(Mwea, Kirinyaga) – Young people are increasingly seeking new ways to generate income in the face of limited job opportunities, and Zabron Muthike, a finance professional, has found a promising avenue by investing in technology-driven poultry farming.
Zabron has adopted technology to hatch more chicks in less time, giving him a distinct advantage over traditional methods. He uses an incubator capable of hatching up to 3,000 chicks in just three weeks. “I encourage other farmers to move beyond traditional methods in poultry farming to increase their earnings,” he says.
Zabron points out that following the right methods in poultry farming can yield substantial income. He has invested in incubation machines and temperature-controlled shelters to keep the chicks healthy and safe after hatching.
Table: Poultry Feeding Stages
| Stage | Feed Type | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Chicks | Chick Mash | First 2 months |
| Growing Stage | Growers Mash | After 2 months |
For the first two months, the chicks are fed chick mash, a special feed for young birds, and later transitioned to growers mash as they mature. Zabron’s hens lay consistently for up to 18 months, ensuring a steady production flow. He emphasizes that a vaccination schedule and daily record-keeping are critical for avoiding losses and managing diseases and pests that could harm the poultry.
Working with other local farmers, Zabron has co-founded a cooperative to scale up production. Through this cooperative, they can meet market demands, supplying over 3,000 chicks and ensuring consistent income.
Despite his success, Zabron acknowledges there is much potential left untapped in the poultry market. To reduce feed costs, they supplement poultry feed with locally sourced natural foods, which has helped them save significantly on expenses.
Zabron has encouraged young people and farmers across Kenya to embrace technology, saying it can lead to substantial success in agriculture. For Zabron, poultry farming is not only a source of livelihood but also a way to pursue personal goals and fulfillment.