“Yes, that’s true,” Niss said confidently. “I spend crazy amounts of money on feed.”
“And I figured out the best way to cut that cost,” her friend went on, “is to make your own feed.”
She sounded proud. “So now I’m talking to some farmers and companies — maize, soybeans, sunflower — trying to make deals so I can get the raw materials. That way, I’ll make my own feed. If I cut that cost, I’ll get more profit. These feed companies are exploiting us. I won’t be one of their victims.”
Niss nodded politely.
“Anyway, have a good day,” her friend said, turning toward home.
Niss just stood there. Her mind echoed one word: Why. Why. Why.
The Funeral (2)
October 15th, 2025– Wednesday
Niss’s phone rang. It was her friend again.
She picked it up half-heartedly.
“Guess what, Niss! I’ve gotten the contract!”
“What contract?” Niss asked, confused.
“For Ngerenya Secondary School! I talked to the principal. I told him I’m starting a one-thousand-bird layer farm and that I’d like to supply them eggs every week. And he said yes! I’m so happy.”
She went on, voice bubbling with excitement. “Now I just need two more schools, and all my eggs will have a market once I start producing. I won’t even struggle.”
Niss felt heat rising in her chest. Her hands trembled. Anger boiled inside her — not hate, but the kind that burns when someone just doesn’t get it.
She took a deep breath and said it.
“Friend. Number one — the principal lied to you. Number two — and most important — start your damn farm.
Which eggs will you sell? Who will you be making the feeds for? Which chickens did you buy the land for?
Brooding can feel like the scariest monster in poultry farming, yet receiving day old chicks doesn’t have to be terrifying if you know exactly what to do. Many farmers give up—or never start—because they fear brooding.
It is the most sensitive period in a chicken’s life, just like the first 28 days for humans.
The first day especially is critical. On day one, a small mistake can turn your joy into despair if all your chicks die. But I don’t want that for you. If you’ve read the 28 Equipment List and How to prepare for day old chicks arrival,now you must be ready for the moment your day old chicks arrive. This post walks you through receiving day old chicks, step by step, so there’s no guesswork when your chicks arrive (or when you pick them).
1. Pre-heat the brooder
Since day old chicks lack enough feathers, you need to control the brooding temperature carefully. Brooding is a temperature-sensitive phase, especially on day one.
Heat the brooder 2 to 3 hours before the chicks arrive. Aim for about 30–33 °C (this may vary by region and supplier).
If it’s cool, use your heat source; if hot, increase ventilation by adjusting windbreakers or openings.
2. Prepare glucose in water
Transport stresses chicks. They might arrive dehydrated and weak. So before they arrive, mix glucose in water. This gives them quick energy and helps them recover from the journey.
This simple act may mean the difference between 100% survival and full mortality. Be ready—this solution must already be in place when the chicks arrive. Consult your vet for recommended doses.
3. Count your chicks
Once your day old chicks arrive, firstcount them. Whether the supplier brings them or you pick them up, counting ensures you got the number you ordered. Some may die during transit, so count.
Some suppliers often compensate or replace dead chicks later.
4. Weigh your chicks
Weighing helps track uniform growth. Though the hatchery may have done this, it’s best practice to weigh again on your farm. For most breeds, a day-old chick should weigh around 45 grams. Record this as your baseline for later comparisons.
5. Dip their beaks in water
When placing chicks into the brooder, gently dip their beaks into the glucose water. This teaches them how to drink and helps them find the water.
If you have helpers, have them assist in this step so it’s efficient and calm.
6. Introduce feed
Allow the chicks 2–3 hours after arrival to hydrate and calm down. Then begin introducing feed. Use brooder paper (newspapers, carton, etc.). Put feed in their feeders and also sprinkle some on the paper so they can see and find it easily. Within a short time, they’ll move to the feeders on their own.
7. Monitor crop fill
Several hours later (and then at least twice that day), check the crop of each chick. The crop is that small pouch in their neck. Inspect it to confirm they are feeding and drinking.
Full & soft → good (they ate and drank)
Empty → no feed or water yet
Full & hard → ate but did not drink
Full & very soft → drank but not ate
Your goal: at least 80% of chicks with full and soft crops indicates most chicks have found water and feed.
