Poultry farming is a perfect farming activity that you should consider doing. Among the things that make poultry farming the best is its ability to earn high profits. In addition, the farming activity allows the farmer to grow and connect with the large market.
However, for you to start a poultry farm, there are some factors that you need to take into consideration. In this blog, I will list and explain 11 ways you can start a poultry farm in Kenya.
1. Find the Required Capital
To start any business, there is a need for you to have capital. The same applies when starting a poultry farm here in Kenya. You can start with as little money as you can afford and expand on your farm when stable. The capital raised will help begin the farm’s foundation and purchase the necessary equipment.
2. Have a Business Plan
If you want an organized farm, you need to consider getting a business plan. The business plan will help you decide what to do. For instance, the plan will help you know where to locate your farm, the cost of starting it, your profits, and many more. Therefore, you can make a business plan your priority.
3. Choose the Type of Poultry to Rear
Knowing the poultry niche you want to focus on is fundamental. For instance, you can decide whether to concentrate on broiler or layer poultry farming. The choice, however, depends on you or your farm. If you are stable enough, you can consider both.
4. Find the Market for Your Products.
Before going further to set up your farm, it would be best if you considered finding a market for your products. The availability of the market will give you quality assurance that you will sell out your products. In addition, you can consider having the farm closer to the market to stand a chance of earning more.
5. Consider Either Commercial or Domestic Rearing
This is one of the most fundamental factors that you can consider. If you are keeping the poultry for commercial purposes, you need to set a profit target that can keep you going.
6. Means of Transportation.
When your farm grows and expands, you will require a way of transporting your products. As a beginner in the field, you can consider hiring the vehicles until you are stable and well off.
7. Find a Location for Your Farm
A poultry farm should not be set up anywhere. Therefore, you, as a farmer, are responsible for finding the best place to locate it. As a recommendation, it would be best if you considered locating the farm near the market. This will help you save on time and on the cost of transportation.
8. Choose a Preferable Breed
Before starting a poultry farm, you can always consider choosing a breed that will survive well in your environment. For instance, some poultry cannot survive some climatic conditions, and therefore you need to re-evaluate their environment. It is also advisable that you choose an excellent breed in either egg-laying or meat production.
9. Have a Budget
To avoid spending less or more, there is a need for you to have a budget. The budget will help you a lot in terms of maximizing profits.
10. Maintain the Health of the Poultry
The health of your birds is essential and fundamental. To be sure of earning a good amount of money, you have to medicate your birds. You can consider calling a veterinary for the activity or doing it yourself through their guidance. With that, be sure of your farm’s growth.
11. Build a House
Housing is an important factor to consider. To ensure that your birds are healthy and safe, you need to build them a good house. The house should have proper ventilation and should also be warm.
12. Consider Large-Scale or Small-Scale Farming.
Before setting up your farm, you should decide on the type of farming scale you would like to venture into. Hence, if you venture on a large scale, you should consider getting a large tract of land. With this, be sure of an increment in your productivity.
If you, however, have less money or a fixed budget, you can always consider beginning as a small-scale farm. Later on, you can expand your premises further, maximizing the profits.
How to Start a Kienyeji Poultry Farm in Kenya
Starting a Kienyeji poultry farm is not difficult at all. Since Kienyeji poultry sells out quickly, there is a higher assurance that you will make more profits. In addition, there is no complex setup required. All you need is how you will feed them, housing, finding a market, and precautions against pests and diseases. With the mentioned factors, you can quickly start the farm.
How Much Do I Need to Start a Poultry Farm in Kenya?
The cost of starting a poultry farm ranges from Ksh.20,000 to Ksh.780,000. As you can see, there is a variation in prices due to some factors. For instance, the size of the farm, the equipment, and the type of poultry to rear are some of these factors.
