Secret Layers

Category: Comparisons

  • Day Old Chicks Vs Point Of Lay


    You’re probably wondering which is more profitable between day old chicks and point of lay birds. Every farmer has an opinion, and you’ve likely heard many. Today, let’s settle this once and for all.

    Before we start, to get the most out of this post, read this guide first:


    👉 5 Things You Should Know Before Starting Layers Farming


    This will help you decide which option suits your farm best.

    In this post, we’ll compare day old chicks (DOC) and point of lay (POL) birds, looking at their advantages and disadvantages. By the end, you’ll know which one fits your goals — whether you want to learn, save time, or make quick profits.


    1. Learning Opportunity

    Raising day old chicks gives you a valuable learning experience that point of lay birds do not. Starting with DOC means you learn everything — brooding, feeding, vaccination, and general poultry management. You’ll understand your birds from the first day until they start laying eggs.

    On the other hand, buying POL hens skips this stage. You get birds ready to lay, but you miss the practical lessons that build your confidence as a poultry farmer.

    If you want fast cash, POL may suit you. However, if you want long-term mastery, DOC offers better training and experience.


    2. Time Investment

    Raising day old chicks takes more time compared to point of lay birds. With DOC, you must care for them for around 18 weeks before they start laying. Those first 5 months are the most crucial and demanding in a bird’s life.

    Meanwhile, POL hens save you that time. Since they’re already mature, they can start laying eggs within a week or two after purchase. Therefore, you begin earning faster, which is ideal for farmers focused on quick returns from their egg production business.

    3. Skills Required

    Handling day old chicks requires more skill than managing point of lay hens. Brooding demands knowledge of temperature control, feed management, and a proper vaccination schedule for layers. Any mistakes at this stage can lead to high chick mortality.

    In contrast, POL layers need fewer technical skills. You mainly feed them, maintain clean housing, and continue a few vaccinations. This makes them suitable for beginners or part-time poultry farmers who have little experience.

    Day old chicks vs Point of lay image
    Day old chicks vs Point of lay birds

    4. Cost Comparison

    At first glance, buying point of lay birds seems expensive. In 2025, day old chicks cost around Ksh.150 each, while point of lay birds range between Ksh.800 and Ksh.1,500 depending on the seller.

    However, when you consider the total cost of rearing DOCs — feed, brooding equipment, electricity, and vaccines — the expenses can add up. Raising them to the point of lay costs much more than buying ready-to-lay birds. So, while POL looks pricey upfront, it can save you time and early-stage costs.


    5. Profit And Return Potential

    The return potential for day old chicks can be higher once you master your system. Initially, it seems easier to buy point of lay hens and start earning immediately. Yet, experienced farmers know that once you perfect your brooding and reduce mortality, profits from DOC can surpass those from POL.

    That’s because you can grow your own chicks, sell some as point of lay to other farmers, and even brood chicks for clients at a fee. These extra income streams make DOC a strong long-term business strategy.


    6. Risk Level

    Every poultry venture has risks. With day old chicks, the main risk is high mortality during brooding. If you lack experience or proper housing conditions, losses can occur quickly.

    On the other hand, point of lay birds come with hidden risks. You may not always know their real age, vaccination history, or overall health status. If you buy from unverified suppliers, you risk bringing diseases to your farm. Always source your POL hens from trusted, certified farms to avoid these issues.


    7. Sourcing And Availability

    Sourcing day old chicks is generally easier. Kenya has many verified hatcheries supplying healthy DOCs every week. You can book and collect your chicks without much hassle.

    However, finding reliable point of lay birds can be stressful. You may need to buy from different farmers to reach your desired number. That process takes time, increases risk, and sometimes affects flock uniformity — an important factor in layers egg production.


    8. The Fun Factor

    If it’s not fun, we’re not doing it — that’s one of our core values at Secret Layers. Raising day old chicks is much more rewarding and exciting than buying point of lay birds. Watching your chicks grow from tiny neonates to full layers gives unmatched satisfaction.

    For farmers who enjoy seeing results from their hard work, DOC farming brings more joy. But if you prefer less hustle and instant results, POL might suit you better.


    9. Business Opportunity (Bonus)

    There’s a growing business opportunity in point of lay production. Many farmers buy day old chicks, raise them to POL, and then sell them at a profit. Others brood chicks for clients for a fee, turning their poultry knowledge into an extra income stream.

    Therefore, whether you choose DOC or POL, the key is to plan your farm as a real business, not just a hobby.



    Both day old chicks and point of lay birds can be profitable depending on your goals, experience, and resources. If you want to learn and build a long-term business, start with DOC. But if your priority is fast income with minimal effort, go for POL.

    I’ll soon share a detailed post on what I personally chose — and why. Watch out for it!

    Get my Free Layer Poultry Farming Guide here👇🏿

    Just register and I’ll send it straight to your inbox.

    Free beginners guide to starting a profitable layer poultry farm. Step by step guide.
    Name

    See you next Friday!

    carlosdeche4040@gmail.com

    secretlayerske@gmail.com

  • BATTERY CAGE VS DEEP LITTER : 7 DIFFERENCES

    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.

    Now that you’ve made your decision on the system, the next question is: what breed of layers will you keep? Check the top 3 layer breeds and learn the factors to consider when choosing a layer breed

    See you next Friday!

    carlosdeche4040@gmail.com

    secretlayerske@gmail.com

  • 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.

    Layers vs broilers.Why you should choose layers over broilers.
    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.

    👉 Just 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”

    Name

    See you next Friday!

    Carlos Deche

    carlosdeche4040@gmail.com

    secretlayerske@gmail.com

  • 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 LayersBroilers
    Main PurposeEggsMeat
    Startup CostsHigherLower
    Time to harvestStart laying at 18 weeksReady for sale 6-9 weeks
    Market StabilityStable demandDemand
    fluctuates
    Housing SystemBattery cage or deep litterMostly deep litter
    Vaccine
    Schedule    		Longer Shorter
    SpacingBigger(2-3sq ft/bird)Smaller(1-2 sq ft/bird)
    FeedsStarter
    Grower
    Layer    		Starter
    Finisher
    Profit TypeDaily income
    Continuous    		Quick
    One time batch
    Management LevelMore skilled
    Long term    		Easier
    Short term
    LightingLess
    14-18 hrs    		More
    24 hrs
    Profitability Score8.37.5
    (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

    CriteriaLayers
    (Score 1-10)    		Broilers
    (Score 1-10)
    Startup Costs6
    (Higher but worth it)    		8
    (Lower)
    Time to returns7
    (Slower)    		9
    (Fast)
    Profit Stability10
    (Very stable)    		6
    (Seasonal
    Market Demand10
    (Strong & Steady)    		7
    (Fluctuating)
    Management Complexity7
    (Challenging but rewarding    		8
    (Simpler)
    Long Term Profit 10
    (Excellent)    		7
    (Moderate)
    Average Score8.37.5

    (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:

    Name


    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