KEEPING LAYERS IN CAGES:

Summary

In this inspiring story, Mr. Julius Onoko shares his journey from working in Kenya Post to becoming a successful layer chicken farmer in Yamira County. After retiring, Julius discovered the profitability of keeping layers and invested in a modern poultry system. His farm now houses over 500 layers, producing up to 18 crates of eggs daily, with minimal challenges. With his focus on proper management, clean conditions, and strategic investment, Julius is expanding his farm with plans to scale up to 3,000-5,000 layers. His success highlights the potential of poultry farming for retirees seeking a rewarding post-career venture.

Takeaways

• 😀 Keeping layer chickens in Kenya is a profitable venture with an annual egg production of 650 million eggs.
• 😀 Layer chickens can be raised in either a deep litter or cage system, with cages offering easier management and cleaner eggs.
• 😀 Mr. Julius Onoko, a retired Kenya Posts employee, started his own chicken farming venture after seeing the success of others in the business.
• 😀 Initially, Mr. Onoko tried keeping Kenyan chickens, but they were unreliable in egg production, leading him to switch to layer chickens.
• 😀 Investing in modern cage systems helps prevent diseases, simplifies management, and makes it easier to monitor the chickens' health.
• 😀 Mr. Onoko currently keeps about 500 layers and aims to grow his farm to 2,000-3,000 layers within the next five years.
• 😀 Proper feeding and water management are critical for high egg production, with 14-18 eggs per day being typical for Mr. Onoko's farm.
• 😀 Mr. Onoko's farm generates enough revenue to cover the costs of workers and maintenance without requiring additional personal investment.
• 😀 The local demand for eggs is strong, and Mr. Onoko’s eggs sell easily without the need for long-distance transportation.
• 😀 Challenges faced by chicken farmers include ensuring a steady supply of water and maintaining a quiet environment for the chickens to reduce stress.

Q & A

What inspired Mr. Julius to start keeping layer chickens?

Mr. Julius was inspired to keep layer chickens after observing farmers, especially in Kakamega, who were managing large flocks of over 5,000 chickens. He was motivated by the profits these farmers made and decided to start his own poultry business upon retirement.

What challenges did Mr. Julius face with local Kenyan chickens?

Mr. Julius faced the challenge that Kenyan chickens were unreliable in terms of egg-laying. They would sometimes lay eggs only after several days or even a week, which made it difficult to sustain the business.

How did Mr. Julius solve the problem with local Kenyan chickens?

He visited other farmers, including those in Machakos and Karoka, who were keeping layers in modern cages. He was advised to use cages to improve management and egg production, which led him to switch to this system.

What are the benefits of keeping chickens in cages according to Mr. Julius?

Keeping chickens in cages makes it easier to manage the flock, monitor their health, and maintain cleanliness. It also helps in preventing diseases and makes it easier to identify sick chickens.

How many chickens does Mr. Julius currently have and what is his future goal?

Currently, Mr. Julius keeps around 500 layers. His future goal is to expand his flock to 2,000 to 3,000 chickens within the next five years.

What has been the financial impact of Mr. Julius's poultry business?

Mr. Julius has invested over 800,000 Kenyan Shillings into his poultry business. The business is already paying for itself, covering the cost of feed and worker salaries, and allowing him to make a living from the eggs.

How does Mr. Julius manage egg sales?

Mr. Julius does not need to market his eggs actively as local buyers from nearby towns come directly to his farm to purchase them. He receives regular orders, making the sales process relatively easy.

What challenges does Mr. Julius face in managing his chicken farm?

Some challenges include worker negligence, especially if the worker is not providing food and water consistently. Additionally, ensuring a stable water supply is crucial for the chickens, and noisy or disturbed environments can negatively impact egg production.

What advice does Mr. Julius have for people considering poultry farming?

Mr. Julius advises anyone interested in poultry farming to save enough money before starting. It is important to understand that poultry farming requires significant investment upfront, but it can be a rewarding and sustainable business if managed well.

What does Mr. Julius say about the importance of water for the chickens?

Mr. Julius emphasizes that water is extremely important for chickens. If there is a shortage of water, it can affect the chickens' health and egg production. Therefore, he advises farmers to ensure a reliable water supply, either by having a water tank or well nearby.