Author: Carlos Deche

LAYERS VS BROILERS : 6 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD CHOOSE LAYERS

Confused between layers vs broilers?

Choose layers.Don’t go for broilers.

We’ve already looked at the key differences between layers and broilers. (If you missed that post, find it here.

Both can be profitable, but in this post I’ll share why I chose layers over broilers — and why you should too.

Many farmers rush into broiler farming because it looks easier. But easy doesn’t always mean better. Let’s break down the reasons why layers often win in the layers vs broilers debate.

In the layers vs broilers debate,choose layers.Below are the 6 reasons why I did and so should you.

1. MARKET

The egg market is stronger than broiler meat.

Fewer farmers keep layers compared to broilers, which means fewer eggs in the market. According to the law of supply and demand, low supply increases demand — and that’s good for you.

Eggs enjoy consistent demand year-round. Broiler meat, on the other hand, has peak seasons like Christmas or when there’s an influx of tourists.

With eggs, you don’t have to wait for festivals to sell your product.

2. STARTUP COSTS

Layer farming isn’t easy to start. It requires more money, more time, better information, and more skill compared to broilers.

That may sound like a disadvantage, but it’s actually an opportunity. Real entrepreneurship is about turning challenges into profits. The harder the problem, the higher the potential reward.

Because it’s tough, most people avoid it. Less competition means you can dominate the market once you succeed. Remember Mike, who left broiler farming due to stiff competition and is now thriving with layers? That’s proof of how the challenge can turn into profit.

3. RETURNS

Layers give a higher return on investment (ROI) compared to broilers.

Many broiler farmers have to replace flock after flock because the profit margins per batch are very low. It takes several cycles to see meaningful returns.

With layers, one hen can produce about 300 eggs in a year. That equals 10 trays. If one tray sells at Ksh.350 (minimum), you earn Ksh.3,500 from a single hen.

Now compare that with broilers. One broiler sells for about Ksh.500 at best. You can already see the gap.

Even better, at the end of the laying cycle you can still sell the birds as spent hens. For example, if you bought a day old chick at Ksh.150 and sold it at Ksh.400 after two years, you never really make a loss.

*Excluding all other costs like feeds e.t.c

4. CASHFLOW

Layers provide stable, predictable cashflow.

Keeping broilers is like buying a chick at Ksh.100 and selling it six weeks later for Ksh.500. That sounds fine, but you must repeat the cycle every 1.5 months to keep earning.

Layers are different. Once they start laying at around 18 weeks, you collect eggs daily for up to 1.5–2 years. That’s consistent income with the effort front-loaded at the start.

Robert Kiyosaki, author of Rich Dad Poor Dad, says real investors invest for cashflow, not just capital gains. Layers farming is exactly that — cashflow farming.

5. VALUE ADDITION

Eggs give you more value-addition options than chicken meat.

Check market prices:

How much does 1kg of packaged chicken meat sell for?

And how much does 1 litre of packaged liquid eggs sell for?

Way,way higher.

For example, just one tray of eggs can be turned into products worth Ksh.1,750 through value addition. Eggs can be processed into liquid, powder, or used for baking.

See for yourself what Fridah Kaaria is doing

Chicken meat also has processing options, but the percentage increase in value is much higher for eggs.

6. PRICES

Eggs generally command better unit value compared to broiler meat.

Think about this:

One broiler chicken raised for nearly two months sells for Ksh.500. That’s almost the same price as 1.5 trays of eggs, which you can easily get in a single day if you keep 50 layers.

That’s the power of layers in the layers vs broilers comparison.

Now you’ve seen the clear advantages of choosing layers over broilers: stronger market demand, higher ROI, stable cashflow, better value addition opportunities, and stronger unit prices.

Follow these steps to start your layer farm profitably

For me, the biggest reason is cashflow. Keeping layers feels like buying a money-printing machine. From 18 weeks until almost 2 years later, you earn consistently before finally selling the birds.

If you’re ready to start your journey, register below for free.

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August 22, 2025
5 POWERFUL SOLUTIONS TO HIGH ANIMAL FEED COSTS IN KENYA

How do you reduce feed costs on your farm?

It’s the million dollar question every poultry and livestock farmer in Kenya is asking right now.

Finding solutions to high animal feed costs in Kenya is urgent for every poultry and livestock farmer.

Feed prices often take up to 70% of production costs, leaving farmers struggling to stay profitable. The 2024 Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK) report shows maize, soybean, and sunflower products have risen by over 30% in just two years.

Last week, I shared the 7 main reasons why animal feed costs are high in Kenya.

If you missed it, you can read that article here and also check out the official CAK report.

Today, I’ll share my 5 practical and industry-level recommendations for solving this problem for good. These are not the usual “grow your own azolla” or “use black soldier fly” tips. They are strategies that, if implemented, can make farming more profitable — especially for layers farmers, which is what Secret Layers specializes in.

The first three ideas focus on reducing feed costs directly. The last two focus on increasing the price you can charge for your eggs, so even if feed prices stay high, you remain profitable.

1. GO BIG

Going big gives you an edge in sourcing and formulating feeds.

Scaling up is one of the fastest ways to cut feed costs. Larger farms can negotiate better prices with suppliers because they buy in bulk.

Hypothetical example:
Imagine you have 5,000 layers. Instead of buying feed in 50 kg bags, you order a full truckload. Your supplier might offer you a 5–10% discount for the bigger order. That’s money saved before the feed even reaches your store.

Farmer action: If expanding your flock is not realistic, join or form a cooperative. When multiple farmers buy together, they gain the same bulk-buying power as a large farm.

Stakeholder action: Support cooperative models by offering bulk storage facilities, transport discounts, or collective purchasing agreements.

2. FORMULATE YOUR OWN FEEDS

Making your own feeds can lower your expenses because you are sourcing raw materials directly and avoiding retail markups. This is one of the most effective poultry feed cost solutions available to Kenyan farmers.

What to consider before starting:

Can you source maize, sunflower cake, or soybean meal at good prices?

Do you understand feed formulation for layers so you meet nutritional needs?

Hypothetical example:
Let’s say you have 1,500 layers. You decide to mix your own layers mash using maize bran, sunflower cake, and premixes bought directly from a miller. This could cut your feed costs by around 15–20% compared to agrovet prices.

Farmer action: Learn feed formulation from extension officers or trusted training providers. If the investment in mixers is too high, share equipment with other farmers.

Stakeholder action: Offer accessible training and affordable leasing of feed-mixing equipment to farmer groups.

3. PRODUCE OUR OWN FEED INPUTS

Massive maize production at Galana-Kulalu in Kenya.We can do the same for sunflower, soya beans and have our own feeds inputs.

Kenya imports a lot of maize, sunflower, and soybeans for feed manufacturing. While countries like Uganda or Zambia may have larger production areas, we can still increase our own supply.

By producing these crops locally and processing them into sunflower cake or soybean meal, we reduce dependence on imports and stabilize prices.

Hypothetical example:
A group of 10 poultry farmers could partner with crop farmers to grow sunflower on 50 acres. The harvest could then be processed locally, giving them cheaper sunflower cake than the market price.

Farmer action: Secure long-term contracts with maize, sunflower, or soybean growers in your region to guarantee feed input supply.

Stakeholder action: Create incentives for local feed input production including subsidies, irrigation programs and assured market purchases.

4. VALUE ADDITION

We don’t have to keep selling eggs for less than Ksh 500 per tray. Through value addition, you can sell your eggs at much higher prices. Processing eggs into liquid, powdered, or specialty products for bakeries, pharmaceutical companies, and retailers allows you to charge more.

Hypothetical example:
If you partner with other farmers to invest in a small pasteurization unit, you could supply bakeries with liquid eggs at prices that translate to more than Ksh.1500 per tray in value.

Here’s Fridah Kaaria who processes liquid eggs in Central Kenya.

