Quail farming in Kenya is becoming popular day by day in both rural and urban areas. Nowadays, people are more aware of the nutritional value of eggs and quail meat.
But the existing production is not enough to meet the growing needs. So there is a lot of business potential/opportunity for people who want to make a living and want to start a new business by raising quail.
Commercial quail farming is indeed very profitable and requires less capital investment than farming other poultry such as chickens or ducks.
Quail breeding is also very interesting, exciting and thrilling. However, here I describe the benefits of quail farming in Kenya and the steps required to start a quail farming business.
Advantages of Quail Farming in Kenya
Commercial quail farming in Kenya has many advantages. It is a profitable business. The major benefits of farming quail in Kenya are listed below.
- Quails are small birds. They require less food, space, care and maintenance compared to other poultry like chickens.
- They become very hardy and adapt to almost any type of climate. In addition, they are less likely to get sick than other birds.
- In the case of commercial production, the investment required in a quail farming business is relatively very low.
- Quails mature faster than other birds. Broiler quails become marketable at 5 weeks of age, and laying hens start laying eggs at 5-5 weeks of age.
- Quail egg production is also higher. A quail can lay about 280 eggs per year.
- Quail meat is very nutritious and tasty. It contains less fat and cholesterol, as well as more protein and energy. Some say quail meat and eggs are suitable and easy to digest for children and patients.
- A chicken egg is five to six times the size of a quail egg. But a quail egg has more nutritional value than a chicken egg.
- Quail meat and eggs are a very suitable diet for children, patients, pregnant and lactating women.
- Infrastructure and feed costs are also lower in the quail trade. And quails have an excellent ratio of converting feed into meat or eggs.
- Raising quail does not require a lot of space or space like chickens or ducks. On the balconies you can even put quail cages.
- They can also be kept with other poultry or pets.
- The demand for quail products is gradually increasing. So you don’t have to think about marketing your products.
- As a result, commercial quail farming in Kenya can be an excellent source of employment and income.
- Unemployed women and educated youth can easily start a quail farming business and earn a living.
- In addition to the above benefits, there are many other benefits of keeping quail in Kenya.
Beginning of quail farming in Kenya
Starting commercial quail farming in Kenya does not require high-end infrastructure or technical expertise. It’s very easy and simple.
You can start commercial quail farming with other birds or just quail. To run a profitable quail farming business in Kenya, follow these steps.
Obtain a license
The quail is a wild bird. So, you need to get a license before you start commercial quail farming in Kenya. You can easily obtain a license by providing all the necessary conditions for your birds.
Commercial quail farming requires a license from the Kenya Wildlife Service. It may take about two weeks after the application process is complete to obtain a license.
You must build cages according to their suggestion. In a cage measuring 50*4*2.5 square meters. The futa cannot contain more than one bird. Attach photos of cages and infrastructure when submitting the application form.
After that, KWS will visit your farm and follow up all its quail farming requirements. And if your design and breeding plan can satisfy them, you will receive a license within the next 2 weeks.
You need to renew your license every year and the annual maintenance fee can be up to 2,000 shillings. KWS also conducts periodic farm monitoring and inspections and they will revoke your license if you violate the terms. Be very careful and provide your birds with a good habitat.
Select breeds
There are many breeds in the world. But not all of these breeds are suitable for commercial quail farming in Kenya.
Some of these breeds are suitable for commercial meat production in Kenya and others are suitable for commercial egg production. The Bobwhite (American) and White Breast (Indian) are broiler quails suitable for commercial meat production.
British Range, English White, Mandchurian Golden, Pharaoh, Tuxedo, etc. are quail breeds with high egg production. Besides this breed, there are many other breeds of quail. You can choose breeds that carry well and are in high demand in your local market.
Raising broilers and laying hens is very profitable. You can choose one or both types of products. Always buy healthy, disease-free and productive quail from reputable quail breeders or farms.
You can get more information about quail breeders or farms near you on the KWS website. After receiving information from KWS, contact the farm or breeders and purchase fresh chicks or adult quail.
Houses
Good housing plays an important role in quail production. So, provide the quails in their home with all the necessary amenities. You can breed quail both in the deep liter system and in the cage system.
But the cellular method is much simpler and very suitable for commercial production. In a litter system, you can raise 4-6 birds per square foot. But in a cage system, you can keep a maximum of 50 birds in a 4*2.5*1 square foot cage.
For commercial egg production, create several colonies per cage and keep 10-12 birds per colony. Broilers do not need this system. Provide enough fresh air and light to your home.
Wire mesh can be used in cages. Plastic cages are more convenient for keeping quail than metal or wooden ones. The house should be free from all kinds of predators and wild animals. In short, you must create a healthy and safe environment for your birds.
some products
Do not start raising quail until you have enough healthy, nutritious food. Feeding well-balanced and nutritious food ensures good health and maximum profit from this business.
So always try to give enough fresh food to your birds. Quails need more protein-enriched foods than other birds. In the diet, they need 22-24% protein.
On average, an adult quail consumes 20-35 grams of food per day. Watch how to feed the quails.
reproduction
On average, broiler quail mature in five weeks, while laying hens take six to seven weeks to lay eggs. In laying quail, about 50% of egg production is achieved by 8 weeks of age.
For successful rearing on the farm, you can maintain a male to female ratio of 1 to 5. Quail eggs take no more than 18 days to hatch and produce chicks.
A day-old quail chick usually weighs 8-10 grams. The chicks become very sensitive to light and temperature.
And the lack of adequate temperature leads to the accumulation of young chickens and causes a high mortality rate. So be very careful during this time and stay alert.
Health and management
Diseases are a major obstacle for all types of agricultural activities. Quail farming is no exception. Disease is one of the major problems in successful quail farming in Kenya.
Although quails are very resilient and get sick less than other birds. They are more resistant to infectious diseases than chicken and other poultry.
But you still need to be prepared and take action if something goes wrong. Always take care of your birds and provide them with good shelter and food.
Add enough nutrients to regular meals. As far as I know, there are currently no drugs or vaccines for quails on the market.
The only thing you can do is to always take care of your birds. If you love birds and take good care of them, they will certainly do their best.
Marketing
Marketing is not an issue for quail farming in Kenya. Because the market demand for quail products is increasing day by day. You can easily sell your products at your nearest local market.
You can also maintain good relationships with nearby hotels and restaurants. Because they can be some of your best customers. Before you start commercial quail farming in Kenya, I personally advise you to visit as many farms as possible.
Because nothing beats practical knowledge. As the market for quail products expands, there are great opportunities to earn money and create new job opportunities. I wish you a very profitable quail farming in Kenya. For your health!
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