Abstract: This study assessed the relative performance of rural commercial poultry farmers in Imo State, between 2000-2003 and 2004-2007 and the influence of the policy instruments implemented within these periods on this performance. Twelve out of the Twenty Seven Local Government Areas in the three Agricultural Zones in the area were chosen for the study through simple random sampling technique. Data were subjected to a multiple regression analysis, structural stability test, costs-returns analysis and the χ2-test. Results showed that the output and profit margins of farmers were significantly higher in 2004-2007 period, leading to the conclusion that the policy instruments employed within this time frame had stronger influence on these performance indices. The χ2-test showed that the returns on investment were dependent on the policy instrument implemented in each period. It was recommended, among others, that these instruments should be relied upon to guide the commercial poultry sub-sector operations in the State.