How To Start A Quail Farming In Cameroon

This is a detailed post on quail farming business in Cameroon.
Quail farming is a special niche in poultry farming that involves the rearing of quail birds for the purpose of producing eggs. And sometimes for meat production.
Quail farming is still not a very popular farming venture in Cameroon.
However, just like every other agricultural venture, quail farming is a very lucrative venture.
But, unlike other niches in poultry farming, quail farming requires relatively little capital, less risk and guarantees high return on investment.
Conversely, you may also decide to start with 2 weeks old quails.
And with adequate feeding, proper care and vaccination, you will have mature quails, ready for laying eggs within 5 to 6 weeks.
It is important to note that quails are better stocked in a ratio of 5 females is to 1 male.
This means that if you want to start with 100 female quails, then you are supposed to match them with 20 males. To ensure efficient reproduction.
5 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD START QUAIL FARMING
1. Less Capital Intensive/Low Risk:
Unlike other kinds of livestock farming businesses, starting and managing a quail farm is relatively cheaper.
Quail farming can be started in any available space. Like at your backyard.
All you need to do is to construct a
secure cage that is big enough to house the number of birds you are starting with.
Also, managing a quail farm is less money and attention demanding.
Quail farms do not encounter disease outbreak like chicken farms.
So, in as much as vaccination is necessary, it may not be administered
regularly like what is obtainable in chicken farming.
And unlike chickens, quails are light feeders. A mature quail consumes about 25grams of feed per day.
Whereas, a mature chicken consumes about 150grams of the same feed per day.
2. High Return on Investment:
The first aim of every business is to make profit.
Quail farming guarantees you high return on your investment. And also easily expandable if properly managed. This is because quails mature to point of lay very fast.
Thus, guarantees you of returns as quickly as possible.
Feeding and general maintenance in quail farming is also cheap. This means higher net profit after deducting expenses.
3. Fast Maturity/Prolific Layers:
Unlike fishes and chickens that take a very long period to attain maturity,
quails mature within just 5 to 6 weeks.
And at this point they are ready for laying eggs. Another impressive
characteristic of this birds is that they are prolific layers.
Like we stated earlier, a mature female quial lays at least one egg per day if properly fed and maintained.
And on the average 5 eggs per week.
4. High Demand:
The demand for quail eggs is
continuously on the increase. This is due to its medicinal values.
According to medical report, fertile
quail eggs enhances brain stimulation. And helps in fighting diseases like anaemia, ulcer and cancer.
Thus, as people’s awareness of these benefits are increasing daily, the demand for quail eggs is also increasing.
5. No Formal Training:
In as much as we always encourage people to get trained before going into any farming venture.
In quail farming, training is also
necessary but not mandatory. You don’t need a degree to run a successful quail farming business.
RISKS AND CHALLENGES INVOLVED IN QUAIL FARMING IN CAMEROON
Just like every other business venture, quail farming also comes with its share of risks.
However, the risks are little compared to the challenges faced in setting
up and managing other farming ventures.
Moreover, they are risks that could be easily managed with adequate precautions. These risks include:
1. PREDATORS: Snakes, cats, and rodents are big threats in quail farming.
Thus, it is advisable to ensure
that whichever housing system you decide to use is built safely.
2. HUMAN THIEVES: Another challenge to quail farming is human thieves.
Thus, it is very important that the
quail house is built to be very secured and in a well secured environment too.
If it is a big farm, then the
farm workers and security guards to be employed should be people of impeccable character.
5 REQUIREMENTS TO START QUAIL FARMING IN CAMEROON
1. Business Plan:
Like we always advice you, the first
requirement to succeed in any business venture is a bankable and realistic business plan.
This should be done after conducting thorough market research and rigorous feasibility study to ascertain the viability of the business.
This would enable you identify the market size, your competitors, threats to your survival in the market, the acceptance of your potential product in your target market and so on.
The business plan also serves as a blueprint to keep you focused on your vision and mission of starting the
business.
2. Housing/Location:
A quail farm can be located any
where. Ideally, it is better located outside residential areas.
But, since it doesn’t produce stench like chickens, it can be located at your backyard. Or any nearby land once it will be properly maintained and
constantly cleaned.
More so, quails produce efficiently in cleaner environments.
So, their cages, houses, and
surroundings should always be kept neat.
Also, the housing should be built in such a way that it is protected from predators and human thieves.
3. Breeding:
Just like every other livestock farming business, the viability of the quail farming business depends on the breed of the parent stock.
Thus, ensure to get healthy and prolific breeds depending on the
aspect of quail farming you want to venture into.
Quail are either reared for their
meat or for their eggs.
Most people are into quail farming for the purpose of egg production.
So, if you fall into this category. Then layer breeds like Manchurian
golden, Tuxedo, British range, and English White are the best breeds for you.
However, these breeds do not
grow big. So, not viable for meat production.
4. Feeding:
Quails feed on chicken feeds.
However, unlike chickens, quails are not heavy feeders. As we stated earlier, a mature quail consumes about 25grams of feed per day.
Whereas, a mature chicken consumes
about 150grams of the same feed per day.
5. Marketing:
The market for quail eggs is very large and ever expanding.
However, people in many parts of
the country that are not yet aware of its health benefits still prefer chicken eggs.
It is very important that you carry out a market research to ascertain the
acceptance of quail eggs in your area.
As well as ascertain your potential customers.