Pasteurized eggs processed by Fridah Kaaria an entrepreneur in Kenya.One 250ml bottle goes for Ksh.350(2021)

Farmer action: Form groups to share the cost of processing equipment or supply your eggs to existing processors.

Stakeholder action: Provide technical training for value-added egg production and help farmers access certified processing facilities.

5. EXPORT OUR EGG PRODUCTS

If Kenya can export coffee, tea, and miraa, we can also export eggs and processed egg products. Powdered and liquid eggs have long shelf lives and can be shipped regionally and internationally.

Hypothetical example:
A farmer cooperative could package powdered eggs and target markets in Rwanda, South Sudan, or even the Middle East. The cooperative could fetch premium prices if it meets export quality standards.

Farmer action: Focus on producing clean, high-quality eggs and join export-ready farmer groups.

Stakeholder action: Streamline export regulations for egg products and secure trade agreements with target countries.

REALITY CHECK : THE ROAD AHEAD

None of these solutions will happen instantly. Bulk buying requires capital. Feed formulation needs training. Exporting calls for regulatory support. But they are all achievable if farmers and stakeholders take coordinated steps. Even small actions today can lead to big changes in the industry.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TODAY?

Choose one or two strategies you can start working on now. Maybe that’s joining a buying cooperative, planting your own maize for feed, or exploring value addition opportunities.

The goal is not just to make more money, but to build a stronger, more resilient poultry industry in Kenya.

By applying these solutions to high animal feed costs in Kenya, we can create lasting change for farmers across the country.

WAIT!

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carlosdeche4040@gmail.com

August 15, 2025
Why Animal Feeds Prices Are High In Kenya -(CAK Report 2024)

“Feeds will kill your business.”
You’ve probably heard this statement over a million times.
It’s what many are told when they decide to get into poultry farming — that you’d make a lot of money, were it not for the prices of feeds.
Worse still, feed prices keep rising year after year.

From 2020 to mid-2022, poultry feed costs in Kenya rose by 40–50%.
Following the same trend, feed costs in Kenya 2025 could increase by another 25%.
Is this a lie? Definitely not.

Animal feeds are the single largest expense on any poultry farm — layers or broilers.
Even for livestock like cattle, pigs, or fish, feed accounts for about 70% of the farm’s total expenses.
After deducting labor, vaccines, water, and other costs, most farmers are left with around 20% of their revenue as net profit.
Some don’t even break even.
Worse still, some incur losses.

To survive, farmers try different ways to reduce feed expenses:

-Buying cheaper, low-quality feeds. This often backfires due to poor egg production and even greater losses.

-Purchasing in bulk for discounts. Only large farms benefit from this.

-Supplementing with local feed options such as pawpaw, vegetables, azolla, or hydroponic fodder. These are difficult to balance nutritionally.

-Producing their own feed. While this is cost-effective, it only works for large farms that understand feed formulation and raw material sourcing.

So What Did I Do?

As part of my research on why animal feeds prices are high in Kenya — a concern that keeps many from starting poultry farms — I came across a 2024 Animal Feeds Inquiry Report by the Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK).

This report explored the reasons behind the high feed prices and made key recommendations to solve the issue.

Below is a summary of the report.

In my next post, I’ll share my personal take on how the government and farmers like us can take action.

If this problem is fixed, Kenya could unlock massive employment opportunities across the animal feeds value chain.

Manufacturers, distributors, farm owners, and workers would all benefit.

Increased egg production would follow — the cheapest source of protein for most African families — and this would help reduce malnutrition across the continent.

But Is This Problem Unique To Kenya?

Unfortunately, yes.
Among East African countries, animal feeds prices in Kenya are the highest.
Compared to international benchmarks, feed prices here remain unreasonably high.

Kenya also struggles with the influx of cheaper imported eggs, mainly from Uganda.
Why? Because Uganda has lower poultry feed costs, allowing their farmers to sell eggs more cheaply while still making a profit.
This puts Kenyan poultry farmers at a serious disadvantage.

So Why Are Animal Feeds Prices High In Kenya?

7 Reasons why animal feeds are high in Kenya according to Competition Authority of Kenya(CAK) Inquiry Report,2024.

According to the CAK report, there are 7 key reasons behind the high animal feed prices in Kenya:

1. Heavy Dependence On Imported Raw Materials

Kenya doesn’t produce many of the raw materials needed to make poultry feeds.
Instead, we import them — and this adds costs at every step.

Soybean meal is imported mainly from Zambia, Malawi, and Uganda.

Sunflower cake comes from Tanzania.

Vitamins and additives are brought in from countries like China, the Netherlands, and Germany.

Every stage of importation — from foreign exchange, transport, taxes, and port delays — raises the final price.
Local farmers pay for all this when they buy feeds.

This overreliance on imports makes our feed prices volatile and sensitive to global changes.

2. Market Dominance By A Few Feed Manufacturers

Only four companies control over 50% of the commercial animal feed market in Kenya.This means just a few players determine the pricing trends.

While the report does not accuse them directly of collusion, the structure allows for potential price control.
This limits the power of smaller players and gives big companies room to increase prices unchecked.

When competition is low, innovation and price cuts disappear — bad news for smallholder farmers.

3. Unfair Pricing For Non-Integrated Feed Producers

Some feed companies are “integrated,” meaning they also own or control the supply of raw materials.
Others rely on external suppliers for inputs.

In 2021 and 2022, the report shows that non-integrated feed producers were charged higher prices for inputs.
This “margin squeeze” forced many smaller producers out of business.

So the fewer the producers, the less competition — and the higher the feed prices.

If you’ve ever wondered why the small local feed company died, this is a major reason.

4. Input Processors Set Their Own Rules

Most natural processors of feed inputs like oil cakes and grains are based in East and Southern Africa.
Because they dominate the region, they can dictate trade terms and pricing.

Kenya, being a buyer, has little say.
Our feed manufacturers must accept the high prices or go without.
This makes it harder to produce affordable poultry feed options for local farmers.

5. Lack Of Transparency And Information Sharing

Large feed suppliers in Kenya often exchange information with each other.
However, smaller players are left in the dark.

This lack of transparency allows the big players to coordinate pricing — even without formal agreements.
It also blocks new entrants from competing fairly.

When small businesses don’t know the actual market rates or raw material trends, they can’t plan or scale.

This keeps animal feeds prices in Kenya unnecessarily high.

6. County Taxes Create Fragmented Markets

One of the most frustrating problems for manufacturers is the inconsistent and excessive county taxes.
These vary wildly across Kenya and make the distribution of feeds expensive and unpredictable.

For example:

Machakos County charges Ksh. 20,000 annually per vehicle for distribution.

A separate Ksh. 20,000 is charged for branding.

Each truck needs a Ksh. 2,500 annual transport sticker.

On top of that, there’s a daily parking fee of Ksh. 500 per truck.

Other counties add more charges:

In Kericho, feeding all six sub-counties could cost at least Ksh. 1,200 per day per truck.

In Tharaka Nithi, manufacturers must pay all vehicle parking fees upfront — regardless of how often they deliver.

And it doesn’t stop there.
Counties also charge Agricultural Produce levies for inputs like rice polish, salt, and maize bran.
These additional costs are passed on to the farmer.

All this leads to one thing: higher feed costs across Kenya.

7. Limited Use Of Yellow Maize For Feed

In countries like Uganda, both white and yellow maize are grown.
White maize is used for human food, while yellow maize is reserved for animal feed.

But in Kenya, almost all maize is white — and it’s used for both food and feed.
This creates direct competition between humans and animals.

In 2025, maize prices rose and this means layer feed prices will ‘jump’ by almost 30%.
Why? Because the demand for maize in feed production still outpaces supply.

If Kenya increased yellow maize production, feed manufacturers could have a cheaper, dedicated source.

