Once, Buddha was trying to teach his students a lesson.
So, he sat them under a tree and asked them a question.
“If I shoot you with an arrow, would it hurt?”
“Yes,” the students said in unison.
Then, he asked another question.
“If I shoot you again with a second arrow at the same spot, would it hurt?”
This time, the students looked shocked.
“Of course it would,” they replied.
At this point, Buddha cleared his throat and continued.
“In life, we are usually hit with two arrows.”
First, there is the arrow of life. This includes suffering, loss, disease, and disappointment. All these things are painful. However, most of them are not under our control.
Then comes the second arrow. This is how we respond to the first one. For example, it is the self-criticism, the overthinking, and the doubt.
In addition, it is the constant questioning and denial.
As a result, this second arrow becomes even more painful.
But here is the most important part. The second arrow is totally under your control.
Therefore, how you react to problems determines your level of suffering. As it is often said, pain is inevitable, but suffering is optional.
Now, What Does This Have To Do With Farming?
I believe you cannot become a successful farmer before you master yourself.
You see, life as a farmer will hit you from all sides.
Anything that can go wrong on your farm will go wrong.
At the same time, life will also keep happening.
You will get sick. Your family and friends will get sick. You might lose your job. You will even get into disagreements.
So, what really matters is not whether these things happen.
Instead, it is how you respond to them. Spending all your time focusing on problems will not help you.
However, acknowledging what happened and focusing on solutions will.
That is what separates you from other farmers.
In fact, as Alex Hormozi and Leila Hormozi often say: “F**k your mood. Follow the plan.”
That is the mindset you need to have.
By the way, if you have been struggling with early chick deaths within the first one month, I created something for you.
Get this Free Brooding Guide, and I will also send you a bonus Layer Poultry Farming Guide.
But cheap poultry feed alternatives could save it.
This is one of the first lessons farmers learn when they research the poultry business.
Unfortunately, many beginners never research first. As a result, they pay dearly for that ignorance later.
The reason is simple. On most poultry farms, feed alone takes 60–70% of the total production cost. Even worse, that cost can rise to 80% if feeding is poorly managed.
Meanwhile, the commercial poultry feed business is a powerful industry on its own. In many cases, it is more profitable than poultry farming itself.
For example, in 2026 De Heus Nutrition, one of the largest animal nutrition companies in the world, opened a new feed plant in Kenya.
Interestingly, this happened despite the hundreds of animal feed companies already operating in the country.
So why would such a big company still invest here?
Clearly, the answer is simple. Feed demand is enormous.
And because poultry feed is expensive, farmers have always looked for ways to lower this major cost.
Therefore, many have experimented with cheap poultry feed alternatives. These options help farmers reduce reliance on commercial feeds.
After all, commercial feeds are often expensive and sometimes unsustainable for small farmers.
Personally, I have seen some farmers succeed with these alternatives. However, I do not have exact figures showing how much their feed costs dropped or how much their profits increased.
Nevertheless, this post will introduce several cheap poultry feed alternatives used by farmers.
Before we start, which one would you use between these two? Let me know in the comments.
First, let me make something clear.
From what I have seen, these options work mostly for small poultry farms.
Large commercial layer farms rarely depend on them. Therefore, if you run a small-scale poultry farm, this information will help you.
1. Azolla
Among all cheap poultry feed alternatives, Azolla has gained massive attention worldwide. In fact, many farmers see it as a small miracle plant.
Scientifically, Azolla is a small aquatic fern. It grows quickly and can double its size every 72 hours.
Because of this rapid growth, farmers can produce large amounts with very little space.
Additionally, Azolla contains high levels of protein and other nutrients useful for chickens.
Another advantage is its simplicity. Farmers can learn how to grow Azolla in just a few hours.
After harvesting, it can be fed fresh from the pond. Alternatively, farmers can dry it before feeding.
However, there is one important warning. Azolla should only be used as a supplement, not a complete feed.
Never feed chickens only Azolla.
2. Black Soldier Fly Larvae
If Azolla is Breaking Bad, then Black Soldier Fly Larvae are Better Call Saul. Although not as popular as Azolla, this option is also powerful.
Black Soldier Fly larvae come from the black soldier fly insect. Farmers raise these flies using organic waste.