8. Provide light
Chicks need light to find feed and water. During day one of brooding, ensure there is enough light—even if they arrive in the evening or in darkness.
For layers, start with ~21 hours of continuous light for a few days, then gradually reduce to 14–16 hours daily.
9. Monitor closely
One day old chicks received today in a proper brooder with light,heat,water and feed.
Receiving day old chicks is just the start. The real work lies in ongoing care. Monitor:
Brooder temperature
Feed and water intake via crop checks
Growth (weigh daily or often)
Mortality
Consistent monitoring separates good farmers from those who rely only on remote advice.
10. Vaccinate
If your chicks weren’t vaccinated against Marek’s disease at the hatchery, make sure you do it on day one. This vaccine protects them from a deadly viral infection that causes paralysis and poor growth. Always confirm with your supplier, and if it hasn’t been done, call your vet to administer it immediately.
Don’t delay this step—it’s one of the most important early protections for your day old chicks.
This guide gives you a clear, step-by-step plan for receiving day old chicks. No confusion, no guesswork. Yes, some chicks might die—that’s expected—but with this approach, mortality should be far lower than going in blind.
Schools had opened for the new year. The laughter, the shouting, the morning rush — all gone. Now, the neighborhood was dead quiet, like the calm after a storm.
“You know, Niss,” her friend said, breaking the silence. “That thing we talked about — keeping layers. We should do it. It’s a good idea.”
“Yeah, absolutely,” Niss replied. “I’ve been preparing. Reading, researching… there’s a ton of information in blogs, articles, even YouTube videos. It looks promising. I think I’m ready to start.”
“Really? Well, good for you.” Her friend smiled. “How many are you planning to start with?”
“I don’t know. I don’t mind starting with a hundred birds. It depends on how much money I can get.”
“A hundred?” Her friend’s eyebrows shot up. Niss suddenly wondered what she’d said wrong.
“How much profit will you even get from that? So small.”
“Here’s my plan,” her friend whispered, leaning forward like she was about to share a secret. “I’m planning to start big — massive profits, you know? I want not less than a thousand birds. I heard an expert say anything less than that is pointless.”
She paused, frowning. “But you know my piece of land — it’s small. If I keep a thousand birds, I’ll have no room left for maize or cassava. So for now, I’m saving. I want to buy a bigger plot. I hear Be Kanze is selling part of his land. That’s what I’m aiming for. When I start, it’ll be big — and fast.”
“What do you think?” she asked.
“I think it’s a dead plan,” Niss said flatly. “Let’s start with what we can for now.”
“Not true. Just wait and see,” her friend replied, folding her arms.
After a few more rounds of back-and-forth, Niss finally walked back home, unsure if she’d made her point — or lost it.
The Funeral
It’s heartbreaking seeing your chicks die. Whether on day one of arrival or any other time. It’s so tough.
April 28th, 2025 – Monday
“Hey, what’s that?” a voice called out behind her.
Niss turned. It was her friend.
“I’m burying two of my chicks. They died overnight,” Niss said quietly.
“Chicks? Dead? What chicks?” her friend asked, puzzled.
“Layer chicks — the ones we talked about. I bought a hundred and fifty. Now they’re a hundred and forty. Ten have died so far. I spoke to the vet, and he said a few deaths are normal. But it shouldn’t be too many.”
“See? I told you. If you’d waited, this wouldn’t be happening. Plus, if you had a thousand birds and lost a hundred, you’d still have nine hundred left. That’s still good money,” her friend said, voice laced with concern.
“Where are you with your plan?” Niss asked.
“Oh, I’ve got the land now,” her friend said proudly. “So I’m saving for the next step — the structure, the chicks, equipment, and feeds. I heard prices have gone up again. Once I’ve saved enough, I’ll hire a contractor and buy my chicks.” She smiled, confident.
“That’s good,” Niss said slowly, “but I think you’re wasting time.”
“No, I’m not. Just wait and see.”
Niss sighed and turned away. Maybe she should wait.
For now.
But she knew that this was the day she had buried her inexperience in brooding. The day of the funeral..
