How an Egyptian chicken breed is helping a Kerala homemaker build a profitable farm business

In a spacious open shed in Aryankulam near Kattippappara of Kozhikode, hundreds of striking silver-and-grey spotted birds peck cheerfully at the ground. These distinct fowls belong to the Egyptian Silver Fayoumi breed, and they have become the primary source of agricultural income for local homemaker Hannath Nellikkal.

Prized for their impressive appearance, rich meat flavour comparable to native country fowl, and high egg production, Fayoumi chickens offer a triple advantage for poultry keepers. Capable of laying between 220 and 230 eggs every year, the breed serves equally well as an egg layer, meat bird, and ornamental yard attraction. Hannath's journey demonstrates how a simple kitchen garden can gradually be expanded into a regular, highly sustainable business.

The versatile Egyptian Fayoumi
Originating from the Nile Valley in Egypt, the Fayoumi is essentially a hardy native breed adapted to warm climates. It was initially introduced to Kerala as an ornamental bird due to its spotted plumage, which resembles that of a wild pigeon. Much like local Indian chicken breeds, Fayoumis possess excellent heat tolerance and strong immunity against common diseases. Their compact bodies and swift movements help them evade predators, making them ideal for free-range backyard rearing.

While Fayoumi hens lay light brown eggs consistently, they lack the instinct to sit on their eggs to hatch them. Hannath easily overcame this limitation by investing in compact incubators. She currently operates eight thermocol incubators across available space in her home, including the children's bedrooms wherever power sockets are accessible. Each incubator costs around ₹2,200 and holds up to 100 eggs at a time. By manually turning the eggs twice daily, she increases capacity to 150 eggs per batch while maintaining an 85% hatch rate.

Incubation and business growth
Hannath sells day-old Fayoumi chicks for ₹100 each and hatching eggs for ₹25 each. Market demand is exceptionally strong, with local buyers requesting up to 1,000 chicks every week. Though her current parent flock of 200 birds supplies around 300 chicks weekly, she is rapidly scaling up her flock to meet the shortfall.

To maintain peak laying performance, each adult bird receives 50 grams of layer feed daily, alongside natural feed such as kitchen scrap, azolla, leafy vegetables, and fresh grass. Hens begin laying eggs at around four and a half months of age. Surplus birds also command good prices in the local meat market due to their tender, flavourful flesh.

Integrated farming model
Hannath began her agricultural pursuits 10 to 15 years ago strictly for household needs. As neighbours started asking for farm-fresh vegetables, she began selling small quantities. When she moved to a 15-cent plot four years ago, she turned her courtyard and rooftop into a lush garden while introducing Fayoumi chickens. As space demands grew, she leased two acres of nearby land to construct a dedicated poultry shed and expand her vegetable crops.

Rather than cultivating everything, Hannath focuses strategically on high-demand vegetables like ivy gourd, yardlong beans, cowpeas, brinjal, and green chillies, supplying local households and school mid-day meal programmes. Having successfully transformed a modest homestead effort into a thriving commercial enterprise, Hannath is now focused on further expanding her Fayoumi chicken farm.