Tag: Layer poultry farming

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 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👇🏿

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November 7, 2025
The 8 Brooding Principles Every Poultry Farmer Must Know
Brooding chicks is the make-or-break stage for any poultry farmer. Get it wrong, and you could lose over 80% of your flock — that’s future profit gone. Get it right, and mortality drops to below 5%, which is the accepted standard in poultry farming.

If you’ve ever struggled with brooding or just want to perfect your skills, this guide is for you. You’ll learn the 8 essential brooding principles that ensure healthy chicks and minimal losses — from temperature control to security.

I’ve referenced layers in this post because that’s all Secret Layers is about. But, whether you’re into layer poultry farming or broilers, these principles apply to all. Only slight timing and quantity adjustments differ. Let’s dive in. 🐥

1. Temperature Regulation

Temperature control is the heart of brooding chicks. It ensures your birds stay comfortable, active, and healthy.

Start your brooding temperature at 28–30°C on day one, then reduce by about 2°C every week. However, always follow your hatchery’s specific temperature guidelines — some breeds may vary.

Monitor temperature daily using a thermometer. But also read your chicks’ behavior:

Crowded near heat source: Too cold — increase heat.

Far from heat source: Too hot — reduce heat.

Evenly spread: Perfect temperature.

Consistent temperature management during the brooding period prevents heat or cold stress and sets the foundation for strong growth.

Master your brooding. Master your your profits. See the various aspects of brooding present in this setup.

2. Lighting

Light is more than visibility; it affects chick behavior and growth. During the first week, provide 24 hours of light to help chicks find feed and water easily. This continuous light encourages constant feeding, which supports rapid growth.

As they grow, gradually reduce light to about 18 hours a day by the end of the brooding period. However, avoid bright or harsh lighting — it may trigger feather pecking or cannibalism.

Proper lighting promotes calm, active feeding behavior and balanced growth — vital for your chicks.

3. Feed And Water

In chicken farming, feed and water are everything. Healthy chicks depend on consistent access to clean water and quality feed.

Keep feeders and drinkers filled and refreshed regularly. Chicks need feed available at all times, especially during the first few weeks. As they grow, increase the feed amount gradually to match their size and appetite using supplier standards.

Use starter mash from trusted suppliers and avoid cheap, low-quality feeds that may harm your birds’ long-term production. Feed too little and they’ll starve or weaken; feed too much and you’ll waste money or cause obesity.

For water, remember: if you can’t drink it, don’t give it to your chicks. Provide clean, fresh water at all times to prevent disease.

4. Disease Management

Diseases are the most unpredictable threat in poultry farming. They strike without warning and can wipe out an entire flock in one day. To protect your chicks, you must combine vaccination and biosecurity.

Vaccination

Follow a proper vaccination schedule from your hatchery or local vet. Vaccines are for prevention, not cure. Therefore, vaccinate even when your chicks appear healthy.

Biosecurity

Prevent disease entry and spread by enforcing strict hygiene:

✅Disinfect before entering the brooder.

✅Limit access to authorized personnel only.

✅Clean feeders and drinkers daily.

✅Control pests like rats and mites.

✅Isolate and treat sick birds immediately.

Following these steps reduces disease risks and keeps your flock safe and productive.

I’ll publish a post on all the biosecurity measures to enforce on your farm soon.

5. Litter Management

Litter provides warmth and comfort — but if poorly managed, it can kill your chicks. Keep it dry and fluffy, removing wet or caked areas regularly. Wet litter breeds germs and raises ammonia levels, which can harm chicks’ respiratory systems.

The brooding period for layers lasts about six to eight weeks, so complete litter changes may not always be necessary. However, if it becomes too wet or muddy, change it immediately. Regularly turning the litter keeps it dry and healthy.

Proper litter management means cleaner air, fewer diseases, and happier chicks.

6. Spacing

Did you like high school? Remember how good it felt when you finally left? Your chicks feel the same when given enough space.

Cramped brooders cause stress, slow growth, and higher mortality. Ensure adequate space per chick, depending on your heat source and brooder design. As your chicks grow, expand the brooder to maintain comfort.

Overcrowding increases competition for feed and water, while too much space wastes litter and heat. The goal is balance — efficient use of space that keeps chicks active and comfortable.

7. Ventilation

Brooders hold many chicks, producing heat, carbon dioxide, and ammonia. Poor ventilation traps these gases and endangers your flock.

