low meat.
- Noilers: slow but steady, hardy, great for small farms.
Broiler vs. Layer vs. Noiler: At a Glance
| Feature | Broiler | Layer | Noiler (Dual-Purpose) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Use | Meat | Eggs | Meat & Eggs |
| Growth to Market | 6-8 weeks | N/A (meat is secondary) | 12-16 weeks |
| Egg Production/Year | < 50 (very poor) | 250 – 300+ | 150 – 200 |
| Feed Cost | High | Moderate | Low to Moderate |
| Hardiness | Low | High | Very High |
| Housing Needs | Intensive/Contained | Cages or Free-Range | Free-Range / Semi-Intensive |
| Ideal For… | Quick profit from meat | Consistent egg sales/supply | Family food, small farm diversity |
| Culling/Meat Value | Primary product | Secondary, tougher meat | Excellent quality meat after laying |
Making Your Choice: A Decision Guide
To choose the right chicken for your farm, consider your main objective and resources.
- You should choose BROILERS if… Your primary goal is a fast, commercial meat production cycle. You have the capital for high-protein feed and a contained farming system, and you have a reliable market to sell your birds at market weight.
- You should choose LAYERS if… Your primary goal is a consistent, long-term supply of eggs for your family or for sale. You are patient enough to wait for them to mature and are committed to consistent daily care.
- You should choose NOILERS if… You are a small-scale farmer, you want a self-sufficient and disease-resistant flock, you value both meat and eggs, and you plan to use a free-range or backyard system with lower feed costs. For a detailed comparison to help you decide, check out our guide on Noiler Chicken vs. Broiler Chicken.
Common Questions About Chicken Breeds
Q: Can you eat layer chickens?
A: Yes, you can. After their laying cycle, their meat is tougher and leaner than broiler meat, but it is excellent for stews, soups, or slow-cooked dishes.
Q: Can broilers lay eggs?
A: Broilers can, but they do so very rarely and unreliably. Their bodies are designed for meat production, and their reproductive systems are not developed for consistent egg laying.
Q: Is Noiler meat better than broiler meat?
A: This is a matter of preference. Many people prefer the taste and texture of Noiler meat, describing it as more robust and “natural” and less fatty than broiler meat, similar to traditional free-range village chickens.
Q: What is the difference between Kuroiler and Noiler chickens?
A: Kuroiler is a well-known dual-purpose hybrid from India. Noiler is a specific brand name from a Nigerian hatchery (AMO Farm) that was developed from similar Kuroiler genetics to be highly productive and hardy in African climates. They are very similar in their dual-purpose nature.
Q: What about feed for chicks? Can I use the same feed for all three?
A: No, you should not. Each breed has different nutritional needs at the chick stage. Broilers require a high-protein broiler starter feed, while layers and noilers need a less-intense chick starter feed to promote healthy, slower growth.
Conclusion
The “best” chicken doesn’t exist. The right chicken depends entirely on your personal or business goals, your available resources, and your farming style.
- Broilers are the clear choice for a quick return on meat.
- Layers are the unmatched champions of egg production.
- Noilers are the perfect solution for a sustainable, low-input, dual-purpose flock.
A final, crucial piece of advice from Nigerian veterinarian Dr. Aduta Gabriel: “If the water intended for birds’ consumption is not good enough for the farmer’s consumption, then it is also not good enough to be served to the birds.”
By understanding the key differences and practical management needs, you are now ready to start your flock with confidence. Happy farming!
Sources
- “One of the major discoveries… is that the smallest unit in the whole value chain is the farmer and the farmer must be profitable for the scheme to be successful.” – Mr. Gbolade. Source: Business Post Nigeria (2017)
- “Grain tends to make hens fat, and fat hens don’t lay well.” – Gail Damerow, chicken expert and author of Storey’s Guide to Raising Chickens. Source: Grist.org (2010)
- “If you get the rearing phase right, you’re halfway towards having a successful laying flock.” – Aidan, a poultry expert quoted in Farmer’s Weekly. Source: Farmer’s Weekly (2014)
- “If the water intended for birds’ consumption is not good enough for the farmer’s consumption, then it is also not good enough to be served to the birds.” – Dr. Aduta Gabriel, Nigerian veterinarian. Source: One Health and Development Initiative (OHDI)