Why Poultry Feed Rises Faster Than Dairy Feed

Dairy feed is easy to make — just mix the ingredients.
No need for expensive machines.

Poultry feed, on the other hand, requires pelleting and crumbling, which needs precise formulation and investment in machines.
This increases production costs and drives up prices.

It’s no surprise that poultry feed costs in Kenya continue to rise faster than other animal feeds.

What CAK Recommends

To solve the problem, CAK made several important recommendations:

1. Reposition the animal feeds industry.
Invest in the sector and remove existing barriers to unleash its job creation and production potential.

2.Improve cross-border markets and regulations.This would make it easier to source inputs at fair prices across COMESA and EAC regions.

3. Eliminate county-level trade barriers.
Unpredictable taxes hurt feed manufacturers and distort national pricing. These must be reviewed and harmonized.

4. Track and monitor feed markets.
Government and regional bodies should assess whether Kenya’s feed prices match international trends.
They should intervene in cases of anti-competitive behavior.

5. Add animal feeds to KAMIS monitoring system.
This would help create transparency in feed pricing, benefiting both manufacturers and farmers.

What This Means For You

If these solutions are fully implemented, poultry farming could become more profitable.
Lower and stable feed prices mean more profit, less stress, and better planning.

Imagine earning 40% more because feed costs dropped.
It’s not a dream — it’s possible with the right reforms.

In My Next Post…

Next Friday, I’ll share what I believe we farmers and the government can do to lower feed prices sustainably.
These are practical, long-term solutions that will build on CAK’s findings.

Together, we can take agriculture to the next level — maybe even Mars 🚀

📄 Read the Full CAK Inquiry Report here

Before You Go

💬 Which CAK recommendation do you think would help the most?
Leave a comment below.

📩 Want more updates like this?Enter your details below to grab a copy of my free guide and regular Layer Chicken Digest tips and reports via email:

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Carlos Deche

secretlayerske@gmail.com

carlosdeche4040@gmail.com

August 8, 2025

LAYERS VS BROILERS:DIFFERENCES YOU MUST KNOW

You’ve decided to go into poultry farming, but now you’re stuck between layers and broilers, unsure of their differences.

You don’t want to invest your hard-earned money blindly and fail because of limited information. That would be costly ignorance.
‎
‎The choice you make—whether to keep layers or broilers—will influence your time involvement, the costs you incur to start and manage your poultry farm, your profitability, and ultimately your happiness as a farmer.

This guide aims to remove confusion by explaining 10 key differences between layers and broilers and adding a profitability score for both.
‎
‎Make the right choice for your poultry farm.

Layer chicken vs broiler chicken side by side showing physical differences — Layer vs broiler chicken side by side – see the physical differences clearly.

‎What Are Layer Chickens vs Broiler Chickens?
‎
‎Before diving into differences, let’s define these two types of poultry.
‎
‎Broilers – Chickens bred and raised primarily for meat production.
‎
‎Layers – Chickens kept mainly for egg production.

Here’s a quick Layers vs Broilers comparison.More details below:

Feature	Layers	Broilers
Main Purpose	Eggs	Meat
Startup Costs	Higher	Lower
Time to harvest	Start laying at 18 weeks	Ready for sale 6-9 weeks
Market Stability	Stable demand	Demand fluctuates
Housing System	Battery cage or deep litter	Mostly deep litter
Vaccine Schedule	Longer	Shorter
Spacing	Bigger(2-3sq ft/bird)	Smaller(1-2 sq ft/bird)
Feeds	Starter Grower Layer	Starter Finisher
Profit Type	Daily income Continuous	Quick One time batch
Management Level	More skilled Long term	Easier Short term
Lighting	Less 14-18 hrs	More 24 hrs
Profitability Score	8.3	7.5 (Check below for how it was compiled)

(Layers vs broilers differences table)
‎
‎With that in mind, here are the 10 key differences in details.
‎
‎1. Startup Costs
‎
‎Startup costs for layers are significantly higher compared to broilers.

This is because layers require more housing space, higher-priced chicks, a longer vaccination program, and more feed in their early months.
‎
‎For example, in Kenya in 2025, starting with 100 broilers costs approximately KSh 100,000, whereas 100 layers could cost upwards of KSh 300,000.

These figures are estimates and can vary based on region, type of housing, and market fluctuations.
‎
‎(Tip: I’ll soon publish a full, accurate cost breakdown for starting a layer poultry farm.)

‎
‎2. Time Commitment
‎
‎Layers require more time and commitment than broilers.

While broilers are typically raised for a short period—6 to 9 weeks before slaughter—layers stay on the farm for up to 2 years as long as they remain productive.
‎
‎Because layers stay longer, they need continuous care, including vaccination follow-ups, debeaking, egg collection, and regular health monitoring.

Broilers, on the other hand, have a shorter but more intensive cycle, allowing you to free up your time after each batch.
‎
‎
‎3. Market Dynamics
‎
‎The market for eggs is generally more stable than for broiler meat.

In Kenya, there are significantly more broiler farmers than layer farmers, which means meat supply often outpaces demand. This can lead to price drops during peak seasons.
‎
‎Eggs, however, have a steady demand from institutions, hotels, retail shops, and households.

Even better,layers give you more time to plan because they start laying at about 18 weeks (4.5 months), whereas broilers must be sold within 6 weeks. That short sales window for broilers means you should find your market before buying your chicks.
‎
‎
‎4. Housing Systems
‎
‎Layers can be raised in both battery cages and deep litter systems, providing flexibility depending on your budget and management style. Broilers, however, are mostly raised on deep litter systems only.
‎
‎Imagine broilers in cages—uncommon and impractical due to their rapid growth and space requirements. If you want options for expansion or automation, layers offer more choices.

Get detailed guides on layer chicken here
‎
‎
‎5. Vaccination Programs
‎
‎Because layers live longer, their vaccination schedule is more extensive.

Vaccines for layers typically include Marek’s, Newcastle, Infectious Bronchitis, Gumboro, Fowl Pox, and periodic deworming.
‎
‎Broilers, on the other hand, have shorter lifespans and need fewer vaccines—mainly Marek’s, Newcastle, and Infectious Bronchitis.

This makes broilers easier and cheaper to manage from a health perspective, especially for beginners.
‎
‎
‎6. Space Requirements
‎
‎Layers need more space per bird compared to broilers.

They are active, long-lived, and require at least 2–3 square feet per bird. Broilers, by comparison, only need about 1–2 square feet per bird.
‎
‎This difference directly affects your housing investment. A larger poultry house for layers means higher construction costs upfront. If your available space is limited, broilers might be easier to start with.
‎
‎
‎7. Feed and Nutrition
‎
‎Feeding layers is more expensive in the long run because they go through multiple feed stages—starter, growers mash, and layers mash.

Additionally, their feed must be rich in calcium and other minerals to support eggshell production, while protein levels stay moderate (16–18%).
‎
‎Broilers only need starter and finisher feeds, formulated with high protein levels (around 23%) to promote fast muscle growth. Because their cycle is short, their total feed cost per cycle is often lower, making broilers appealing for quick-turnaround ventures.

Find more details on broilers best practices here
‎
‎
‎8. Profitability Potential
‎
‎Both layers and broilers can be profitable, but the pattern of profitability differs.

Broilers deliver quick, one-time profits per batch, ideal if you want fast cash flow.

Layers, however, offer stable long-term income through daily egg sales once production starts.
‎
‎Layers often have a higher profit margin because you buy birds once and earn from them continuously for about 22 months.

Broilers require you to restock every 6 weeks, which can be labor-intensive but gives multiple opportunities to adjust market strategy.
‎
‎
‎9. Management Skills Required
‎
‎Managing layers is more demanding than managing broilers.

