Noiler chickens are a unique hybrid breed developed in Nigeria. They result from crossing our native chickens with the White Plymouth Rock breed, producing birds known for their impressive size and long legs. In the paragraphs that follow, I will discuss “My experience rearing Noilers”
This article isn’t written from a purely professional perspective but rather from my personal experience raising Noilers.
How It All Started
In August 2024, I bought six Noiler chicks at two weeks old, intending to raise them for meat and slaughter them at Christmas. While raising just six birds may not seem significant for a professional farmer, the experience still provided valuable insights.
Feed Consumption: Are Noilers Cost-Effective?
At the time, I was also raising 20 broilers, with one mortality. One key observation I made was that Noilers consume significantly less feed compared to broilers. For farmers looking for a cost-effective alternative to broiler farming, I strongly recommend considering Noilers—they won’t drain your finances like broilers do.
Mortality Rate: How Do Noilers Compare to Broilers?
Broilers are notorious for their high mortality rate, but Noilers also require careful management to prevent losses. While Noilers can be as hardy as local chickens, they can also be as delicate as broilers under poor conditions. Keeping their environment clean and following standard poultry farming guidelines are essential to raising healthy Noilers.
Are Noilers Good for Meat Production?
Absolutely! Noilers are excellent for meat production because they grow large and develop substantial carcass weight. In just four months, they reach table size, making them a great option for meat production. I also noticed that their meat is tastier than broilers, which is a big plus for those who prioritize flavor.
Do Noilers Lay Eggs?
To my surprise, my Noilers started laying eggs at just four months old. They have continued laying daily, which changed my original plan—I decided not to slaughter them for Christmas after all. So far, my two female Noilers have laid over six crates of eggs, proving that this breed is not only great for meat but also egg production.
What Affects Their Growth?
One major factor that affects Noiler growth is whether they are kept on free range. While free-range farming has its benefits, it significantly slows down the growth of Noilers—and most other chickens—because they burn food energy on movement rather than converting it into body mass.
A good example is my neighbor, who bought Noilers around the same time as I did. While mine reached table size in four months, his remained small and underdeveloped. After advising him to keep them confined and properly fed, his Noilers eventually caught up in size.
What Feed Did I Use?
For the first four months, I fed them Ultima Super Starter. Now, I mix a few mudus of feed with dosa to maintain their nutrition.
Did I Use Any Supplements?
Yes! A friend recommended Poultry Zyme, an organic liquid feed supplement fortified with enzymes. Since enzymes improve digestion and nutrient absorption, my birds were able to maximize feed intake, resulting in better growth and healthier meat production.
Poultry Zyme is available nationwide, and you can order it from their website: www.zenithenergyenzymes.com.
Final Thoughts
After six months of raising Noilers, My experience rearing Noilers, I can confidently say they are worth the investment. They are cost-effective, hardy, great for meat, and also provide eggs. If you’re considering poultry farming but want an alternative to broilers, Noilers might just be the perfect choice!
Happy Farming!