Inside the tough world of chicken farming

A woman feeds her chicken /AI

It's a chilly morning in Katheini village, Machakos county. Here, I find Margaret who has already started her day.

Margaret tells me she woke up at around 6am.

While most people in the village are still sleeping, she is already outside, unlocking her chicken coop.

The air is cool, and the sky is slowly getting brighter as she starts her day.

Her chickens are awake too, as they wait for their morning feed.

"These chickens are my business and my hope," Margaret the poultry farmer says.

According to her, raising chickens is not just a job; it is her way of life.

She depends on them to meet her daily needs.

"People think chicken farming is easy like you buy chicks, feed them, sell them, and make money. That is the dream," she says with a smile.

"But the truth is, this job is hard. It tests your patience and your money."

As Margaret throws food at her chickens, they move around, as she watches them carefully.

Over the years, she has learned to notice when a chicken is sick or weak.

She knows how to give them proper care so that they grow strong and healthy.

According to her, the first big problem in chicken farming is money.

"One sack of feed costs more than my weekly shopping," she says.

According to Margaret, the price of chicken food keeps changing, and sometimes it goes up when one is not ready.

"I remember one time when the prices suddenly increased. I stood in the shop looking at the new prices, wondering what to do. But I had no choice. I had to buy the food," she says.

However, Margaret says she has learned how to manage the challenges.

She understands that different chicks need different types of food.

"We have feed for two-week-old chicks and another for one-month-old and beyond," she explains.

"A one-week-old chick cannot eat the same food as a one-month-old chick. Each age needs special food."

Margaret says she carefully budgets her money so that she can afford the right feed for each stage.

Another challenge, according to her, is keeping the chickens safe.

"Chickens get sick easily if their house is not clean," she says.

"I make sure to clean their home every day and give them fresh water."

She also protects them from predators like wild animals and thieves.

"One night, I heard noises outside. When I checked, I found a dog had broken into the chicken house and made away with some chicks. I was heartbroken, but I took measures to ensure that it never happens again," she says. 

Even with the difficulties, Margaret keeps going.

"It's not just about making money," she says.

"It is about learning, growing, and not giving up. Every challenge teaches me something new. When I sell a healthy chicken to a happy customer, I feel proud," Margaret says.

"I dream of the day when I will be able to also create an environment for the youth through the rearing of chicken." 

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