Last updated on March 2nd, 2024 at 06:00 pm
You might have heard that chicken farming is a great business venture in Kenya. The truth is, it is. Not only is the demand for chicken meat high, but the cost of setting up a chicken farm is relatively low. In this guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about starting a chicken farm in Kenya, from the benefits and nutrients of chicken meat to suitable areas for rearing chickens.
We’ll also teach you how to rear chickens like a pro and market your farm to make the most profit. Are you ready to learn?
Let’s get started:
Cost for starting Chicken rearing in Kenya
Starting a chicken farm in Kenya is capital intensive. It will cost you about 100,000 Kenyan shillings to set up a small scale chicken farm. This amount will cater for the acquisition of the basic infrastructure such as the chicken coop, the feeding and watering system and the security fence.
You will also need to factor in the cost of acquiring the chicks, which usually goes for between 200 and 500 shillings per chick. The cost of feed and medication will also be incurred during the rearing period. It is therefore important to have a good business plan that will help you forecast your expenditure and income.
Benefits and Nutrients of Chicken rearing in Kenya
Kenya has a great climate for chicken farming and the meat from these birds is a good source of protein. There are many benefits to starting a chicken farm in Kenya, including:
· A good market for your chickens.
· The meat from chickens is a good source of protein.
· Chickens are easy to rear.
· There is a large potential market for chicken meat in Kenya.
There are also some nutrients that are found in poultry meat that are essential for human health. These include:
· Protein
· Iron
· Zinc
· Omega-3 fatty acids
Suitable House for Rearing Chicken in Kenya
You can rear your poultry in a number of places in Kenya. The most common and preferred place to rear chicken is in a poultry farm where you have the necessary infrastructure and facilities. However, you can also rear them in your backyard if you have enough space.
The house you choose to rear your chicken should be well-ventilated with plenty of light and have a dry place for them to roost. It should also be predator-proof and have a clean source of water.
How to Rear Chicken in Kenya
Rearing chickens in Kenya requires the right environment for it to thrive. First, you will need to choose the breed of chicken that is suitable for the conditions in Kenya.
Common breeds include the Rhode Island Red, White Leghorn, and Kienyeji chickens. You will also need to provide them with a proper housing system that is well-ventilated and predator-proof, as well as enough food and water.
When rearing chicken in Kenya, you should also pay close attention to their health needs. This includes regular de-worming and vaccinations against common poultry diseases such as coccidiosis, Newcastle disease, and infectious bronchitis. It’s also important to ensure good hygiene practices are adhered to by cleaning out their houses regularly and maintaining a pest-free environment. An occasional dust bath can also help your chickens stay healthy.
Worth reading:
Market Size and Opportunities for Chicken rearing in Kenya
When it comes to market size and opportunities for chicken farming in Kenya, the potential is simply huge. After all, the demand for eggs and poultry has been steadily increasing in recent years with the rise of both economic growth and population size.
Plus, Kenya has traditionally been an agro-based society. This means that there are lots of local farmers who are passionate about their craft, who are also familiar with the best practices for running a successful chicken farm.
In addition to this, there are some excellent business opportunities that come with chicken farming in Kenya. For example, there are lots of poultry companies looking to invest in small-scale farms across the country. There’s also a growing trend of people setting up their own small-scale chicken farms as a way to supplement their income.
Indeed, if you’re looking for a way to increase your financial prospects while also doing something that you love, then starting a chicken farm in Kenya could be a great idea.
Pros and Cons of Chicken Farming in Kenya
One of the most important factors to consider before starting a chicken farm is the pros and cons involved. Let’s run through them so you can decide whether chicken farming in Kenya is right for you.
On the plus side, raising chickens can be incredibly rewarding. You’ll be self-sufficient, increasing your food security while at the same time providing eggs and meat to your local market. Plus, if you have children or visitors, they’ll enjoy having chickens around.
On the downside, there are some risks associated with raising chickens in Kenya. Unlike other pets or livestock, chickens are vulnerable to diseases and predation.
They need more space than many people think, and will require regular care and attention to keep them healthy and happy.
And if something does go wrong, it can cost you a lot of money in lost eggs and sick birds.
When it comes to chicken farming in Kenya, there are a lot of things to take into consideration. You need to make sure you have the right space, know how to rear the chickens, and understand the market size and opportunities.
There are also a few pros and cons to consider before starting a chicken farming business in Kenya.