During feeding, the flies lay eggs. Soon after, the eggs hatch into larvae.
This process usually takes 10–15 days.
These larvae contain extremely high protein levels. In fact, they contain more protein than Azolla.
Because of this, many farmers use them to replace part of the commercial feed protein.
Moreover, the system is simple. It is also fast and relatively cheap.
As a result, many farmers consider this one of the best cheap poultry feed alternatives available.
3. Hydroponic Fodder
Another interesting option is hydroponic fodder.
Many people believe hydroponics is part of the future of agriculture.
Unlike traditional farming, hydroponics grows crops without soil.
In this system, barley seeds are placed in trays and watered regularly. Within a few days, the seeds sprout into soft green fodder.
At that stage, the young plants are fed directly to chickens.
Unlike Azolla and larvae, hydroponic fodder mainly provides energy.
Because of this, it can replace part of the energy portion of poultry feed.
Furthermore, it grows quickly and requires very little land.
Farmers also need no special degree or training to start. With small effort, this method can help reduce feed expenses by big margins.
Before You See The Last Option,
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4. Garden Or Kitchen Food
At home, I often struggle with free-range chickens during planting season.🥲
They wait for maize to sprout. Then suddenly, they eat all the young leaves.
Soon after, the plants grow again.
Unfortunately, the chickens return and eat them again.
Clearly, chickens love green plants.
Because of this, some farmers use greens as another feed source. They usually do this in two ways.
Planting Greens For Chicken
First, farmers can plant crops specifically for poultry.
Common choices include maize, spinach, kales, and different grasses.
Later, farmers either harvest the leaves or allow chickens to forage directly.
However, layer chickens are usually kept indoors.Therefore, the farmer simply cuts the greens and carries them to the poultry house.
Using Kitchen Food Remains
Using Kitchen Food Remains Second, farmers can feed chickens vegetable leftovers from the kitchen.
After all, most homes produce some food waste every day.
Instead of throwing it away, farmers can give it to their chickens.
However, this method has one weakness.
Kitchen waste is not always reliable.
For example, what happens when you eat out?
What happens when you cook less food?
Because of this, kitchen waste works best as an occasional supplement.
Finally..
These are the four main cheap poultry feed alternatives used by many farmers.
Remember, listing them does not mean every farmer should use them.
Each option has its own limitations.
Therefore, you must evaluate what works best for your farm. Large layer farms usually prefer commercial feeds or professionally formulated feeds.
Meanwhile, if you’re a small-scale farmer you can experiment carefully with these alternatives.
If you want to see my personal recommendations for reducing feed costs, Read Here
Finally, watch out for my next post. In that article, I will explain why I personally will not use any of these alternative feeds.
He had trained for many years. Because of that, people knew him as wise, brave, and full of experience.
Many young warriors wanted to learn from him. However, it was very hard to become his student. In fact, it was almost impossible.
One day, he was choosing new students. At that time, a young man who had dreamed of becoming a samurai master all his life stepped forward.
“Master,” he asked, “how long will it take for me to become a master?”
A young warrior training to be a Samurai master.
The old master replied, “Ten years.”
The young man was shocked. So he quickly said, “Ten years is too long! What if I train twice as hard? What if I train day and night? How long will it take then?”
The master looked at him and smiled gently. Then he said, “In that case, it will take twenty years.”
The young warrior was confused. Therefore, he asked, “Why twenty years?”
Calmly, the master answered, “Because if you have one eye fixed on the destination, you only have one eye left to find your way.”
What Is The Lesson?
The lesson is simple.
To achieve true mastery, you must let go of the goal and embrace the process.
In other words, do not rush. Instead, focus on learning step by step.
What This Means For Your Farm..
This lesson also applies to farming.
Many people think only about money. Others think about owning large land or having a big herd. However, that is not where mastery begins.
First, think about planning. Next, focus on daily management. After that, solve problems as they come. Finally, always look for new opportunities.
Success on the farm does not start with profit. Rather, it starts with good systems and patience.
So stop thinking only about the money, the land, or the herd. Instead, think about the process every single day.
That is how true mastery is built.
In line with that..if you’re planning to start layer poultry farming,
Get this Free Layer Poultry Farming Guide straight to your inbox.