(Part 2 drops next week Friday)
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You have already placed your order for day old layer chicks, and now you must prepare before they reach your farm. Many farmers forget one or two crucial steps, and that mistake can be dangerous. Even if you think you know everything, skipping a small detail can put your beautiful chicks at risk.
This guide gives you the complete list of things you need to have ready before your chicks arrive. Make sure you follow it carefully so that you do not miss anything. Brooding is the most sensitive stage of a chick’s life, and it is also when the highest mortality rates happen. Imagine losing 70% of your birds on the very first day just because you were not ready.
As the saying goes: “If you think education is expensive, try ignorance.”
1. Delivery date
First, know the delivery date. It is important to confirm and know the exact delivery date. Most hatcheries supply only on order, and some may take weeks or even months before delivery. By knowing the date, you can prepare in advance and avoid being caught off guard. Being unprepared on delivery day can decide whether your chicks survive or die.
2. Biosecurity
Disinfect your chicken house and brooder area at least two weeks before the chicks arrive. Clean every part of the house—floor, roof, windows, and even the space around the house. This reduces early disease risks and helps ensure brooder cleanliness. Without this step, chicks may face infections that cause high mortality.
Next, prepare a footbath for everyone entering the poultry house on the day your chicks arrive. This simple measure protects your chicks from harmful germs.
3. Heat Source
Temperature control is key for brooding. Therefore, make sure your source of heat is working before the chicks arrive. If you plan to use charcoal or firewood, store enough to last the entire brooding period, which usually runs between three to eight weeks. Running out of fuel can leave your chicks cold and weak.
4. Light Source
Day old layer chicks in a brooder. They are crowded at the light.
During the first week, your layer chicks need at least 20 hours of light daily. This is not optional. Without enough light, their feeding and growth will suffer. If you depend on electricity, plan for backup power. If you have no electricity, get solar lights ready and tested in advance.
5. Brooder Setup
Because you will brood your chicks, you must set up a proper brooder. A future post will explain this in detail, but here is what you need for now:
A round brooding structure
Brooder paper (you can use alternatives if necessary)
Litter at least 4 inches thick
Proper ventilation for fresh air
A good brooder keeps chicks warm, safe, and comfortable.
6. Equipment
Clean and disinfect feeders and drinkers at least two days before the chicks arrive. Then leave them out to dry completely. Using dirty or damp equipment can spread diseases to your flock.
Here’s the list of 28 equipment you’ll need for your layer farm.
7. Food And Water
Have enough starter mash ready to last through the brooding period. Chicks cannot wait for you to buy feed later.
In addition, prepare a source of cleanwater. Water is even more critical than feed. Whether you use municipal water, well water, or stored water, make sure it is safe for human drinking. If you cannot drink it, do not give it to your birds.
8. Medicines and Vaccines
Chicks often face stress in the first days. Supplements such as glucose help them recover. From day seven, vaccines become necessary. While vaccines must be bought and used the same day, you should know in advance where to get them. Do not wait until vaccination day to start looking.
Now you know how to prepare for day old layer chicks. With the right planning, you can give them the best care and reduce losses. Receive them right and they’ll serve you well – you know, with eggs 😅
If you have any questions about any of the 8 things – amount, timing, effort or anything, type in the comments and I’ll answer it.
“Maaa! Come and see this!” Her daughter’s voice rang from the chicken house, urgent and excited.
Niss sprang to her feet, heart racing, and nearly flew across the compound. She slipped into her gumboots, tugged on her overalls and gloves, dipped her feet in the disinfectant bath, and stormed inside.
“An egg!” her daughter cried.
For a moment, time froze. Niss’s heart swelled, her smile trembled, and her eyes filled with tears. This was the 19th week—the week she had been waiting for.
“Here’s another one! And another!” her daughter shouted, unaware that her mother’s heart had already burst open, streams of joy gushing out.
It felt like a miracle.
From Joy To Worry
But that was two weeks ago.
Now, Niss stood in her storehouse, staring at 80 trays stacked neatly in rows. By the end of the week, she would cross 100.
Her joy had turned into unease.
Who is going to buy all these eggs? What if they go bad? What if they all break right here in the store? Who buys month-old eggs anyway?
The questions gnawed at her.
Doors Slammed Shut
She tried everything.