Layers need specialized skills, including handling vaccinations, debeaking, egg collection, and monitoring productivity over a long period. However, once your layers are established, you don’t need to buy new birds for almost two years.
‎
‎Broilers are simpler in terms of management but require high attention during their short growth period. They need constant monitoring for weight gain, proper feeding, and quick marketing decisions.
‎
‎
‎10. Lighting Requirements
‎
‎Lighting needs also differ significantly. Layers require controlled lighting, typically 14–18 hours daily, to maintain egg production. Broilers, however, need near-constant lighting (24 hours) to encourage continuous feeding and rapid weight gain.
‎
‎This difference impacts your power costs and infrastructure decisions.
‎

Profitability Score

Criteria	Layers (Score 1-10)	Broilers (Score 1-10)
Startup Costs	6 (Higher but worth it)	8 (Lower)
Time to returns	7 (Slower)	9 (Fast)
Profit Stability	10 (Very stable)	6 (Seasonal
Market Demand	10 (Strong & Steady)	7 (Fluctuating)
Management Complexity	7 (Challenging but rewarding	8 (Simpler)
Long Term Profit	10 (Excellent)	7 (Moderate)
Average Score	8.3	7.5

(Layers vs broilers differences in profitability)

Layers have it🥳

If you’ve already decided it’s layers, I have a step by step guide on how to start your layer chicken farm the right way here

And to start you off,

Enter your details to grab a copy of my free printable guide and regular Layer Chicken Digest tips via email:

Which Option Carries More Risk?
‎
‎Risk depends on your resources and experience.

Layers require more startup capital, long-term commitment, and skilled management, but they also provide steady income after maturity. You won’t see returns until after 4.5 months when they start laying, so patience is necessary.
‎
‎Broilers carry a different risk. Their short cycle means that if you fail to secure a market quickly, your birds continue eating expensive feed while gaining weight beyond market standards.

Unfortunately, most buyers won’t pay extra for heavier birds, leaving you with slimmer profit margins—or even losses.

‎
‎Which Should You Choose?
‎
‎The decision between broilers and layers depends entirely on your goals.

If you prefer long-term, stable income and are willing to invest more time and capital upfront, layers are ideal. If you want quick turnover and have a reliable meat market, broilers may suit you better.
‎
‎Think about your financial resources, available space, time commitment, skill level, and long-term vision. Choose what aligns with your goals, even imagining what you’d be comfortable managing for the next decade—eggs or meat?
‎
‎Common Questions Beginner Farmers Ask
‎
‎1. Can you keep both layers and broilers together?
‎Yes, you can keep both on the same farm, but never in the same house. Maintain two separate poultry houses at a safe distance to prevent disease transmission.
‎
‎2. Layers vs broilers—Which is Better?
‎There’s no universal answer. The better choice is the one that matches your current financial position, skill level, and business goal. Carefully weigh startup costs, time involvement, and market potential before deciding.
‎
‎3. Which is best for small farms?
‎For small farms with limited capital, broilers are often the better starting point because of lower upfront costs and faster returns.
‎
‎Finally,
‎
‎The layers vs broilers differences go beyond just eggs versus meat. They influence your time, money, and long-term profitability. Understand your goals clearly and then choose the option that matches your situation.
‎
‎If you want to explore layers further, check out for my upcoming detailed guide on the cost of starting a layer poultry farm. It will include cost by cost breakdown and projected revenue and profits.

See you next Friday!

Carlos Deche

carlosdeche4040@gmail.com

secretlayerske@gmail.com

August 1, 2025

7 QUALITIES OF A SUCCESSFUL LAYER CHICKEN FARMER

Be like DR.STARR and master the 7 qualities of a successful layer chicken farmer required for a profitable and sustainable layer farm.

Remember the quail farming craze of 2010?

Kenyan farmers invested heavily, only for many to lose millions when the market crashed.

One farmer even released 3,000 quails into the wild because he could not sustain the business.

But what was the real problem?

Were quails themselves a bad idea?

Not really. Some people actually became millionaires during that time. So why did some farmers succeed while others failed?

The difference often lies in character, values, and qualities rather than just resources. Sometimes success comes not from what you have but from who you are.

In this post, I’ll show you how adopting the DR. STARR framework can transform your layer farming journey.

DR. STARR is an acronym representing 7 qualities of a successful layer chicken farmer – essential traits every farmer must have.

1.DESIRE

Napoleon Hill, in Think and Grow Rich, calls desire “the starting point of all achievement—the first step toward riches.”

You don’t necessarily need deep passion for chickens to succeed in poultry farming, but you must cultivate a strong desire to succeed in keeping layers.

Wishing for success is not enough. Instead, develop a desire so strong it becomes an obsession. Then plan definite ways to achieve your goal and back those plans with persistent action. When your mind obsesses over success, it naturally finds ways to make it real.

Look around you.

Every great achievement you’ve ever had probably began as a thought—a simple desire in your mind. Your layer chicken farm is no different: desire first, then achievement.

2.RESILIENCE

Resilience is the ability to recover quickly from difficulties.

Poultry farming, like any business, comes with challenges. Birds may die from disease, feed prices may spike, or theft might wipe out your flock.

What will you do when these setbacks happen? Quit? Blame the government, imported eggs, or bad luck? Or will you come back stronger?

The answer defines success. Those who quit easily never see profits. In contrast, resilient farmers adapt and rebuild after every challenge.

For instance, Dr. Daniel Masaba, a successful Ugandan layer farmer with 30,000 birds today, once lost 700 birds (Almost half of his flock at the time) in a disease outbreak. Instead of giving up, he rebuilt with improved biosecurity.

Today, his farm thrives because of his resilience.Persistence keeps you moving forward; resilience helps you rise after falling. Together, they keep you in business long enough to see the “crazy profits.”

3.SPIRITUALITY

Surprisingly, spirituality plays a significant role in farming success. Here, spirituality involves two things: Mission and Faith.

Mission:

Why does your farm exist? Is it just for money, or does it serve a bigger purpose?

While earning KES 100,000 a month is a great financial goal, having a purpose beyond money gives you drive even when challenges arise.

It keeps you motivated before the money comes and even after it arrives.

Faith:

Faith is believing in things you cannot yet see.

You already exercise faith daily—when you go to sleep trusting you’ll wake up or travel believing you’ll arrive safely. Likewise, you must believe you can succeed in poultry farming even before it happens.

When faith combines with mission, your farm gains a powerful foundation. You’re not just running a business; you’re pursuing a purposeful calling.

For a step-by-step guide to finding your spiritual goal and why, check out our free worksheet—https://secretlayers.co.ke/blog/how-to-start-poultry-farmingthe-5-things-every-layer-chicken-farmer-must-know/

4.TEAMWORK

To be a leader, you must first be a good follower.

And being a good follower involves working as a team and following the teams goals and mission.

That lesson applies directly to farming because you’ll interact with many people: employees, customers, suppliers, and even government officers.

Lack of teamwork often creates unnecessary workload, employee turnover, and lost partnerships.

Successful poultry farmers, on the other hand, know how to work well with others and build strong professional relationships.

Here’s a tip I use to promote teamwork: treat everyone as a partner in your business. Listen to them, ask better questions, and encourage collaboration. Even friends can offer valuable insights when you view them as informal consultants. Remember, we always go farther together.

5.ACCOUNTABILITY

Accountability is one of the toughest yet most valuable qualities to develop.

It’s different from responsibility.

Responsibility means admitting you made a mistake.

Accountability goes further: learning from that mistake and preventing it from happening again

For example, if feed prices rise, accountability means acknowledging you failed to stock up when prices were low, then creating a plan to buy in bulk next time.

If an employee ignores biosecurity rules and your flock dies, accountability means accepting you hired and trained poorly—then improving your hiring and training process.

Mastering accountability forces you to create systems and solutions that strengthen your farm, ensuring mistakes are not repeated. It’s a powerful habit not just in business but in life.