Let me tell you my story. I’m from Tezo, Kilifi County, about 10 km from Kilifi town. Sometimes, I buy one tomato for Ksh.10. On the best days, I’ve bought a single tomato for just Ksh.5.
For someone who doesn’t know the supply chain for agricultural produce, that may seem normal. However, a deeper look—or just a quick search on Google—reveals the truth. It’s shocking and a little terrifying.
In 2024, tomato prices in Kirinyaga dropped to Ksh.15 per kilogram. When a farmer sells that kilo for Ksh.15 to a middleman, the price in Kilifi jumps to around Ksh.70–100 per kilogram. That is a huge difference, and it shows how much profit is being captured by middlemen instead of the farmers who grew the tomatoes.
Imagine if I could check online and see a farmer in Kirinyaga selling tomatoes for Ksh.40 per kilogram. I would buy immediately. I would pay Ksh.30–50 less. At the same time, the farmer would earn Ksh.25 more, which is a 167% increase. This kind of win-win situation is exactly what online marketplaces could make possible.
It’s not as simple as it sounds. Many farmers in Kenya already use social media like WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to sell their produce. It works for some, but there are challenges that make it hard to scale and provide real value for both farmers and consumers.
Today, let’s focus on farmers online marketplaces, like Mkulima Young, Mkulima Bora, and Mkulima Online. These are different from social media platforms.
What Can They Do To Help Me Buy 2 kg Of Tomatoes From Kilifi At A Fair Price While Also Ensuring That Farmers Earn More?
1. Logistics
Farmers often cannot sell to all individual buyers across the country because transporting small amounts of produce is expensive. If they try to deliver on their own, the cost may wipe out their profits. Middlemen solve this problem by collecting from many farmers and delivering to consumers, but they usually pay farmers very low prices.
Online marketplaces need a reliable logistics system to solve this problem. They can either build their own delivery network or partner with delivery companies. By solving this hurdle, marketplaces can help farmers sell at fair prices while making sure consumers still pay less than they would at the market.
2. Trust
Trust is one of the biggest challenges. No buyer wants to pay for goods that never arrive, and no farmer wants to deliver produce without being paid. Many online platforms in Kenya struggle because buyers and farmers are unsure whether the other party can be trusted.
Even though M-Pesa exists for safe payments, many buyers prefer to negotiate on WhatsApp. People feel more control and security when they can see and communicate directly with the seller. Platforms like Jumia show that trust can be built over time with consistent service and marketing, but it takes years and a big budget to convince buyers to feel safe using a platform.
3. Business Model
Another important challenge is the business model itself. Should online marketplaces sell directly to consumers or focus on mama mbogas? A B2B (business-to-business) model could actually be more effective.
In this approach, farmers sell at higher prices to the platform. The platform then sells to mama mbogas at lower prices than the middleman would charge. Finally, consumers get fresh produce at lower prices from the mama mbogas. This system ensures that everyone benefits: farmers earn more, mama mbogas pay less, and consumers get better prices.
Twiga Foods uses a similar model. They buy produce directly from farmers at fair prices and supply mama mbogas reliably. Even though they act like a large middleman, they are more predictable and less exploitative. Online marketplaces could adopt this strategy to create a fairer agricultural supply chain.
What Next?
Farmers online marketplaces can succeed if they solve logistics, trust, and business model challenges. Platforms that address these issues will empower farmers, reduce middlemen exploitation, and make fresh produce more affordable for consumers. In the future, these marketplaces could even help farmers export produce across Africa and the world.
Do you think online marketplaces can really help farmers escape middlemen?
I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
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Some lessons hit you in ways you never forget—this one came from chickens.
When I was growing up, I spent a lot of time around poultry farms. One morning, my dad decided to take us to see how different types of chicken farms operate.
We arrived at the broiler farm just as the sun was rising. The air was thick with the smell of feed and the soft hum of ventilation fans. Workers moved quickly, carrying the chickens from their pens toward the processing area. The birds scattered and squawked, jostling against one another. You could almost feel their fear—they knew what was coming. My dad led us aside before we saw anything more, but the lesson was already clear: these birds were being raised for a single, final payoff. Everything on the farm was geared toward one moment—the sale.
