06/08/2026
One of the biggest mistakes a poultry farmer can make is putting all their trust in one supplier.
This is a lesson I learned from experience.
I booked my day-old chicks in advance, confident that everything was in place. Unfortunately, when it mattered most, I was disappointed. Because I had no alternative supplier, I had no choice but to accept the situation and watch my plans fall apart.
But beyond the disappointment, something else caught my attention.
When a supplier realizes that you have no other option, some begin to take your patronage for granted. Your complaints are no longer taken seriously. Your concerns are ignored. Calls are returned late or not at all. Sometimes, they even become insensitive or rude because they believe you'll keep coming back anyway.
Good customer service should never depend on whether a customer has alternatives.
As farmers, we invest millions in housing, feed, equipment, labour, and vaccines. The least we deserve is respect, honesty, and timely communication from those we do business with.
That experience taught me a valuable business lesson:
Never rely on just one supplier.
Build relationships with multiple trusted suppliers for:
✅ Day-old chicks
✅ Feed
✅ Vaccines and medications
✅ Poultry equipment
Having alternatives doesn't mean you're disloyal. It means you're protecting your business.
Competition encourages better service. When suppliers know they have to earn your patronage not assume it they are more likely to value your business, communicate better, and treat you with respect.
Remember, poultry farming is a business, not an emotional attachment. Every decision you make should reduce risk and keep your farm running smoothly.
Learn from my experience. Have options before you need them.
Have you ever been disappointed by a supplier? Or treated differently simply because they knew you had nowhere else to go? Share your experience in the comments. Let's learn from one another.
