Grasscutter (Cane Rat) Farming: The delicacy that sell itself
If you’re looking for a one rare Livestock Enterprise with guaranteed demand, premium prices, and relatively low start-up costs, that is worthy of consideration is Grass Cutter Farming.
The Grass Cutter, also called Cane Rat, is one of the most sought-after bushmeat delicacies in Nigeria.
Restaurants, Hotels, and Individuals pay well, and the market is nowhere near saturated. Best of all, Grass cutters are Herbivores—they feed on plants and grass, Cassava peels, and Agricultural by-products, which keeps feed costs low.
Start with a healthy breeding stock. Buy from a reputable Breeder or Research Institutes, not from the bush. Wild-caught grasscutters are stressed, may carry disease, and often refuse to breed in captivity. Look for animals that are alert, well-fed, and free from visible injury or discharge. A good starter unit is one male to three or four females.
Housing is simple.
Grasscutters can be kept in Concrete pens, Wooden cages, or even large plastic Drums with the tops cut out.
The key requirements are: Dryness, good Ventilation, and Security. Grasscutters are escape artists—they gnaw through wood and plastic if given the chance, so use wire mesh and concrete where possible. Each adult needs about 0.5–1 square metre of space. Provide a nesting box or sheltered corner where the females can give birth and raise their young.
Feed them well.
Grasscutters eat a wide range of plant materials: Elephant grass, Guinea grass, Sweet potato vines, Cassava Tubbers and leaves (in moderation), Waterleaf, and various weeds.
They also enjoy Cassava peels, Yam peels, and Fruit scraps. Supplement with a small amount of concentrate—Poultry grower mash or a mix of Maize bran, Soybean meal, and Bone meal—to support growth and reproduction.
Provide clean water daily and avoid mouldy or Pesticide-contaminated feed.
Breeding is the key to Profitability. Grasscutters breed year-round if well-fed and housed. A female produces two to four Litters per year, with two to five pups per litter. The gestation period is about 150–155 days, so you’ll need patience, but the payoff is significant.
Separate pregnant females before they give birth, and keep young animals in a grow-out pen until they reach market size, usually 6–8 months.
The main challenges are Disease and Stress.
Keep the pens clean, avoid overcrowding, and handle animals gently. Common problems include Diarrhoea, Respiratory infections, and Skin conditions—all linked to poor Hygiene.
With good management, Grass cutter farming is a low-maintenance, high-return business that fits perfectly into the dry season when other farm work slows down.
Tag someone who loves bushmeat and might want to farm it instead of hunting it.
Would you be interested in Grass cutter farming?
Contact us for more details at MAWEDO FLOURISH FARM AND PLANT GARDEN, we deliver from Lagos state to any destination in Nigeria via commercial vehicles.
You can call 📞 or sms or WhatsApp us via +2347033408800
Price for a colony of grass cutter ranging from 270k upwards, depending on how many months you need.
We’re located at Osolo Ajao estate, Lagos state. You can visit us physically or send your representatives to buy for you.