A few days later, my dad took us to a layer farm. The difference hit me immediately. The hens moved calmly, pecking at the feed, scratching the ground, and laying eggs day after day. The barn was quieter, the atmosphere almost peaceful. The farmer collected the eggs as they came, creating a steady, predictable flow of income. Unlike the broiler farm, success here didn’t depend on selling the birds—it depended on the output they produced consistently.
Layer Chicken in a poultry house.
My dad stopped and looked at me. “See the difference?” he asked. Both farms own valuable assets—the chickens—but they treat them in completely different ways.
The broiler farmer is like an investor chasing capital gains: the money comes only at the end, when the asset is sold.
The layer farmer is like an investor chasing cash flow: the asset produces money day after day, steadily and reliably.
Most people invest like broiler farmers—they wait for a single big payout and call it risky. The wiser approach is to think like the layer farmer and be the layer farmer: focus on cash flow, let your assets work for you every day, and build wealth steadily.
This is a fictional story inspired by the story of the cattle rancher and dairy farmer in Robert Kiyosaki’s book : Who Took My Money? Why Slow Investors Lose And Fast Money Wins.
I have been having a debate with myself for quite some time about whether I should choose day old chicks or just buy point of lay birds.
If you’re interested in layer poultry farming but you haven’t started yet, you’re more likely to face the same dilemma.
Should I buy day old chicks and raise them for about five months before I start earning, or should I buy point of lay birds and start making money next week?
And if you’ve been a follower of my Facebook and X (which I highly recommend you follow by the way… you’re missing a lot), you already know I prefer day old chicks to point of lay birds.
In this post, I’m going to show you why I chose day old chicks—not to convince you, but to show you my thought process. Hopefully, you’ll learn something from it.
1. Little Capital Required To Start
One day old layer chick costs around Ksh.150 right now(2025), while point of lay birds cost between Ksh.500–Ksh.1500, depending on age and seller. For me, day old chicks are a better option because they require less money to acquire the birds.
At first, I won’t have that much capital. Day old chicks give me a chance to start with a small budget and grow from there. This doesn’t include the cost of feeding for the 4.5 months, but at least I can start the poultry business with little money and buy more feed as I continue.
Let’s say I want to start with 100 birds.
🔴Day Old Chicks
✅Day Old Chicks cost 100 × 150 = Ksh.15,000
✅Each bird needs about 1.25kg in 8 weeks 100 birds × 2.5 = 250kg One 50kg bag = Ksh.4,000
Cost of 250kg
250 × 4000/50 = Ksh.20,000
Total = Ksh.35,000
🔴Point Of Lay
✅Point of lay birds cost
100 × Ksh.850 = Ksh.85,000
Total = Ksh.85,000
And that’s just the birds. I haven’t bought even one bag of feeds.
So you see the difference. A huge Ksh.50,000.
And this is before feeds. This is why day old chicks work for me—they let me start small as I continue finding money.
Caution: Make sure you have money to continue feeding your birds. If not, you’ll end up killing your chicks or selling them at a loss.
2.Learning Opportunity
A good number of people hate school, but this type of learning is different. And remember if you’re not learning, you’re dying.
Humans grow when they learn new things, and that’s exactly what day old chicks offer.
They give you a chance to learn how to:
– Prepare before receiving chicks – Brood correctly – Follow a vaccination schedule – Maintain strong biosecurity
You get to learn these for almost five months. Point of lay birds don’t give you this chance. They have already been brooded, most vaccines done, and all you get is a near-finished product.
Where is the fun in being handed success on a silver platter?
The amount of knowledge I’ve gained from brooding alone is massive. If I had planned to buy point of lay birds, I wouldn’t have bothered learning about brooding or vaccinations.
3. They’re Easier And Safer To Source
Getting 100 point of lay birds is easy. But what if your farm grows and now you want 5,000 birds? How easy will it be to source 5,000 point of lay birds from one place? Let me tell you—it’s as easy as getting rich quick in farming. Yes, I scared you there, but it’s true.
As your egg business grows, sourcing point of lay birds becomes difficult. You’ll need to buy in small batches from different sellers, and I personally don’t want that.
On the other hand, if you wanted 10,000 day old chicks today, you know where you would get them. Big hatcheries supply them all over Kenya, and they are credible compared to most point of lay sellers—mostly farmers like you and me.