6.RESOURCEFUL

Being resourceful doesn’t mean having plenty of resources; it means making the most of what you have.

Imagine you need to travel from Nairobi to Mombasa but can’t afford a plane ticket. What do you do? You take a bus. You still reach Mombasa, just in a different way. That’s resourcefulness—finding alternatives when things get tough.

On your layers farm, money may run out, customers may switch suppliers, or markets may slow down. Will you give up, or will you find creative solutions to keep moving forward?

Resourcefulness often awakens your creativity.

You begin to see possibilities where others see dead ends. That ability keeps your farm alive and thriving when others fail.

7.READER

If you’ve reached this part of the blog, congratulations—you’re already a reader!

And that’s an essential quality.

Elon Musk once said he learned how to build rockets by reading two books a day. Similarly, farmers who continuously learn stay ahead of the curve. Reading exposes you to new concepts, tools, and opportunities that others miss.

Even dedicating 10 minutes a day to reading about best poultry farming practices can compound into significant knowledge over time.

With today’s fast-changing agriculture industry, staying informed is crucial to staying competitive.

Start with reliable sources: books, research papers, credible blogs, newsletters, and even worksheets like the ones we offer at Secret Layers.

(If you haven’t already, sign up for our free Layer Starter Kit,weekly poultry tips and tutorials- It’s totally FREE)

Here are other reliable sources:

https://www.kalro.org for poultry research and farmer insights

https://kilimo.go.ke for poultry news updates

You now have the blueprint for being a successful layer chicken farmer.

Find out about The 5 Things You Should Know Before Starting a Layer Poultry Farm:

https://secretlayers.co.ke/blog/how-to-start-poultry-farmingthe-5-things-every-layer-chicken-farmer-must-know/‎‎

Being like DR. STARR—having Desire, Resilience, Spirituality, Teamwork, Accountability, being Resourceful, and becoming a Reader—makes you more than just a farmer.

It positions you as a successful, future-ready poultry entrepreneur.They are the qualities of a successful layer chicken farmer you’ve been looking for – the ‘cheat code’ for success in the poultry business.

These qualities may seem personal, but they directly influence how you run your farm, how you handle challenges, and how quickly you grow.

Start working on them today. Build the poultry business mindset first, then apply the skills. Combine your character with knowledge and watch your layers farm thrive—regardless of market challenges.

And if you haven’t already:

> 📩 Register below for free for access to Secret Layers resources:

✅Beginners’ guide

✅ Printable Purpose Planner

✅Regular Layer Chicken Digest Tips

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See you next Friday!

Carlos Deche

carlosdeche4040@gmail.com

secretlayerke@gmail.com

secretlayers.co.ke

July 25, 2025

THE 3 BEST LAYER CHICKEN BREEDS IN KENYA

Struggling to choose the best layer chicken breeds for your layer farm?
You’re not alone.

There are over 40 layer chicken breeds in the world. Yes, 40!
And trying to pick one from that list is overwhelming, even for experienced farmers.

But here’s the good news:

You don’t need all 40 breeds to make money.
After all, how many breeds can you keep on a single farm?

What you need is a practical shortlist of the 3 best layer chicken breeds.The best performing.
Note that if you’re in any other tropical country, this post is also for you.

In this guide, we’ll walk through the top 3 best layer chicken breeds that do well in Kenya’s climate, lay plenty of eggs, and are loved by farmers.

And because I like you, I’ll also give you a number 4 bonus breed to keep in mind.

By the end, you’ll know exactly which one suits your goals.

1. ISA BROWN

ISA Brown chicken breed on close up - arguably the best brown egg laying chicken in the world — ISA Brown Chicken – Known for the best feed to egg conversion rate.

ISA Brown is a hybrid chicken – a mix of several breeds.
It’s arguably the best brown egg layer worldwide.

✨ Did you know?
“ISA” stands for Institut de Sélection Animale – French for ‘Animal Breeding Institute.

They lay around 280–300 eggs per year with good feeding and care.

Their eggs are medium-sized and dark brown in colour.

With a lifespan of 2–4 years, they’re productive and efficient.

Though some reports say they’re harsh, most farmers say ISA Browns are calm and easy to manage.

They’re excellent for commercial farms due to their great feed-to-egg conversion ratio.
That means fewer feeds, more eggs and more money.

They start laying at 18–22 weeks and adapt very well to Kenya’s tropical climate.

Since they also do great in both cages and deep litter systems, they are a perfect breed for most Kenyan farmers.

Learn more about the ISA Brown chicken breed here:

‎https://www.brownsfamilyfarmstead.com/post/isa-brown-chicken-breed-guide

2. HY-LINE BROWN

Closeup Hy-Line Brown chicken — Hy-Line Brown chicken breed – Can lay upto 330+ eggs per year

Hy-Line is another layer breed among the top performers in Kenya.

✨ Did you know?
It’s a sex-link breed – you can tell males from females at day-old.
Females hatch red, males hatch white.

Hy-Lines can lay up to 330+ eggs per year – the highest of all.

They produce medium to large brown eggs, depending on feeding.

They start laying around 18–20 weeks, and live for 4–5 years.

They’re calm, farmer-friendly, and perform well in both deep litter and battery cages.

Although their feed conversion is slightly lower than ISA Brown, they still offer excellent returns.

They also adapt well to both hot and cold regions and can be raised perfectly in Kenya with the right setup.

Hy-Line International offers a detailed breed profile with feeding and care tips here:

‎https://www.hyline.com/varieties

3. LOHMANN BROWN

Lohmann Brown Classic upclose - Calm,docile and friendly chicken. — Lohmann Brown Chicken Breed – Best for beginners keeping chicken for eggs for personal use.

The Lohmann Brown.
This breed is perfect for beginners raising chickens for eggs at home.

But it’s also good for commercial use.

✨ Did you know?
Lohmann Browns are considered the friendliest chicken breed.
Some farmers say they’re so gentle, they could dine with you!

They lay about 320 eggs a year, starting from around 19 weeks.

Eggs are light to medium brown in colour.

They live up to 5–10 years and have decent feed efficiency.

They’re also great in hot climates and thrive in both housing systems.

They’re the best layer chicken breed for the complete beginner in need of eggs for his/her family.

For more details about the management of Lohmann Brown Classic. Check out this from Lohmann Breeders:

‎https://www.lohmanngb.co.uk/products/lohmann-brown-classic/

Bonus:

WHITE LEGHORN

You’ve probably heard of this white egg-laying breed.
While not popular in Kenya due to egg colour preference, they’re incredibly productive.

✨ Did you know?
Leghorns come in multiple colours: black, buff, brown, golden – but white is the most popular for egg production.

White Leghorns lay about 289–320 white eggs/year.

They tolerate heat well and live for 4–6 years in backyard setups.

They’re gentle but active – often described as “noisy” by farmers.

They’re a good choice if your market prefers white eggs.

Get the detailed guide of the White Leghorn below:

‎https://www.brownsfamilyfarmstead.com/post/leghorn-chicken-breed-guide

🔍 Quick Summary

Category	Breed
Most eggs	Hy-Line Brown
Best feed efficiency	ISA Brown
Calmest and friendliest	Lohmann Brown
Best for beginners (Personal use)	Lohmann Brown
Best for beginners (Commercial)	ISA Brown
Best for advanced setups	Hy-Line Brown
Most popular in Kenya	ISA Brown
Best for white eggs	White Leghorn

Which Breed Works Best in Kenya?

All the above breeds can adapt to Kenya’s warm weather.

Here’s how they rank in heat tolerance and adaptability:

1. ISA Brown – Excellent

2. Lohmann Brown – Good

3. Hy-Line Brown – Good, but needs care in high temperature seasons

Which Breed is Most Profitable?

Most layers chicken beginner farmers think profit is about the number of eggs you sell.

While this is partly true, it’s not the entire truth.

