Chickens are the most common domesticated bird in Kenya. They are popular because they are simple to maintain and inexpensive to acquire. Numerous farmers will describe their achievements in chicken farming. Since there is always a high market demand and a readily available market, chicken farming is also considered one of the top farming ideas.
There are numerous chicken breeds in the world. However, you must select a breed that is well-suited to your environment and can thrive in it.
The price of chicken in Kenya retails at Ksh. 510.26 per kg. However, variations may be observed due to a number of factors. Among these variables may be the breed of chicken, the location of purchase, and the size of the chicken.
How to Start Chicken Farming in Kenya
For you to venture into this exciting and profitable farming activity, there are various factors you need to consider for a smooth flow. In this review, I will list and explain ten ways to start chicken farming in Kenya:
Raise the Capital Necessary
Capital is always a crucial part of any business or farming activity. When you want to start chicken farming, there is always a need for you to have enough capital. As a farmer, you have to give yourself enough time to raise good capital. The money raised will play a fundamental role in running the farm.
Have Enough Land
Land size is important in this activity. The size of land matters depending on the type of chicken farming. A small piece of land works for low-budget chicken farming. If you have a large budget and want to farm on a large-scale, you’ll need more land. However, it is advised that you have a large part to allow for future expansion.
Have a Business Plan
Before you do anything, make sure you have a plan. Chicken farming requires a business plan. The plan prevents confusion and ensures smooth event organization. It also helps calculate post-sale profits. So, as a chicken farmer, you need a business plan.
Buy the Desired Breed
The breed you want to rear matters a lot in chicken farming. Every farmer always goes after a highly profitable species that can survive different conditions. You should, however, consider raising a breed that can grow faster. This type of breeding is advantageous since it maximizes your profits fully.
Choose the Right Location for Your Farm
Your chicken farm’s location is crucial. If you set it up near the market, you can save money on transportation and time. However, if the farm is far from the market, transportation costs will rise, reducing profits. Always locate your farm near a market.
Build a Good House for Your Birds
A well-ventilated, spacious, well-lit home is essential. These factors can boost your productivity. To keep your chickens healthy, maintain a high level of cleanliness.
Buy Feeds
Always buy chicken feed to ensure fast growth. Follow feeding procedures for your birds to reach market weight. For example, if you are rearing kienyeji chickens, you must feed them with kienyeji mash. The feeds will help increase the profit rate after your chickens have grown up.
Buy the Necessary Equipment
Equipment affects productivity greatly. This farming activity requires feeders and drinkers before it can begin. These two items reduce food and water waste. When fed from feeders, chickens won’t drop food. This maximizes feed, boosting chicken growth. A drinker will help keep the ground dry by preventing water spills.
Have Medication Programs
Having healthy chicken is always the desire of every chicken farmer. It is always recommended that you vaccinate your birds when the need arises. Therefore, you need to have a veterinary doctor who will help in running and administering the vaccination programs. You should also deworm your chickens and ensure that they are protected from harmful diseases that may cause you loss.
Find the Market for Your End-Products
The market is critical after you are done raising your chickens. In apparent situations, many farmers would like to enjoy their profits at the end of the day. To make this happen, you have to find a market that is stable and that you will be sure of earning the desired profits. You can always consider finding the nearest market if possible.
How Much Does A Chick Cost in Kenya?
Typically, a day old chick retails at Ksh. 100. A broiler chick will go at a price ranging from Ksh.100 to Ksh.180. In the case of a four-week-old chick, the prices start at Ksh. 260.
Commonly Asked Questions
Where can I buy layer chickens in Kenya?
Amity poultry limited, Kuroiler chicks, and Ecochicks limited are the most common places to buy layer chicken in Kenya.
Where can I sell kienyeji chicken in Kenya?
There are a lot of places to sell kienyeji chicken in Kenya. Some of these places include butcheries, meat processing industries, hotels and restaurants.
Kienyeji chicken prices in Nairobi are about Ksh. 1000 per 2 kg.
The price of chicken breast in Kenya varies depending on the place of purchase. The prices range from Ksh.480 to Ksh.1,100. Breast size may also be a factor that brings about variations.
How much is raw chicken in Kenya?
Usually, raw chicken per kg in Kenya is ksh.515.
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