Her first stop was the local high school, where she pitched her eggs with hope in her voice. But the headmaster, a not-so-distant neighbor, turned her away. “We already have a supplier under contract. I can’t change that without the board’s approval,” he said.
Board? What board? Niss thought bitterly. What board would choose rules over supporting a struggling local farmer? Deep inside, she suspected jealousy. Maybe he just wanted to see her fail.
Still, she pushed on.
She carried her eggs to the marketplace, setting them out for buyers. But not a single customer came near. The only tray she sold was to a wealthy-looking man who, she suspected, bought out of pity rather than need.
Her stomach sank. This was not what she signed up for.
She thought of the stories she had read of young millionaire farmers smiling beside heaps of eggs. Where did they sell? To whom? And what magic words did they use? No one had the answer.
One Last Try
That night, she added six more trays to her growing mountain and lay in bed, disappointment pressing down on her. Yet somewhere inside, a stubborn spark flickered. She decided to try one last move.
There was a new private high school in the neighboring village, barely a year old. Maybe, just maybe, they would listen.
The Breakthrough
At dawn, Niss was at the principal’s office, waiting an hour for him to arrive.
When he finally sat down, she took a deep breath and launched into her pitch:
“My eggs are fresh and good. Your students will love them. They’ll grow strong, think sharper, and perform better. And by buying from me, you’ll be supporting a local farmer.”
The Principal And The Eggs
The principal and the eggs.
The principal leaned back, studied her, leaned forward, then nodded. “Go bring all your eggs right now,” he said. “And make sure you can supply us every week.”
Niss blinked, hardly believing it. Was it her words that convinced him? Or was he simply in urgent need of eggs? It didn’t matter. What mattered was that, at last, her eggs would leave the storeroom.
Bigger Than She Dreamed
That morning, Niss had woken up poor. By 9 a.m., she was holding nearly Ksh. 40,000 and, more importantly, a guaranteed weekly buyer.
Unbelievable.
She whispered to herself:
It’s going to be harder than you think, harder than you plan for. But when the breakthrough comes, the reward will be bigger than anything you can imagine.
She smiled faintly. She had heard those words somewhere before, maybe on Facebook. But now, they weren’t just words. They were her truth.
If you want tips and strategies on how to sell and market your eggs.
And enjoy money just like Niss, register for free for our regular Layer Chicken Digest Tips below.
They say Abraham Lincoln once remarked, “Give me six hours to chop down a tree, and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.” It’s a powerful reminder that preparation always beats raw effort.
But here’s the truth — before you sharpen, you need an axe in your hands. The same applies to poultry farming. You can buy the best chicks and dream of collecting trays of fresh eggs every morning. Yet without the right layer chicken farming equipment, your farm will struggle before it even begins.
Many beginners rush to buy birds first, only to realize later they don’t have feeders, drinkers, or even a proper house. This mistake wastes money and puts the flock at risk. The right poultry equipment may look simple, but it is the foundation of a profitable layer poultry farm.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through all the essential equipment for layer chicken farming every beginner needs before starting a poultry farm.
Think of this as your starter kit — a farmer-focused guide to help you prepare, avoid costly mistakes, and set your farm up for success.
Just to be clear, this is not the exclusive list. And most important, you don’t need to buy all of these items before you kick off your farm. You can buy some later, and you can improvise to fit your needs. Don’t wait until you have everything. Start with what you can, and build from there.
I. Housing
1. Structure
Your birds need a house with enough space. That’s a no-brainer. Include space for storing feed as well. You want this store to be cool, dry, and secure.
Construct your house with a foot dip at the entrance for biosecurity. Always add disinfectant, not just soapy water. Another thing farmers often forget is perches. Birds need a place to rest and play. Try to give them as natural an environment as possible. All lay and no play makes layers dull girls.
2. Litter
If you plan to use the deep litter system, prepare dry litter about 4 inches thick. Depending on what’s available, you can use sawdust, coffee husks, or rice husks.
3. Cages
If you plan to use cages, have them ready before the birds arrive. This system is easier to manage but more expensive than deep litter.
To decide which is better for you between cages and deep litter read here
4. Windbreaker
On the open wire-mesh sides, cover them to reduce strong winds, dust, or even rain. You can use curtains, polyethylene sheets, shade nets, or even sacks 😂. Remember DR.STARR— he was resourceful.