Profit isn’t just about egg numbers.
You also need to think about feed costs,the feed to egg conversion rate of your birds,survival rate, egg market,your setup and the business aspects.

Like we call it..“The Business Of Layers“

And for that, here’s a profitability score based on Kenyan conditions:

1. ISA Brown – Best for feed efficiency and low death rate

2. Lohmann Brown – Consistent performance and gentle temperament

3. Hy-Line Brown – Profitable if you have systems in place for precision care

What Next?

Now you probably know which breed you intend to buy.

To help you further, I’ll write a post explaining the factors to consider when choosing the best layer chicken breeds for you to keep.

But how do you get started?

I’ve created a practical 6-step guide to help you launch your layer farm smoothly.

👉 Read the 6-Step Guide to Starting a Layer Farm Here:

https://secretlayers.co.ke/blog/6-steps-to-start-a-layers-poultry-farm/

Enter your details to grab a free copy of the printable free guide and regular Layer Chicken Digest tips via email:

“6 SIMPLE STEPS TO START A PROFITABLE LAYER POULTRY FARM”

See you next Friday.

Carlos Deche
carlosdeche4040@gmail.com
secretlayerke@gmail.com
secretlayers.co.ke

July 18, 2025

STEP BY STEP GUIDE TO STARTING A LAYER POULTRY FARM

Do you want to start a layers poultry farm and build wealth?

Listen to this..

True story:
“I slaughtered and ate all my layer birds – One farmer I interviewed”

(Layers chicken in a farm)

That’s what happens when you rush blindly into layers chicken farming without a plan.

Yes you can build wealth and achieve financial freedom just by keeping layers.

But many beginners dive in without the right knowledge—and end up losing time, money, and hope on farms that never take off.

Don’t be that person!

In this post, I’m going to walk you through a simple, step-by-step guide on how to start a layers poultry farm—even if you have zero knowledge, no money, and no idea where to begin.

Let’s get started…

STEP 1 : JOIN SECRET LAYERS

Yes, join us.
Are we promoting our blog?
Yes…and no.
Here’s why.

Before starting anything in life—especially something as delicate and costly as poultry farming—it’s wise to learn from someone already doing it successfully.

Think of it this way:

Would you go mountain climbing without a guide?

No?

Then don’t go into layers farming without one either.

Proven models help you start ahead and take you further than you could go on your own.

(How proven models can help you start a layers poultry farm: From Millionaire Real Estate Investor)

Secret Layers exists to give you:

Simple and practical information that helps you avoid failure.

Daily tips to help you actually run your farm, not just dream about it.

A community of people just like you—starting small, aiming big.

Ask yourself:

How will you raise your chickens right?

Who will teach you about markets, pricing, and policies?

Who will motivate you when you feel like quitting?

How will you even know the best breeds?

At Secret Layers, we’re building a tribe—a family of dreamers, doers, and believers. People like you.

And guess what? You don’t have to walk this path alone anymore.

So join us.

👉 Register below for free to get access to Secrets Layers resources.

Enter your email to get a free copy of my free Purpose Planner and regular Layer Chicken Digest tips via email:

“PURPOSE PLANNER”

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I recommend you maximize and apply every bit of information you will get from Secret Layers.

STEP 2 : CREATE A PLAN

Congrats! You’ve joined the community. Now what?

(Create a plan before you start a layers poultry farm)

Let’s be clear:
A layer farm is a business first, a farm second. And every business needs a plan.

Not a long, boring 50-page plan for the bank.
I mean a real, working, personal plan just for you.

Let me share a little secret with you.No a big one:
Business plans don’t fail because of what’s written in them.
They fail because of what isn’t written.

Nobody plans for losing a loved one.
Nobody plans for fire, theft, or sickness.
But these things happen.

What protects you is vision—knowing where you’re going. That’s your anchor when life gets rough.

Ask yourself:

How many chickens do I want to keep?(5000, 10000)?

What do I want my farm to look like in 5 years?

Do I want to sell just eggs—or also manure, chicks, feed, or liquid eggs?

Here’s a simple plan you can start with:

🥅 Goals
How big? (In terms of Birds, Revenue, Customers, Employees)

How many birds are you going to start with?

🎯 Mission
What is your reason for doing this beyond money?

🥚 Product
Are you going to sell eggs only?

Or you’ll also sell manure, feeds,or hatching chicks?

⚙️ Systems
How will the farm run daily?

Will you hire?

If so, how will you train and manage them?

🛡 Legal
Planning to process, hatch, or produce feeds? You’ll need government approvals.

📢 Communication
Who will buy your eggs?

Marketing – How will your buyers find you?

Sales – How will you sell your eggs?

What’s your customer service plan?

💰 Cashflow
Many buyers pay farmers 30 to 90 days later.

How will you survive while waiting to be paid?

This sounds like a lot—but we’ll simplify all of it for you in future posts and give you templates and checklists.

STEP 3 : GET YOUR MONEY

You’ve got the knowledge and the plan. Now you need the cash.

⚠️ Warning:
If your goal is 10,000 birds, do not wait until you have enough money to start with 10,000 birds.

Truth is, you won’t get that money. Or you’ll get it when you’re 60.

And even if you do…
Do you really think you can run a 10,000-bird farm on your first try?

If you do – I like your confidence,but let’s be real.

Start with what you can manage. Learn. Grow.

In future posts, we’ll break down exact costs for starting with 100, 300, 500, or 1,000 birds.

Here are the basics you’ll need to budget for:

Water source (plus tanks)
Chicks
Housing
Feeds (Up to point of lay)
Vaccines and supplements
Equipment (Feeders, drinkers, etc.)
Salaries (If employing help)
Miscellaneous (Transport, marketing)

Knowing your startup cost saves you from running out of money before your chickens even start laying.

STEP 4 : GET YOUR MARKET

You are not keeping layers so you can eat all the eggs yourself.Or worse your birds.

Let me tell you a true story..

A farmer got so frustrated with losses and high feed costs, he slaughtered and ate his own chickens for 3 months straight. Of course sometimes adding it on greens.
“Alikula mali.”

Don’t be that farmer.

Talk to potential buyers before you start.

Neighbours
Schools
Shops
Hotels
Bakeries

Ask them:

How much they buy eggs for?

How often they buy?

How and when they pay?

If they don’t match your goals, move on. Get a buyer who does.
If possible, get a supply contract.

It’ll give you confidence and reduce panic when eggs start coming in.

But don’t let market worries stop you from starting.

Layers take around 18 weeks to start laying, so you have about 4.5 months to find your buyers.

STEP 5: GET A GUIDE

You’re doing great.

You’ve joined Secret Layers.

You’ve created your plan.

You’ve secured your money.

You’ve found a market..

Now get yourself a guide.

Yes, we (Secret Layers) will guide you through content.

But we’re not offering one-on-one help yet (it’s coming).

So here’s what to look for in a real-life mentor:

1.They are actively keeping layers (not just talking about it)

2. They are affordable (could be your neighbour or someone you know)

3. They are accessible (you can reach them when you need them)

Why does this matter?

Because farm problems don’t wait.

Delayed intervention can be the reason between losing 2 birds and losing your entire flock.

It can be the difference between making millions and losing millions – literally.

Get a reliable person who can help when you need them most.

STEP 6 : START

You’ve done it all.

It’s time.

Start.

Not tomorrow. Not when you have the perfect plan. Not when you have millions. START NOW.

You won’t make money from a farm that only exists in your mind. You must take action.

Think big. But start small.
Every big layer farm you see started in someone’s mind—and with one step.

Maybe you only have money for a water tank today. Start there.

Maybe you can build the chicken house next month. Good. Do that.

Start with what you have. Grow with what you get.

You’ve waited long enough.

Don’t delay your dreams any longer.

As you may have noticed:
This guide is for the complete beginner—someone who has the dream, but no information, no plan, no money, no market, and no guide.

