In the villages of Bangladesh and beyond, the Sonali Chicken is emerging as a symbol of resilience and rural prosperity.
Bred to thrive in resource-limited settings, this dual-purpose bird offers eggs, meat, and income to small farmers.
Whether you’re a homesteader in Dhaka or an agripreneur in West Bengal, this guide dives into why the Sonali Chicken is a game-changer for sustainable poultry farming.
What Is a Sonali Chicken?
The Sonali Chicken is a hybrid breed developed by the Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute (BLRI) in the early 2000s. Created by crossing Rhode Island Red (RIR) roosters with Fayoumi hens, it combines high egg production, meat yield, and disease resistance—perfect for South Asia’s climate.
Key Traits
- Appearance: Golden-red plumage (hens), darker feathers (roosters), yellow legs, single comb.
- Egg Production: 150–180 eggs/year (brown-shelled, 50–55g each).
- Meat Yield: 1.5–2 kg (hens), 2–2.5 kg (roosters) in 5–6 months.
- Lifespan: 5–7 years (peak laying up to 72 weeks).
Mission: To reduce reliance on imported poultry and empower small farmers.
Why Sonali Chickens Are Transforming Rural Economies
1. Dual-Purpose Excellence
- Eggs: Outperforms local breeds (80–100 eggs/year) and rivals commercial layers.
- Meat: Faster growth than indigenous chickens—ideal for festive markets.
2. Low-Cost, High-Profit Farming
- Feed Efficiency: Thrives on kitchen scraps, farm grains, and foraging.
- Survival Rate: 85–90% (vs. 60% for desis), minimizing losses.
3. Disease Resistance
Resilient against Newcastle Disease, fowl cholera, and mites—common threats in humid climates.
4. Women-Centric Livelihoods
Over 70% of rearers are rural women, earning ₹6,000–₹10,000/month from 50 birds.
Farmer’s Voice:
Ayesha from Comilla, Bangladesh, shares, “With 30 Sonali hens, I earn ₹250 daily. My daughters now go to school!”
Historical & Cultural Roots
A Breed for Bangladesh
Developed under BLRI’s Poultry Development Project, Sonali (meaning “Golden”) was designed to combat malnutrition and poverty. It’s promoted under:
- National Livestock Development Policy (NLDP): Subsidizes chicks for marginal farmers.
- NGO Initiatives: BRAC integrates Sonali into its ultra-poor graduation program.
How to Raise Sonali Chickens: A Step-by-Step Guide
1. Sourcing Chicks
- Government Channels: BLRI centers (৳20–30/chick with 50% subsidy).
- Private Hatcheries: Ensure chicks are vaccinated against Ranikhet (Newcastle Disease).
2. Housing for Tropical Climates
- Backyard Coop: Bamboo/wooden shelters (1.5 sq ft/bird). Use recycled tin roofs for rain protection.
- Free-Range Tips: Allow 5–7 hours of foraging. Plant papaya or banana trees for shade and feed.
3. Feeding Strategies
- 0–8 Weeks: Starter mash (20% protein).
- Adults:
- 50% Homemade Mix: Rice bran, maize, broken wheat.
- 30% Greens: Water spinach (kolmi), pumpkin, azolla.
- 20% Protein: Kitchen scraps, termites, dried fish powder.
Cost-Saving Hack: Ferment rice bran with yogurt to boost digestibility and reduce feed costs by 30%.
4. Health & Hygiene
- Vaccination Schedule:
- Day 1: Marek’s
- Week 4: Ranikhet (F1)
- Week 12: Fowl Pox
- Natural Remedies:
- Deworming: Neem leaf paste mixed with molasses.
- Heat Stress: Provide sugarcane juice and shaded dust baths.
Sonali vs. Other South Asian Breeds
| Breed | Eggs/Year | Meat Yield | Key Strength | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sonali | 150–180 | 1.5–2.5 kg | Balanced, hardy | Small farmers |
| Kuroiler | 150–180 | 3–4 kg | Fast growth | Peri-urban areas |
| Fayoumi | 100–120 | 1–1.5 kg | Disease resistance | Arid regions |
| Vanaraja | 160–190 | 1.5–2 kg | Foraging skills | Tribal areas |
Why Sonali Wins:
Perfect for resource-poor farmers—low input, decent returns, and adaptability to monsoons.
Profitability Snapshot (50 Birds)
| Cost | Amount (৳) | Revenue | Amount (৳) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicks (50@৳30) | 1,500 | Eggs (8,500@৳2) | 17,000 |
| Feed (2,000kg@৳15/kg) | 30,000 | Meat (25@৳100/kg) | 2,500 |
| Vaccinations | 500 | Manure Sales | 1,500 |
| Total Cost | 32,000 | Total Revenue | 21,000 |
| Net Profit | ৳11,000 |
Challenges & Solutions for Farmers
1. Predator Attacks
- Common Threats: Mongoose, snakes, stray cats.
- Fix: Use bamboo fencing and chili-paste deterrents.
2. Feed Price Volatility
- Issue: Rising maize costs.
- Fix: Grow fodder sorghum or use kitchen waste.
3. Market Access
- Issue: Middlemen underpay for eggs.
- Fix: Sell via cooperatives or apps like Chaldal (Bangladesh).
FAQs: Sonali Chicken in the South Asian Context
Q: Where to buy Sonali chicks in India?
A: Available in West Bengal and Northeast states via NGOs like PRADAN.
Q: Can Sonali survive in coastal areas?
A: Yes! Their Fayoumi genes make them heat and humidity-tolerant.
Q: How to get subsidies?
A: Apply via Bangladesh’s Department of Livestock Services or state schemes in India.
Q: Are they noisy?
A: Hens are quiet; roosters crow moderately.
Q: Do they need antibiotics?
A: Rarely. Focus on preventive vaccines and clean housing.
Q: Can I rear Sonali in urban backyards?
A: Yes! They’re quieter than broilers and need minimal space.
Start Your Poultry Journey Today!
The Sonali Chicken isn’t just a bird—it’s a pathway to dignity and self-reliance. With minimal investment and science-backed practices, it’s time to hatch a brighter future.
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স্থানীয় মুরগি, সমৃদ্ধ বাংলাদেশ! (Local Hens, Prosperous Bangladesh!)