Another sourcing problem with point of lay birds is the lack of transparency. You don’t know:
– If the vaccination records are true – If the feeding program was followed – If the birds are uniform – If the birds are healthy – Or even their exact age
Many farmers buy “18-week-old” birds expecting eggs in one week, only for them to start laying two months later. Others buy mixed breeds, including dual-purpose chickens instead of hybrid layers.
Worst of all, some farmers buy birds that fall sick or die the next day—even with updated vaccination cards.
Imagine paying Ksh.85,000 for 100 point of lay birds only for them to die. You don’t want that.
This almost never happens with day old chicks if you buy from regulated hatcheries.
Day old chicks vs Point of lay birds
4. They Offer Control Over Your Business
Day old chicks give me full control over my business. I choose when to stock, how to brood, what to feed, which vaccines to use, and how to raise my flock.
You can’t do that with point of lay birds.
What if you want to stock next month, but your supplier’s birds are still three weeks old? You wait. You also don’t control how they brooded, fed, or handled those birds.
Big layer poultry farms don’t buy point of lay birds. They all buy day old chicks and raise them themselves. Why? Because control is everything. Even cost control.
Plus remember, the seller wants profit. If their feed prices were high, they’ll pass that cost to you.
Control your business if you want to scale your poultry farm.
5. Profitability
Day old chicks are simply more profitable than point of lay birds. The only advantage point of lay have is quick cash, which doesn’t last.
With day old chicks, you control your production cost from the beginning. With time, your brooding becomes effective, mortality stays low, your cost stays down, and you get maximum production from your layers.
This results in: – More eggs – Better profits – Predictable performance
Something that is hard to achieve with point of lay birds because the foundation is out of your hands.
And if you want, you can even sell your own point of lay birds later and profit from your skills. I’m not saying you should—but you can.
6. Fun
Lastly, day old chicks are fun. They’re like babies—many babies. You get them on day one of life and you raise them to maturity. They don’t get married, but they lay eggs. Hallelujah!
By the way that’s normal😅
The sad part is selling them off as ex-layers.
And Fun is part of our Secret Layers core values.
If you’re not fun, buy point of lay birds.
Those are the six reasons why I chose day old chicks and point of lay birds. They give me control, the ability to scale, and I enjoy doing it.
Let me know in the comments what you will choose for your farm—DOC or POL—and why. You might have better reasons, and I’d love to know.
If brooding is the main challenge stopping you from choosing day old chicks, get this Free Layer Poultry Farming Guide and I’ll send you a Free Brooding Guide next.
And in this post, I’m going to tell you why I’m going to add value to my eggs — and why I you should too. Hopefully you’ll see what I see in value addition and be inspired to do more.
Eggs value addition can transform a normal poultry farm into a highly profitable agribusiness. Because most farmers only sell raw eggs, value-added products immediately set you apart.
Additionally, the process unlocks better markets, higher margins, and long-term stability for your layer poultry farming business.
1. Value Addition Helps You Make More Money
For example, a tray of eggs sells for Ksh.350–500. However, that same tray can produce five bottles of 350ml liquid eggs. Each bottle sells for around Ksh.350 (2020 pricing)
Therefore, one tray becomes Ksh.1,750 instead of Ksh.500.
And you get a decent profit percentage after you deduct the costs.
Would you want 10% of Ksh.1750 per tray or 10% of Ksh.500?
Moreover, this simple shift allows you to increase profits without buying more chickens. Farmers who embrace eggs value addition often discover new income streams that keep their farms stable throughout the year.
2. Value Addition Allows You To Offer More Quality And Safety
An example of dried eggs(Egg powder) Perfect for bakeries.
Raw eggs spoil quickly, usually within 30 days. Meanwhile, pasteurized liquid eggs last much longer and reduce contamination risks like salmonella. Consequently, bakeries, restaurants, hotels, hospitals, and institutions prefer them.
Egg powder goes even further. It supports pharmaceutical companies, food manufacturers, and other large industries. Because these markets value consistency, they become reliable buyers. This level of quality is difficult to achieve without eggs value addition, and customers appreciate the difference.