It’s not a strict rulebook to be followed religiously. It’s a proven path.
Feel free to improvise and adapt it to fit whatever point you are.

If you’ve already completed one or two steps—great. Just jump to the next one.

I however recommend that whatever you do, don’t skip Step 1.

👉 Register below for free to get access to Secrets Layers resources.

Enter your details to grab a copy of the printable free guide and regular Layer Chicken Digest tips via email:

“6 SIMPLE STEPS TO START A PROFITABLE LAYER POULTRY FARM”

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Email

Email

We’re all learning. None of us knows it all.
But together, we go farther.

Carlos Deche

secretlayerske@gmail.com

carlosdeche4040@gmail.co.ke

secretlayers.co.ke

July 11, 2025
THE STORY OF THE THREE BRICKLAYERS – FINDING PURPOSE ON YOUR LAYER CHICKEN

(St.Paul’s Cathedral,London)

After the great fire of 1666 that destroyed London, the world’s famous architect, Christopher Wren, was asked to rebuild St Paul’s Cathedral.
‎
‎One day in 1671, he observed three bricklayers at the project site.

‎To the first bricklayer, who was bent over Christopher asked,

‎“What are you doing?”

‎He replied,

“I’m a bricklayer. I’m working hard laying bricks to feed my family.”

This bricklayer looked tired and was way behind in his work.
‎
‎The second bricklayer,who was half standing responded,

“I’m a builder. I’m building a wall.This wall will be a foundation for this building and will protect everyone who will be inside ”
‎
‎ But…

The third brick layer, who was standing tall when asked “What are you doing?”replied with a smile and said

“I’m a cathedral builder. I’m building a great cathedral to The Almighty.

Where people can gather together,pray and celebrate the LORD.

He was the most productive of the three.

What has this got to do with Layers Farming?

3 Lessons
‎1. Big Picture Thinking
‎ Have the ability to see the end result of what you are doing and how your work contributes to it.

Look beyond the daily chores.

Instead of just feeding hens and collecting eggs, envision how your layers farm helps solve the chronic problem of malnutrition in Africa—from families and school children to local restaurants.
‎
‎2.Attitude
‎Having a positive attitude and pride in what you’re doing will show up in your work and your motivation.
‎
‎That belief and pride in your layers chicken farm will definitely show in how you handle your suppliers,customers and even chicken!

This will provide more motivation to keep you in the game long enough to be successful.
‎
‎3.The power of purpose
‎The cathedral builder shows a personal expression of purpose that gives higher meaning to his work.

You’re not just selling eggs—you’re feeding families, empowering small-scale farmers, and improving food systems.

‎At Secret Layers our purpose is not to give you information about layers poultry farming – it’s about fulfilling dreams.

Your dreams.

‎This is what our Mission reads..

To help you go from layer poultry dream to a money-making layer farm.

‎And by doing that we are contributing to you, our readers mission.

‎That’s the kind of mission I want you to have on your layers farm.

TIP
Use our 3-Why Exercise—three simple questions—to uncover your real purpose before you begin your farm.

3 Why Exercise – Discovering My Why Download

Ready to apply these lessons?

Enter your details to grab a copy of my Free guide and regular Layer Chicken Digest tips via email:

“6 SIMPLE STEPS TO START A PROFITABLE LAYER POULTRY FARM”

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Email

Email

Join Secret Layers Success Circle

Want to Learn More?
Check out the story behind Secret Layers and how we found our real purpose:

‎https://secretlayers.co.ke/blog/start-hereyour-journey-to-profitable-layer-poultry-farming/

See you next Friday!

carlosdeche4040@gmail.com

secretlayerske@gmail.com

‎

‎

‎

July 5, 2025
HOW TO START A LAYER POULTRY FARM:5 THINGS EVERY FARMER MUST KNOW
Did you know that nearly 80% of small layer chicken farms fail within the first two years?

Not because the birds died but because the farmer ran out of purpose,knowledge or a clear plan.

Imagine standing at your farm,with your first day old layer chicks, full of excitement..

But a few weeks pass and you’re not sure if you’re heading towards success…or sinking costs.

That moment you question everything

‘Why am I doing this?’ is exactly where many would be farmers give up.

But behind every lasting profitable layers farm, there’s a farmer who asked better questions ,stayed committed,built real skills and treated his/her farm like a business – even before the eggs started rolling in.

In this post, you’ll learn how to start a layer poultry farm with the 5 game changing things every serious layers poultry farmer must master.

Let’s start..

1. Know Your Why

Before sinking time and money into chicks, ask yourself:

Why do you want to start keeping layers?

Is it the profit, the passion for poultry, or the dream of feeding your community?

What deeper purpose drives you?

Are you looking to quit your desk job? Provide for your family? Serve others?

Your why is what keeps you going when things go wrong—because they will.

Without a powerful motivation, many farms go under when challenges arise.

A good technique is the “3 Whys” Exercise:

Why 1…Why do I want to start layers farming? (To make money)

Why 2…Why do I want to make money? (To support my family)

Why 3…Why do I want to support my family? (To insure my children’s future)

There you have it: a soul-deep why to inspire you daily.

Memorize it.Refer to it.Live by it.

Discover your why by doing the 3 Why Exercise.

Download The 3 Why Exercise

Secret Layers – Discovering my Why Download

2.Believe You Can Be Wealthy From Layers Chicken Farming

Yes, you can build serious wealth from a layer farm—even a full-scale, profitable business.

You likely won’t be Elon Musk, but you could be the millionaire supplying eggs to hotels and institutions in your region.

It doesn’t start by reading how to start a layer poultry farm.No.

It all starts in the mind.

Once you believe it’s possible, your mind begins spotting opportunities, finding creative solutions, and tackling problems.

You don’t need a perfect plan today—just a firm belief: “I can do this.”

The rest follows.

3.Know How To Raise The Birds

Belief is powerful—but without the practical skills, you’ll struggle.

You can’t be wealthy from keeping layers chicken without actually knowing how to keep the chicken.

You must know how to manage your layers farm.

These are the essential areas to learn:
- Breed selection
- Housing (Ventilation,space,security)
- Health and disease control (Biosecurity, vaccination,isolation)
- Feeding(Feed formulation)
- Layer cycle management(Production period)
- Maximizing egg production
- Waste management
Even if you hire staff, these areas are your farm’s backbone.

You must lead with confidence.

4.Treat Your Layer Farm Like A Business

A layer farm is a business first—farm second.

It is more than just animals—it’s a business with real responsibilities.

You need to understand:

Marketing and sales strategies (finding buyers, contracts)

Cash flow—tracking income and expenses

Negotiating deals and setting prices

Legal and licensing requirements

Identifying markets (hotels, schools, institutions)

Market trends: egg prices vary with seasons and holidays

Record keeping: production logs, health records, expenses

Many farms fail because the owner knows poultry but not business.

Ignore the business side at your risk!

Keeping your layer farm profitable means paying attention to both the chickens and the cash.

Many successful farmers built their farms by treating them exactly like companies.

The technical and business know-how of layers chicken farming is what we give you for FREE here at Secret Layers.

Just register below so you don’t miss a single secret/tip.

5.Tap Into Value Addition Of Eggs

Want to turn a tray of eggs from KES 500 into KES 1,500?

That’s value addition.

(Pasteurized liquid eggs…Selling for Ksh 350 each(In 2021..what about now?))

Basic eggs fetch low prices and face seasonal demand swings.

Beyond selling fresh eggs, you can create additional income through:

Liquid eggs – pasteurized, sold to bakeries or hotels.

Egg powder – shelf-stable for remote markets.

Egg crisps/snacks – popular packaged treats.

Home baking or packaged egg meals

Organic/free-range eggs – higher market price.

By-products – egg shells.

Even by simply selling to processors,you can fetch higher prices.

Processors often pay more by offering contracts and input support to farmers, reducing your market risk .