II. Brooding
Brooding is a temperature-sensitive stage. Without the right poultry farm equipment, chicks will not survive.
5. Heat Source
You’ll need a reliable source of heat. Options include a brooding jiko, charcoal stove, or infrared lamp.
6. Water Source
Never buy chicks without a water source on your farm. Birds will die without clean water. Ensure you have a municipal supply, water tanks, or a plan to buy water when needed.
7. Feeders
Feeders are where birds eat. Commercial ones reduce wastage, which is the highest cost on a farm. Homemade ones are cheaper but often waste more feed.
8. Drinkers
Drinkers hold water. Both chick and adult drinkers are important, though adults can also serve chicks.
A chick chilling next to a drinker.
9. Light Source
Light matters. Layers need about 18 hours of light per day. The sun gives 12 hours, so you must provide the other 6 using electricity or solar bulbs.
10. Plywood
This is the main material for brooders. You’ve seen round areas where chicks are kept — that’s plywood at work. Still, many farmers improvise with cardboards or simple small rooms, and chicks survive just fine.
11. Brooder Paper
Cover litter with brooder paper or newspapers to stop chicks from eating it on day one.
12. Thermometer
Observation helps, but it’s not accurate. A thermometer lets you monitor brooder temperature properly.
III. Growing Stage
When chicks start growing into pullets, you need more chicken farming tools.
13. Weighing Scale
Monitor the birds’ weight to make sure they are not underweight or overweight. This affects laying performance. Weighing also helps detect poor feed intake and sick birds.
14. Beak Trimmers
Layers can become cannibalistic, pecking each other or breaking eggs. Since eggs are money, invest in debeaking equipment. Modern tools make it humane.
15 & 16. Syringes and Needles
Vaccines are a must. Some require injections or wing stabs. Keep syringes and needles ready, and ask your vet for guidance.
IV. LayingStage
When birds reach laying age, equipment needed for starting a layer farm becomes more essential. It’s the money period.
17. Laying Boxes
Layers need quiet, dark places to lay eggs comfortably.
18. Egg trays
Where will you put your eggs? On trays — simple and safe.
19. Means Of Transport
Transport is optional but useful. Having your own reduces costs when moving eggs, chicks, or supplies.
V. Security
You must protect both your birds and your investment.
20. Sprayer
Disinfect the house before bringing in birds and between batches. A sprayer makes this easy.
21 & 22. Human and Animal Surveillance
Theft is real. Consider guards, CCTV, or dogs for human intruders and cats,fences or traps for animal intruders like rats,wild animals e.t.c
Not everyone will like your success — it’s human nature.
VI. Clothing
Your safety and biosecurity come first.
23, 24, 25 and 26. Protective Clothing
I put these separately because they are crucial to your health and your birds health. Each and everyone of them.
Gloves, gumboots, masks, and overalls are necessary. Keep one set for farm use only, and remove it immediately when leaving. Ignoring this increases disease risk.
VI. Record Keeping
A farm without records is a farm headed for failure.
27. Record Keeping Tools
Record everything — mortality, feed use, bird weights, egg numbers, sales, credits, and finances. Use a notebookor software. At Secret Layers, we don’t have record-keeping tools yet (2025), but we’ll release them soon.
VII. Other Tools
Simple tools make work easier.
28. Farm Tools
A spade, jembe, and wheelbarrow will help you mix feed, change litter, and dispose of manure.
IX. Not Equipment, But Still Important
Some essentials don’t fit into equipment but are crucial.
Feeds: Without quality feed, nothing works.
Workers: You may do it alone or hire extra help.
Glucose and disinfectant: Prepare these before chicks arrive.
Marketing Material : Decide how to sell eggs. Use airtime, internet, and social media.
Chicks:Finally, don’t forget the birds themselves 😂
Read this if your undecided on which chicken breed to buy.
That’s everything you need for your layers poultry farming journey. This complete list of equipment for poultry farming will help you avoid mistakes, save money, and prepare like a professional.
If you think I missed anything important, type it in the comments and I’ll add it.
