Puerto Rican entrepreneur, 20, builds egg farm from 50 to 1,400 hens

At just 20 years old, Javier José Vázquez Zayas has turned a small savings into a thriving egg business in Corozal, Puerto Rico. His farm, JN Farm, now houses 1,400 hens and produces up to 1,200 eggs daily, just 10 months after starting with only 50 birds Source: elespanol, Source: clarin.

From 50 to 1,400 hens

Javier's journey began when his father encouraged him to explore poultry farming. Using his own savings, he bought 50 laying hens and quickly became passionate about the venture. By February, he had expanded to 1,400 hens and a rooster, moving operations to a larger property. The name JN Farm honors his parents, José and Nancy, who inspired him Source: elespanol.

The growth came with challenges: during the move, about ten hens died due to crowding in darkness, a lesson in animal management Source: elespanol.

Daily routine and challenges

Javier's typical day starts at 6:00 AM. He feeds and waters the hens, then sorts eggs by density and size from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, six days a week Source: elespanol. He acknowledges the sacrifice, often forgoing family outings to care for the birds: 'If I want my own business, I have to do it' Source: elespanol.

A major hurdle is competition from cheaper imported eggs, but Javier remains determined, saying 'we're fighting' Source: elespanol, Source: clarin. He also gave up cycling, a previous passion, to focus on the farm Source: clarin.

The 'happy hens' philosophy

Javier emphasizes hen welfare, allowing them to pasture, peck grass, and take dust baths. This approach, which he calls 'happy hens, quality eggs,' differentiates his product Source: clarin. His future plans include brand recognition, direct home delivery, a mobile sales point, and further agricultural projects Source: clarin.