Layers are poultry kept for egg production. In most cases, layers begin to lay eggs when they attain the age of 18 to 19 weeks. After that given period of weeks, they can even lay eggs to an age of even 72 to 78 weeks. To have more productive layers, there is a need to consider rearing them in a comfortable environment. With this, you will be assured of better profits at the end of the day.
Yes, layers are profitable in Kenya. Venturing into layer poultry farming is one of the best ideas. One of the most significant advantages of layers is that you can start rearing them with a small number of chicks and later expand to more than 200 chickens.
You can always consider extensive scale layer farming if you are stable and well off. This is a sure bet that you will be able to earn a lot more compared to small-scale layer farming. Another great advantage of layer farming that makes it profitable is that, after the layers are done laying eggs, you can further sell them for meat, thus bringing double profits. So, yes, layers are very profitable in Kenya.
Why are Layers Profitable in Kenya?
Let us look at some of the reasons why layers are considered profitable in Kenya.
5 Reasons Layers are Profitable in Kenya:
- You require low starting capital.
The starting capital of rearing layers is not that high. Due to this, there are higher chances that many farmers can afford to rear the layers. In addition, the startup capital is less as compared to the profits, so the business is profitable.
- Birds can be used for different purposes.
If you are wondering how it is possible to maximize your chicken for different purposes, you are at the right place to ease your curiosity. After your chickens have laid eggs, you can sell them as meat. This is one of the most significant advantages compared to broiler farming. As a farmer, you will be assured of double profits at the end of a specific period.
- Availability of a ready market
The availability of a ready market makes layers profitable. This is because you will be able to sell your products at a faster rate and create room for other products. In addition, there will be no shortage of demand once you have created a good network with suppliers and even consumers.
- Availability of feed
Food is always essential for the survival of living things. For instance, the food required to feed the layers is readily available; due to this, a farmer does not have to travel over long distances to get the feed. This, in turn, reduces the cost, and thus the money can be used for different purposes, thereby maximizing profits.
- The cost of maintenance is low.
Compared to livestock farming, the cost of rearing layers and maintaining them is relatively low. This becomes an advantage to you as the farmer, since you can focus on your business with less effort. For instance, you can manage up to 100 layers by yourself. Due to this, you can save on the cost of hiring labor and other expenses.
How to Start Rearing Layers
There are some factors to consider before beginning to rear layers for better results. In this blog, we’ll look at six factors to consider when deciding how to raise layer chickens in Kenya.
- Know where to locate your farm.
The location of your farm matters a lot. You can always consider locating it near the market or at a more strategic location. The proximity to the market is advantageous since you will be able to spend less on transportation of your products.
- Have a business plan.
As usual, a business plan is always a fundamental document. The plan will help you reduce confusion and help you strategize your business smoothly. Therefore, it would be best if you have a business plan; with it, you can also calculate on profits to be earned.
- Know the breed to rear.
As a farmer, there is a need for you to know what breed you want to rear. For instance, you have to choose a breed that provides high-quality products. With such species, you can be sure of earning a lot from your business.
- Build a house.
Housing is crucial when it comes to rearing your layers. To increase your productivity, there is a need to build a quality house. The house should be spacious, warm, and well ventilated.
- Have an area of specialization.
As a farmer, it is critical to decide whether your specialty is in large-scale farming or small-scale farming. When you are well off, you can consider rearing layers on a large scale. Here, you will be able to earn much, and the profits will be high. Alternatively, if you tend to have a fixed budget, you can venture into small-scale farming and expand it later.
- Find the required market.
When your hens are done laying eggs, you will have to sell them. Therefore, before venturing into this farming activity, you can always find a market for your products. The availability of the market is a clear assurance of sales and profits.
Cost of Rearing 100 Layers Chicken in Kenya
The cost of rearing 100 layer chickens is Ksh. 65,000 on average. With this amount, you can begin your business smoothly. This amount caters for the chicks and other necessities.
You might be wondering how many bags of feed 100 layers can consume. On average, the layers can consume up to 10 bags of layer mash.
Layers mash price in Kenya retails at an average price ranging from Ksh.2,500 to Ksh.3,500 per bag.
Where to Buy Layers Chicken in Kenya
There are a lot of places to buy layer chicken in Kenya. Some of these places include:
- Enmity poultry production
- Kuroiler chicks
- Isinya chicks
- Muska poultry farm
- Kienyeji chicken
Perhaps you want to know how many eggs 500 layers can lay in a day? Five hundred layers tend to lay up to 280 eggs a day.
Finding the best layer chicken in Kenya is significant. The best breed is a quality assurance that you will be able to maximize your profits.
You may be trying to find out how much layer chicks cost in Kenya. Usually, a layer chick retails at a cost ranging from Ksh.100 to Ksh.180 on average terms.
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