We need to make sure every farmer is ready before they start.Remember, you don’t need all the layer chicken farming equipment at once. Some items can wait, and you can improvise on others to save costs.
Don’t postpone your dream just because you don’t have gumboots. That’s not what entrepreneurship is.Now go out there, start your farm, and live your dream.
Niss walked out of the police station feeling angry, guilty, and embarrassed.
Grrrr. Her stomach rumbled. Hunger joined the list of things gnawing at her.
The Cafe That Took Everything
It was a long way home, so she slipped into a small café and ordered quickly. It had been ages since she last ate in a restaurant, and the thought itself felt strange. After what seemed like hours to the waiter, she finally settled on ugali skuma. The plate hit her table in five minutes, and by the seventh it was gone.
She stared at the empty plate, stunned. That small food for seventy shillings? Rage burned hotter. This president will kill us all.
Fumbling through her leso for coins, she came up empty. That’s when a man who had been watching her closely stood, paid her bill without a word, and left her more embarrassed than grateful.
The Stranger With Promises
She walked home, bracing herself for her children. She hadn’t seen them since yesterday, when she had left with her colleagues to riot against the merchants.
But the riot hadn’t started there.
It had started a few weeks back, in her own compound. She was seated with her kids one evening when a young man appeared. He looked sharp—probably a gym type, shoulders squared, the kind who seemed to know exactly what he was doing in life. Definitely not like my husband when he was young, she thought.
He introduced himself as part of an NGO empowering women. His words dripped with promise. Twenty minutes later, he walked away with a KSh 20,000 commitment from her, paid in three installments. In her hands he left a bundle of seedlings. Rosemary.
A Marvelous Scam
Plant them, he said. In a month, they’d mature. His NGO would come for them and pay KSh 60,000. A three-times return. Marvelous, wasn’t it?
True enough, the rosemary grew and matured right on time. But on the promised harvest day, no one came. One week passed. Two. Three. Nothing.
The man had vanished. The NGO had never existed. And her money—gone.
Chicken Don’t Wait
That was the money Niss had set aside for her first batch of layers. Her chicks were now four weeks old. In another four, they would need growers mash. She thought she could “invest” the feed money, flip it fast, and come out with plenty. But the plan crumbled.
Desperation turned to fury. She joined neighbors—victims of the same scam—and they stormed the streets, shouting, demanding answers. That night, they slept in a police cell.
The Lesson In The Dark
Sitting on the cold floor, Niss finally admitted the truth: it was her fault.
She had ignored the one principle she’d read before: Go deep first, then go wide. The Secret Layers guide had always said it. Focus on one venture. Master it before chasing others. But she wanted shortcuts. Easy money. And now her birds were hungry.
Rosemary Fed Chicken
That afternoon, walking back toward her house, the lesson burned in her mind.
Well, she thought, glancing at the stack of rosemary in the corner of her yard, at least I still have this. Is it edible? Maybe. But what if—
Her lips curled into a sly smile.
Rosemary-fed chickens. Eggs with a twist. Maybe people will pay for that. Maybe this is how I begin again.
Register for our regular Layer Chicken Digest Tips below.
Battery cage vs deep litter system is one of the first choices every poultry farmer has to make.
Many new farmers think they must buy cages to succeed. But the truth is simple: cages don’t lay eggs, birds do!
So stop postponing your dream farm based on lies. In this post, I’ll show you 7 clear differences between battery cages and the deep litter system. With this, you’ll make the right choice for your farm.
One of the many decisions a beginner layer farmer has to make.Read to know what to consider when deciding.
1. SetUp Costs
Battery cages are more expensive to buy and set up compared to deep litter.
Why? Cages are made from galvanized metal. Deep litter, on the other hand, can use cheap by-products like coffee husks, rice husks, or wood shavings. While prices differ from place to place, cages will always cost more.
If you’re short on cash, deep litter is a practical way to start. You can upgrade to cages later. Don’t buy cages just to look fancy and then end up starving your birds.
2. Ongoing Costs
The deep litter system has more ongoing costs than battery cages. Buying cages is a one-off cost for a batch of birds. You don’t keep buying them again. However, litter needs frequent replacement to prevent diseases.
This means the deep litter system can feel more expensive in the long run. On the other hand, the initial investment for cages is heavier, which many farmers struggle with.
