The Farming Diaries

Starting a poultry farm can be an exciting journey, especially when you're passionate about farming or looking for a reliable source of income. But like any business, poultry farming comes with its challenges. Many first-time farmers jump in with enthusiasm, but without the right knowledge and preparation, they often make costly mistakes. Whether you’re raising broilers for meat, layers for eggs, or improved kienyeji chickens, this article will walk you through the most common mistakes beginners make—and how you can avoid them for a more profitable and sustainable poultry venture. 1. 🚫 Starting Without a Clear Plan The Mistake: Many new poultry farmers start their businesses without a proper plan—no target market, no budget, and no idea of their long-term goals. Why It's a Problem: Without a plan, it's easy to overspend, underproduce, or make poor decisions. You may end up with the wrong breed, insufficient space, or no customers when it’s time to sell. How to Avoid It: ✅ ...

Kenya’s climate can be both a blessing and a challenge for poultry farmers. With alternating periods of intense heat and heavy rainfall, managing a chicken flock—especially improved kienyeji or broilers—requires careful planning. These extreme weather conditions, if not well handled, can lead to stress, disease outbreaks, reduced egg production, and even death. Whether you're in a semi-arid region or a high-rainfall area, this comprehensive guide will help you adapt your poultry management practices to hot or rainy seasons—ensuring your birds stay healthy and productive year-round. ☀️ The Impact of Hot Weather on Chickens Heat stress is a serious concern, especially during the dry season. Chickens don’t sweat like humans do, so they rely on panting and spreading their wings to cool down. When temperatures rise above 30°C (86°F), chickens can start experiencing: Panting and labored breathing Drop in egg production Reduced feed intake Dehydration Weakened immunity In...

Newcastle Disease (ND) is one of the most feared diseases in poultry farming. Known for its rapid spread and high mortality rate, it has the potential to wipe out an entire flock in a matter of days if not detected and managed early. Whether you raise broilers, layers, or improved kienyeji chickens, understanding Newcastle Disease is crucial to your farm’s success. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Newcastle Disease—its causes, signs, prevention, and treatment—so you can protect your birds, reduce losses, and maintain a healthy, thriving poultry farm. 🧬 What is Newcastle Disease? Newcastle Disease is a highly contagious viral infection that affects both domestic and wild birds. It is caused by the avian paramyxovirus type 1 (APMV-1), which attacks the respiratory, digestive, and nervous systems of chickens. The disease spreads very fast and can affect birds of all ages, but young chicks are especially vulnerable. In its most severe form, i...

If you're just getting started in poultry farming or thinking about keeping chickens at home, one of the most important first steps is choosing the right chicken breed. Chickens are not all the same—different breeds have different characteristics, temperaments, growth rates, and purposes. Some lay lots of eggs, others grow quickly for meat, and a few are suited for both. In this beginner-friendly guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about chicken breeds, including the types, examples, and how to choose the best breed for your needs—whether you’re farming for profit or keeping backyard hens for fresh eggs. 🧠 Why Understanding Chicken Breeds Matters Choosing the wrong chicken breed can lead to frustration, poor production, and wasted resources. For example, if your goal is to sell eggs and you raise a meat breed like Cornish Cross, you’ll get disappointed quickly. Likewise, raising slow-growing kienyeji chickens when you need fast meat production could lower y...