3. Value Addition Keeps Competition Low
Everyone sells table eggs. However, very few farmers produce liquid eggs, egg powder, or premium processed products. As a result, you enter markets with almost no direct competition. Early adopters benefit from higher demand, stronger pricing power, and better visibility.
Eventually competition may grow, but farmers who start now position themselves as leaders long before the rest join.
4. Value Addition Attracts Better Customers
Cheap products usually attract difficult customers. Premium products, on the other hand, bring in professional clients who value quality and understand pricing. Consequently, you begin working with bakeries, caterers, institutions, supermarkets, and manufacturers.
These customers buy in bulk, pay promptly(if not, their terms are favourable), and remain loyal. Since they prefer stable suppliers, your revenue becomes more predictable.
5. Value Addition. Creates Deep Fulfilment And Purpose
Farmers who practice eggs value addition often experience a stronger sense of purpose. Imagine supplying powdered eggs to companies or delivering safe liquid eggs to marginalized communities. Even better, imagine employing dozens of people because your processing unit keeps expanding.
All these achievements create fulfilment because your poultry farm begins to serve a larger purpose. Impact grows alongside income.
6. Value Addition Is More Fun
New challenges make the farming journey more enjoyable. Innovation brings learning, creativity, and growth. Because value addition involves testing, improving, and building new products, every step becomes exciting.
Even difficult days feel meaningful when you are building something bigger than a tray of eggs. Fun is a powerful motivator, and value addition brings plenty of it. And as you know fun is one of the core values of secret layers.
If it’s not fun we won’t do it – just like Sir Richard Branson says.
If you want support as you begin your eggs value addition journey, register for my Regular Layer Chicken Digest tips and get a Free Layer Poultry Guide.
You’ll get practical tips, strategies, and business insights that help you grow a profitable, resilient, and impactful poultry farm.
You’re probably wondering which is more profitable between day oldchicks 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:
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 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 age and 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. Ifyou 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!
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It was one of those cold mornings that make you hug your jacket tighter. Niss woke up refreshed. She’d slept deeply, peacefully. Nothing special had happened, but she felt calm inside — ready for another day on her layer poultry farm.
She went to her storage room to measure feed for her 22-week-old layer chickens. The morning was quiet.Too quiet.
Even as she neared the chicken house, not a single cluck or flutter broke the silence.
> “They must have slept well… just like me,” Niss thought with a smile.
But her smile faded. Her birds were never this quiet during feeding time. Her heart began to race.
A Silent Chicken House
After disinfecting her shoes, she opened the door…..
and froze.
Inside, her chickens lay still on the litter. Not one moved. Not one made a sound.
She felt dizzy. Her chest tightened. She reached for one bird — cold. Another — the same. All gone.
623 layer chickens. Silent. Dead.
Tears rolled down her face. She had done everything right — all vaccines, feeding schedules, and hygiene routines. There hadn’t been any sign of a disease outbreak nearby.
When Everything You Did Right Still Fails
Niss called the vet, her voice shaking. He arrived quickly, calm but serious. > “Did you notice any signs of disease?” he asked.
“No,” Niss said. “They were fine last night. Though they didn’t finish their feed… and one bird looked sleepy, but it woke up.”
The vet took a few samples for postmortem testing and left her with words she would never forget.
Lessons No One Talks About
One day your chicken might all die. Not because you did something wrong, but because it just happens sometimes. You have to be ready so you don’t give up.
✅ Diseases still attack even when birds are vaccinated.
✅ Vaccines are not 100% effective — always watch your flock closely.
✅ Isolate any sick-looking bird and call a poultry vet immediately.
✅ Never eat dead birds — you don’t know what killed them. It’s not safe for you.
✅ Sometimes, even when you do everything right, bad things just happen.
That day broke Niss’s heart. But it also reminded her that farming isn’t just about feed and vaccines. It’s about expecting for the worst and being ready, patience, discipline, and resilience.
Because sometimes, you can do everything right… and still lose. What matters is what you do next.
💬 Your Turn
Have you ever lost birds suddenly on your farm? Share your experience in the comments — your story might help another poultry farmer avoid the same pain.
👉 Get a Free copy of my Layer Poultry Farming Guide and regular Layer Chicken Digest Tips here👇🏿