You can choose one or more products depending on your resources and capacity.

This isn’t just theoretical.

Farmers are actually beating low egg prices by processing and adding value to their eggs.

Here is a woman from Kenya, Fridah Kaaria making pasteurized liquid eggs and selling at prices way higher than the market price of raw eggs.

‎https://youtu.be/Pf_LzIE2NwY?si=ycNuNSrDjLeYxei8‎

Great!

You’ve just learnt how to start a layer poultry farm.

You now have the 5 essential things you MUST know for building a successful layers poultry farm:

1.A purpose that fuels you everyday.

Do the 3 Why exercise.Write it down.

2.A strong belief in yourself and your future farm

3.Solid practical know-how you can rely on.

Read.Find a guide.

4.A well structured business foundation that drives profit.

Subscribe to Secret Layers to get all this information.

5.Smart value addition strategies that maximize every egg

Pick one.Learn the process.Start small.

What you should do next;

Share this post with other aspiring layer farmers – especially those who dream of turning a handful of chicks into a legacy.

Comment below with your biggest takeaway – or tell me what thing feels most exciting(or intimidating) to you.

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“6 SIMPLE STEPS TO START A PROFITABLE LAYER POULTRY FARM”

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See you next Friday!

carlosdeche4040@gmail.com

secretlayerske@gmail.com
July 4, 2025
START HERE:YOUR JOURNEY TO PROFITABLE LAYER POULTRY FARMING

Are you a layer poultry farmer?

Have you been dreaming of starting a layer poultry farm?

Do you want to make more money from your layer birds?

Do you want to start a profitable layer poultry farm? – Not a get rich quick.

But…

You don’t know where to start because you don’t have the information on what to do.

The information you get about how to start layers farming from friends, YouTube or random websites is either too complex, impractical, irrelevant to you, scattered all over on websites full of ads or expensive.

Sound familiar?

If you’re already into layers farming, you might be stuck making small profits that can’t grow your farm – or worse losing money.

If you’re still planning to start your layers farm, that dream keeps getting delayed.

And slowly, doubts creep in.

You start to feel like you can’t accomplish your dreams – that profitable layers farm, that other source of stable income, financial freedom(Whatever that means to you), quitting your job or even contributing to something great in your country and this world.

You feel like your goals are slipping away.

And it stresses you out and worries you.

I Get It..Because I’ve Been There

I know what it feels to be stuck, to want something more but not have the right information to move forward.

I believe nobody should struggle to find basic, simple, practical and well organized knowledge in today’s world.

You shouldn’t be losing money on your layers farm.

You shouldn’t be making small profits than what you can get from your farm.

You shouldn’t be wondering what to feed your birds, what to vaccinate them, how to price your eggs or where to find the market to sell your eggs.

You shouldn’t be postponing your dream of starting that profitable layers poultry farm.

Here’s What I Did..

Years ago, I was in the same place.

I decided to dig deep.

I searched for every article, blog, report book and video I could find on layers poultry farming.I’ve spent over 10,000 hours learning(I’m still learning by the way) on this one topic – Layers poultry farming.

(You may have heard of the 10,000 hour rule – It’s real)

How many years is that by the way? *Assuming a normal work week day. Type in the comments below.

And now, I’m giving it all to you – in one place.

In simple and practical ways.

Secret Layers

Secret Layers is the first layers-only blog focused entirely on helping you succeed in layers poultry farming.

No broilers. No other thing – just layers, eggs and how to make them profitable.

When?

Remember;

Every week.

Never miss a post.

Enter your name and email address below to get updates delivered straight to you:

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What You’ll Get On This Blog

Simple. Practical. Farmer focused information.

Everything is actionable and clear.

Here’s what you’ll get;

Technical Guidance
What you should know/do before starting Choosing the right Layer breeds Housing Layers feeding guides Brooding Layers vaccination and disease management Increasing egg production And many more
Business Advice
Business plans Start up costs
Selling your eggs Marketing your eggs Distributing your eggs Business growth and development Managing cashflow Managing employees Legal and licensing And many more…
*You don’t want to miss these – they’re the mistakes that quietly kill most layers farms*

Interactive Learning
Case studies Success stories of layers farmers Tips And many more
And Niss’ story – Out fictional farmer with very real challenges, mistakes and wins.

We’ll follow her as she tries to make her business plan, reduce feed costs, sell her eggs and grow her farm – you’ll learn with her, laugh with her and grow with her.

You’re NoT Alone

This is your blog.

Your resource.

Your secret weapon for building the profitable layers farm you’ve always wanted.

You don’t have to lose money on your farm.

You don’t have to make small money on your farm.

You don’t have to postpone that 10,000 layer birds dream farm.

You don’t have to ‘just survive’ with money problems.

Just think about it…

What if you had a stable alternative source of income – a profitable layers poultry farm.

One that didn’t depend on family, a boss, a salary or office politics.

You could finally quit that stressful job (or keep it without worrying about the pay)

You’d clear those debts, pay off that loan and give your wife, kids and family the life they deserve.

But more than that – you’d be doing something meaningful;
Feeding your community Creating jobs Empowering others Inspiring change
That’s the kind of success this blog is here to help you build – financial freedom with real purpose.

(Layers chicken in a farm)

Like John.F.K said ;

“Ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country.”

Take the First Step NOW– It’s FREE

Simple.
Bookmark this page Join the email list for tips, updates and early access to secrets, tools and freebies.
Enter your details to grab a copy of my free guide and regular Layer Chicken Digest Tips via email:

“6 SIMPLE STEPS TO START A PROFITABLE LAYER POULTRY FARM”

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Email

Email

Join the Secret Layers Success Circle

Be part of our community of like minded farmers.

Big promise? Yes

Can we deliver it? Absolutely

See you next Friday!

carlosdeche4040@gmail.com

secretlayerske@gmail.com

June 27, 2025

Author: Carlos Deche

1. MARKET

2. STARTUP COSTS

3. RETURNS

4. CASHFLOW

5. VALUE ADDITION

6. PRICES

1. GO BIG

2. FORMULATE YOUR OWN FEEDS

3. PRODUCE OUR OWN FEED INPUTS

4. VALUE ADDITION

5. EXPORT OUR EGG PRODUCTS

REALITY CHECK : THE ROAD AHEAD

WHAT CAN YOU DO TODAY?

WAIT!

So What Did I Do?

But Is This Problem Unique To Kenya?

So Why Are Animal Feeds Prices High In Kenya?

1. Heavy Dependence On Imported Raw Materials

2. Market Dominance By A Few Feed Manufacturers

3. Unfair Pricing For Non-Integrated Feed Producers

4. Input Processors Set Their Own Rules

5. Lack Of Transparency And Information Sharing

6. County Taxes Create Fragmented Markets

7. Limited Use Of Yellow Maize For Feed

Why Poultry Feed Rises Faster Than Dairy Feed

What CAK Recommends

What This Means For You

In My Next Post…

1.DESIRE

2.RESILIENCE

3.SPIRITUALITY

4.TEAMWORK

5.ACCOUNTABILITY

6.RESOURCEFUL

7.READER

1. ISA BROWN

2. HY-LINE BROWN

3. LOHMANN BROWN

WHITE LEGHORN

STEP 1 : JOIN SECRET LAYERS

STEP 2 : CREATE A PLAN

STEP 3 : GET YOUR MONEY

STEP 4 : GET YOUR MARKET

STEP 5: GET A GUIDE

STEP 6 : START

1. Know Your Why

2.Believe You Can Be Wealthy From Layers Chicken Farming

3.Know How To Raise The Birds

4.Treat Your Layer Farm Like A Business

5.Tap Into Value Addition Of Eggs

I Get It..Because I’ve Been There

Here’s What I Did..

Secret Layers

When?

What You’ll Get On This Blog

You’re NoT Alone