By Dr Ann M. Wachira
Selecting healthy day-old chicks is crucial for a thriving poultry farm. Begin by locating a reputable hatchery or supplier recognized for their high-quality chicks. Seek advice from local livestock professionals or poultry farmer associations. When inspecting the chicks, ensure they have bright eyes, clean beaks, and clean, fluffy feathers. Avoid chicks with swollen eyes or dirty beaks, as well as those with crooked limbs and infected or unhealed navels. They should all be approximately the same size and actively moving about, pecking at objects, and chirping.
When embarking on your poultry farming journey, take the time to delve into your supplier’s practices to ensure your flock’s well-being. Inquire about their management practices, feeding regimen, health history, and vaccination program. Well-vaccinated chicks are less likely to get sick.
During transportation from the supplier to your farm, it’s essential to keep the chicks in a clean, well-ventilated container with suitable bedding. This helps reduce stress during this critical period of adjustment. Upon arrival at your farm, consider quarantining the new chicks separately for a few weeks. This allows you to closely monitor their health and prevent potential disease spread to the rest of your flock. It’s a precautionary measure that can save you from future headaches. If you encounter any issues, don’t hesitate to consult a poultry health expert. Their guidance can be invaluable in ensuring the well-being of your flock. Remember that the health of your day-old chicks is the foundation of a successful poultry operation.
Pricing and source guide for day-old chicks
In 2023, Kenya introduced pivotal livestock regulations that have significant implications for the poultry industry. These regulations specifically state that any hatchery involved in the supply of day-old chicks must be licensed. This licensing process aims to ensure that hatcheries adhere to quality standards and maintain the health and welfare of the chicks they produce. It also provides a level of oversight and accountability within the poultry industry, benefiting both producers and consumers alike.
To make it convenient for farmers and poultry stakeholders, hatcheries in Kenya have established a network of agents in major towns. These agents serve as distribution points, making it easier for people to access and purchase day-old chicks without having to travel long distances to the hatchery itself. This decentralized approach helps promote the growth of the poultry sector by increasing accessibility to quality chicks. Make sure to buy all your chicks from authorized dealers.
Now, let’s delve into the details of pricing. The cost of day-old chicks will vary depending on the breed. Layer chicks, mainly bred for egg production, are currently priced at an average of KES 120 per chick. Meanwhile, broiler chicks, which are raised for meat production, have a price range of KES 80 to 90 per chick. On the other hand, if you are in search of dual-purpose or slow-growing broiler chicks, you can expect them to be priced within the range of KES 90 to 120 per chick.
It’s important to recognize that chick prices can fluctuate due to various factors including demand and season. High demand during peak times or specific seasons may lead to higher prices, while lower demand or off-season periods can result in more competitive pricing. Farmers should be aware of these fluctuations to make informed choices when purchasing chicks for their poultry operations.
Below is a compiled table, listing some major commercial hatcheries for day-old chick production:
Commercial Hatcheries in Kenya
| Hatchery name | Location County | Type of chicks |
| Kenchic Ltd | Kajiado-Agents in most major towns | Layers, broilers & Slow growing broilers |
| KALRO | Nakuru, Kakamega | Dual-purpose breeds |
| Isinya chicks | Kajiado- Agents in most major towns | Layers and broilers |
| Muguku poultry farm | Kajiado, Nairobi | Layers and broilers |
| Kenbrid | Nakuru-Agents in Mombasa, Nairobi, and Kisumu | Layers and broilers |
| Western seed | Trans Nzoia | Broilers and Dual-purpose breeds |
| Kukuchic | Uasin Gishu | Slow growing broilers |
| Yegen farm | Uasin Gishu | Slow growing broilers |
Dr Ann M. Wachira is a scientist in the Animal Health Department at Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization, Kakamega.
Email: ann.wachira@kalro.org