Poultry Farming for Eggs and Meat Production
Poultry farming in Kenya has become one of the most popular agribusinesses. From supplying fresh eggs to tasty chicken meat, it’s a steady way to earn an income and keep food on the table. This guide will help you get started:
Getting Started with the Right Birds
When you start poultry farming, it’s important to decide whether you want chickens for eggs, meat, or both. For meat production, broilers are your best option since they grow very fast; within 6 weeks, you can sell them. If your focus is on eggs, layer chickens will serve you well. These start laying eggs at about 5 months and can produce consistently for over a year.
For those who prefer hardy birds, Kienyeji chickens are a great choice. They take longer to mature but are less demanding when it comes to feeding and can be sold for both meat and eggs. Most Kenyans love how they taste, and considering how rare they are, they are more expensive than broiler ones.
Housing
Your birds need a good home to keep them safe from bad weather, predators, and diseases. A proper chicken house doesn’t have to be expensive; just make sure it’s well-ventilated and spacious. Cramped chickens get stressed and may not grow or lay well.
Feeding Your Birds for Growth and Production
Good feeding makes all the difference in poultry farming. For young chicks, start with starter mash. This provides the nutrients needed to help them grow strong. As they mature, switch to grower mash for broilers or layer mash for laying chickens.
Always ensure your chickens have access to clean drinking water. Without enough water, chickens reduce their feed intake and stop growing or laying eggs properly.
Keep Your Birds Healthy
Diseases are a big threat in poultry farming, but you can prevent most of them with good management. Make sure the chicken coop stays clean, and always vaccinate your birds against common diseases like Newcastle.
If you notice a sick chicken, like one that looks weak, has a droopy neck, or stops eating, separate it immediately to protect the rest of the flock.
Selling Eggs and Meat
Once your chickens are ready, it’s time to make money. Eggs are always in demand, whether you sell them at the market, to neighbors, or to hotels and schools. Meat from broilers or Kienyeji chickens also sells quickly, especially during festive seasons or events.
MyAgroVet Products to Support Your Poultry Farming
To succeed in poultry farming, you must have the right equipment. Here are some products from MyAgroVet that can assist you:
Poultry Feeder (9kg Capacity): This durable plastic feeder holds up to 9kg of feed, suitable for 10-15 birds. It features a folding handle for easy hanging or floor placement, ensuring your chickens have constant access to feed.
6 Kg Feeder for Chickens, Ducks, Turkeys, and other Similar Birds
Chick Feeding Tray, Feeder Pan 40cm, 60cm
6 Kg Feeder with Legs to Raise it Above the Ground, for Chickens, Ducks, Turkeys, and other Similar Birds
9 Kg Feeder for Chickens, Ducks, Turkeys, and other Similar Birds
Poultry feeder, Large breeds, Silo type, Durable plastic, 40 Litres, Ø 51.5cm X 77.5 h
Feeder for Poultry, Hens, Quail and Partridges, With Feet, UV Protection, WQ-9HK, Ø19 X 36,5 X 30
1.5 Kg Feeder with Anti-Scatter Ring, For Chickens, Ducks, Turkeys, and other Similar Birds
3 Kg Feeder with Legs to Raise it Off Ground, for Chickens, Ducks, Turkeys, and other Similar Birds
1.5 Kg Feeder with Legs for Chickens, Ducks, Turkeys, and other Similar Birds
Feeder for Poultry, Minimal Feed Wastage, Chicks, Hens, Capacity 6 Kg, C2, Ø 23cm X 32 h X 32l
Kenpoly Chicken Feeder with Rod, Capacity 3 litres, Red and White
Poultry Feeder, Hens, With Legs, "Happy Chicken", Standing or Hanging, 5kg, Ø296 × 347h, red A
9 Kg Feeder with Legs for Chickens, Ducks, Turkeys, and other Similar Birds
Plastic Parent Female Feeder
Poultry Feeder, Feet, Standing or Hanging, UV Protection, Safe Plastic, WQ=3, 3kg, 23 x 26 x 13.5 cm
3 Kg Feeder for Chickens, Ducks, Turkeys, and other Similar Birds
Rectangular Chick Tray, Feeding Tray, Ideal for Chicks - Red, Dimensions: 53cm X 35cm
450g Chick Feeder for Chicken, Duck, Turkey Chicks
Bird Feeder, Feet, Standing or Hanging, WQ-6HK, 6kg, 27.5 x 31.5 x 16 cm.
Tell us what you keep and what you need it for. We will suggest the right equipment for the job and the budget.