3. Disease Management
Disease spreads faster in deep litter than in battery cages.
Since cage birds are separated, one sick hen is less likely to infect the rest. In addition, it’s easier to see and isolate sick birds in cages. In deep litter, birds mix freely, so transmission is quick and hard to control. Therefore, a disease outbreak in deep litter can cause higher losses. However, with proper vaccination, cleaning, and management, both systems can still keep birds healthy.
4. Ease of Management
It is generally easier to manage birds in cages than in the deep litter system.
For example, farmers can vaccinate, count birds, collect eggs, and remove manure more quickly in cages. This reduces labor needs. If you hire workers, you may need fewer staff with cages, which saves money.
On the other hand, deep litter gives birds more freedom, so management takes more time and effort.
5. Space Required
Cages make better use of limited space. Birds need less space per hen because cages are stacked vertically. This allows farmers to keep more layers in the same house. Therefore, if you have little land, cages might be your best solution. However, if you already have plenty of space, the deep litter system can still work well.
6. Bird Happiness
Happy birds produce better. Many farmers believe that birds in deep litter are happier because the system is closer to their natural environment. Although cages are more controlled, they limit bird movement. Think of it like life in high school—tight and controlled. Deep litter gives more freedom. However, happy birds do not always mean higher profits, so a farmer must balance welfare with production goals.
7. Automation
Automation should be the goal of every farmer who wants to grow big. It separates a business owner from someone who is self-employed. In this area, battery cages win. Because cages create a controlled environment, it is easier to automate egg collection, feeding, and cleaning. Deep litter is harder to automate since birds move freely, and conditions are less uniform.
There you go! You now know the 7 main differences between battery cage vs deep litter system.
Remember, there is no good or bad system. The right choice depends on your budget, space, goals, and beliefs. A farmer with limited cash may start with deep litter and upgrade later. Another farmer with limited land may go straight into cages.
💬Let me know in the comments what you’re planning to use for your farm.
Niss had always been a farmer. A vegetable farmer. She planted cabbages, sukumawiki, spinach, and kiswenya — a local herb.
It was food, yes, but also her little business. Every six weeks she would harvest and sell at the local market.
When Money Isn’t Enough
The sales gave her some money to support her kids, but it was never enough.
And truth be told, she wasn’t even sure if she made profits. She just sold, counted the cash in her hands, and because money came in on market days, she assumed she was doing fine.
Was she really? She didn’t know.
Stress That Won’t Let Go
For the past three weeks, she had been trying to figure out how to get funding for her new idea — layer poultry farming.
But the more she thought about it, the more her head burned and her heart raced. Stress became her daily companion.
Sleepless Nights And Strange Fears
At night, she couldn’t sleep. She tossed and turned, managing barely two hours after the first cock crowed, then nothing until the next night when the cycle repeated.
Slowly, she started noticing something else: her dresses and skirts felt looser.
“What is happening to me?” she wondered.
“Could it be cancer? That’s what causes sudden weight loss, right? Or maybe TB? But I’m not coughing…”
The Request That Stopped Her
Before she could untangle her fears, her daughter walked in.
“Mum, it’s been so long since we went out as a family. Why don’t we go to Bofa Beach tomorrow? Judith and Jay will be there too.”
Niss stared at her for two minutes, silent, until a housefly almost flew into her open mouth.
Finally, she said, “No. Why do you kids want a posh life? Don’t you see how we’re struggling? Do you think I’m like your uncle who makes big money off his employees? I’m not spending even a dime on a ‘walk.’ I’m trying to save every shilling so we can start this business!”
Her voice was sharp, her anger louder than she meant.
The Kids Take Action
A few minutes later, she found her kids already packed, neatly dressed, ready to leave. “We’re going to stay at Uncle’s house tonight,” they said. “Tomorrow we’ll go to Bofa with them.”
Niss’s heart sank. She felt angry, surprised, and pitiful all at once.
What kind of mother have I become? What happened to taking care of my babies? To the fun we used to have?
The Beach That Changed Everything
Go to the beach often. The winds and waves are therapeutic and they help you reconnect with nature.
