Chicken livelihood model: More Knowledge, More Income, Happier

In the past, due to limited technical know-how, nearly 40 out of every 100 chickens we raised would die from disease. Since joining the project’s training courses, our family has learned how to mix feed properly, vaccinate, and apply effective disease-prevention measures. As a result, the survival rate of our flock now reaches 99%.

Our family has four members — my husband and I, and our two children (one in grade 12, one in grade 8). Our main source of income is livestock farming, mainly chickens, along with some pigs and fish for the household’s own needs. Each year, we raise about 200 chickens in two batches. In the past, despite our best efforts, our income after expenses was only around 17–18 million VND per year.

When the project was rolled out, we received support with chicken breeds, feeders, drinkers, vaccines, and — most importantly — training on how to mix feed from corn, rice bran, chopped bananas, and probiotics. Thanks to this, our feed costs dropped by 4–5 million VND per year, while the quality of our flock improved significantly. Chickens raised free-range on the hillside have firmer, tastier meat than industrial chickens, and sell for 15–20% above market price. Notably, whatever chickens we raise, we sell out completely — they’re consumed right within the village.

By applying these new techniques, our family’s income from chickens has risen to about 30 million VND per year, one and a half times higher than before. This stable income gives us peace of mind to support our children’s education and cover other household expenses. That’s why our family is now focusing even more on raising chickens: it’s easier, more effective, and brings lasting peace of mind for the future.

The story of Ms. Cao Thị Thuỷ’s family
Sủ Khẩu Village, Yên Hoà Commune, Nghệ An Province