Are you looking to start a livestock business with fast returns and high demand in Kenya? Broiler chicken farming might just be the opportunity you’re looking for. With the rising demand for affordable protein sources and a growing urban population, poultry farming — particularly broiler production — has become one of the most lucrative agribusiness ventures in Kenya today.
In this blog, we will explore the essentials of broiler chicken farming, including setup, feeding, disease management, and marketing — plus where to get quality poultry farming equipment from trusted suppliers like Medilink Vet Suppliers.
Why Broiler Chicken Farming?
Broiler chickens are raised specifically for meat production. They grow rapidly, reaching market weight in just 28 days to 35 days, making them ideal for short-cycle commercial farming.
Key Benefits:
- Quick turnaround time (multiple cycles in a year)
- High demand in hotels, restaurants, and households
- Relatively low space requirements
- Scalable operation — start small and expand as you grow
Getting Started with Broiler Farming in Kenya
- Proper Housing Setup
Broilers are sensitive to temperature and humidity. You need to construct a well-ventilated poultry house with adequate space to reduce crowding and ensure healthy growth.
Tip: Allocate 1 square foot per bird in the first weeks, expanding to 1.5-2 square feet as they grow.
- Feeding & Nutrition
Nutrition plays a critical role in broiler growth. Farmers should provide:
- Starter feed (up to 11 days)
- Grower feed (up to day 24)
- Finisher feed (up to market target 28-35 days)
- Starter- up to 21 days
- Finisher day 22 to market.
Ensure feed is rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals, and always provide clean, fresh water.
- Disease Prevention and Health Management
Broilers are prone to respiratory diseases, coccidiosis, and bacterial infections. Implement a biosecurity programme that includes:
- Vaccinations (e.g., Newcastle Disease, Gumboro)
- Disinfection of housing and equipment
- Limiting human traffic in and out of the poultry house
- Regular deworming and vitamin supplementation
Choosing the Right Equipment
To run an efficient broiler operation, you’ll need:
- Poultry feeders and drinkers
- Thermometers and brooding equipment
- Sprayers for disinfectants
- Lighting and heating equipment
- Transport crates
Medilink Vet Suppliers, Kenya’s leading livestock equipment provider, offers affordable and durable poultry farming tools for farmers of all sizes.
Marketing Your Broilers
Before starting, identify your target market. Options include:
- Local butcheries
- Hotels and restaurants
- Direct-to-consumer sales
- Wholesale buyers at regional markets
Consider joining poultry farmers’ networks on platforms like Facebook groups, WhatsApp forums, or Kenya Poultry Farmers Association (KPFA) to find bulk buyers and get updates on market prices.
Common Challenges and Solutions
| Challenge | Solution |
| High feed costs | Buy in bulk or mix own feed with guidance |
| Disease outbreaks | Maintain strict biosecurity & vaccination |
| Market access | Develop a loyal customer base before harvest |
| Low capital | Start small or consider table banking/saccos |
Conclusion: Broiler Farming is a Smart Investment
Broiler chicken farming is a fast-paced, high-yield venture that, when managed properly, can transform your income streams in a matter of weeks. Success depends on good planning, proper housing, quality feed, disease control, and market access.
Medilink Vet Suppliers supports Kenyan farmers with high-quality, affordable poultry equipment, sprayers, feeders, and expert guidance to help you thrive in this profitable industry.
Contact Medilink Today
- Location: Development House, Moi Avenue, Nairobi, Kenya
- Website: www.medilink.co.ke
- Phone: +254 722 779774
- Email: info@medilink.co.ke