That night, those questions wouldn’t let her rest. Finally, she made a decision. The next morning, she took her children to Bofa Beach herself.
And for the first time in a long while, she laughed. The waves washed her worries, the sun warmed her heart, and she remembered what joy felt like. Watching her daughter talking to a boy, it struck her — her little girl was growing into a young woman, and she had almost missed it.
If she kept ignoring moments like this, she would wake up one day and her children would be gone, grown, out of reach.
A Lesson She Couldn’t Forget
When they returned home that evening, tired but happy, Niss whispered to herself:
“Family first. Money second.”
That night, she slept early, peacefully.
And with that, she learned the truth — you should never sacrifice yourself or your family, even while building a business. Know your priorities and give them the importance they deserve. Money can wait. Family cannot.
How do you sell your tray of eggs for Ksh.2,000 or even Ksh.5,000?
Well, you don’t. Nobody in their right mind will buy a tray for that crazy amount when they can get it somewhere else for Ksh.350. I personally wouldn’t either.
But wait, not so fast.
Why do we have $1 bags and $1,000 bags? Can’t you also have Ksh.350 trays of eggs and Ksh.2,000 premium trays?
Drumrolls…
Yes, you can. And there’s only one secret to that: increase the value of your eggs so they’re worth more than what you want to sell them for.
The reason I’ll buy your tray of eggs for Ksh.350 is because I believe it’s worth more than that. The reason I won’t buy it for Ksh.2,000 is because I believe it’s not worth that much.
So, how do you make your eggs worth Ksh.2,000? That’s the billion-shilling question.
You’ve probably heard of advice about processing eggs to increase their value. While those are true and important, they’re not the real gold in value addition of eggs.
Let’s look at 6 practical ways you can make more money from your eggs.
Pay more attention to the last 2.
Numbers 5 and 6.
1. BOILED EGGS
You’ve seen this before. An egg you would have sold for Ksh.12 can be sold boiled for Ksh.30 with little added cost. It’s the simplest form of value addition of eggs, though not always easy to scale.
Selling all your eggs as boiled is unreasonable, but depending on your location, selling even a percentage as boiled can give you a good return.
2. BAKING
Eggs are a key raw material in bakeries. If you know how to bake, here is a chance to turn eggs into higher-value products.
Instead of waiting for someone to buy your tray at Ksh.350, you can bake cakes, pastries, or bread and sell them for much more.
For best practice, treat your bakery and your farm as two separate businesses. Let your bakery buy the eggs from your farm, so you keep proper records and profits clear.
Kimani, a farmer from Kenya is doing this profitably.
Next to liquid eggs are powdered eggs. These are widely used in bakeries, pharmaceuticals, and by athletes. Powdered eggs are easy to transport, have a long shelf life, and attract premium clients.
Like liquid eggs, this method requires investment in equipment, but the returns can be significant.
Here’s one woman from Nigeria successfully doing this.
The greatest form of value addition of eggs comes from your creativity. Think differently and test new ideas. Here are practical options:
Farm-to-table subscriptions — Deliver weekly egg boxes to families for a premium.
Branded grading & packaging — Sort eggs into large, medium, premium and use simple branded cartons.
How much would you pay for these eggs? That the power of packaging and branding.Unique, Premium branding and packaging can increase the value of your eggs and differentiate your eggs from your competitors.
Recipe or meal kits — Pair eggs with a recipe card (e.g., omelette kit) to sell convenience.
Corporate & event packs — Supply branded trays for offices, hotels, and events.
Partnerships with bakeries/cafes — Offer exclusive supply deals for stability.
Specialty eggs — Try small runs like free-range or smoked eggs for higher prices.
Teach & sell — Share quick recipe guides or demos alongside your eggs.
Try and try. Keep what works and drop what doesn’t. This is how you innovate beyond the traditional value addition of eggs.
Register for our regular Layer Chicken Digest Tips via email to get tips on how to structure your offer bundles and value ideas👇🏿
Nothing great is built through ordinary thinking. Don’t get stuck complaining about low prices. Instead, find creative, profitable ways to make your eggs worth more.
Remember this: when you provide more value than your price, customers will happily pay.
See you next Friday!
Carlos Deche carlosdeche4040@gmail.com | secretlayerske@gmail.com