Ensure your brooder is well-aerated to allow fresh air in and remove stale air. During hot days, open windows for natural airflow. However, cover them at night or when it’s cold to prevent chills.

If you can smell ammonia or feel stuffiness, ventilation is poor. Good air circulation keeps chicks healthy and reduces respiratory stress.

8. Security

Finally, protect your chicks. Not from disease — but from predators and theft. Rats, snakes, cats, dogs, and even people can destroy your hard work overnight.

Secure your chicken house with strong materials, close holes, and maintain clean surroundings. Use dogs for protection, cats for rodent control, and, if possible, simple CCTVs or motion lights for extra security.

Without proper security, all your other efforts in brooding chicks can go to waste.

The 8 Brooding Principles Recap

1️⃣ Temperature Regulation – Maintain proper warmth and observe chick behavior.

2️⃣ Lighting – Adjust light hours for feeding and calm growth.

3️⃣ Feed & Water – Always provide clean water and quality feed.

4️⃣ Disease Management – Combine vaccination and biosecurity.

5️⃣ Litter Management – Keep litter dry, clean, and well-turned.

6️⃣ Spacing – Expand brooder area as chicks grow.

7️⃣ Ventilation – Ensure fresh air and control ammonia buildup.

8️⃣ Security – Protect chicks from predators and theft.

And that’s it — your 8 brooding principles for raising strong, healthy chicks. Follow them and you’ll never fear the brooding period again.

No more risky business of buying point-of-lay hens just because brooding feels hard. You’ll raise your own chicks, grow them into profitable layers, and keep every bit of the profit yourself.

Then you can even sell quality Point of Lay birds of you want to😅

Keep learning, keep improving, and always innovate — that’s how you grow in layer poultry farming.

> Remember ;
Master your brooding. Master your profits.

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carlosdeche4040@gmail.com

secretlayerske@gmail.com
October 31, 2025
The Story Of The 623 Silent Chickens
A Cold Morning On The Farm

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.

Just like DR.STARR.

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👇🏿

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secretlayerske@gmail.com
October 29, 2025
NYOTA Fund : How I’d Use It To Build A Profitable Business
If someone gave you Ksh.50,000 today, what would you do with it?

This is how I would turn Ksh.50,000 (approximately $385) into a thriving business through the NYOTA Program Kenya.

The government of Kenya, through the NYOTA Program, is offering grants and training to empower Kenyan youth. It’s an amazing opportunity for those who qualify. Unfortunately, I don’t meet the criteria for application, but if I did, here’s exactly how I would use the funds to build a sustainable business.

Not something lifeless or short-term, but a venture with a real vision of growth.

It’s sad that many businesses started through such government programs die off within a year. Evidence from the earlier Youth Enterprise Development Fund (YEDF) shows that only a small percentage survive past five years.

That’s why I decided to share how I would personally use the NYOTA grant and the strategies I would apply to make the business last. I hope you’ll find value in it and maybe borrow a few ideas for your own plan.

By the way, congratulations if you received the grant!

Step 1 : Decide And Commit To One Business

The first thing I would do is make a clear decision and commit to one business. I would choose layer poultry farming — and I have good reasons for it which you can check here👇🏿

6 Reasons Why I Chose Layers Over Broilers

It’s something I’ve been studying and researching for a long time, and that focus gives me an edge.

There are many profitable opportunities out there. However, without clarity, it’s easy to end up confused and scattered.

So I would decide, commit, and lock in.
No broilers. No goats. No hotel. No forex.

Layer poultry farming only.

Step 2 : Learn

Before starting, I would spend one to two weeks learning everything about layer poultry farming. That means not just how to raise the birds, but also how to run the business side of things.

I’d study topics such as:

✅Brooding

✅Feeding

✅Disease management

✅Marketing and sales

✅Branding and negotiation

In addition, I would visit established layer farmers and learn directly from their experiences. I’d talk to egg traders — both wholesalers and retailers — to understand the egg business better.

I’d also reach out to poultry experts for practical advice.

Meanwhile, I would get a reliable internet connection for a week and binge-watch YouTube videos about layer poultry farming in Kenya. I’d read blogs, success stories, and mistake lists.

Of course, I would also check X, Facebook, and TikTok pages of farmers to see what works for them.

Secret Layers is already a good place to start for this kind of information — both technical poultry farming and business.

To help with this learning phase, I have a Free Layer Poultry Farming Guide you can get here 👇🏿

Free Layer Poultry Farming Guide

Another skill I would add is content creation. There are countless free online resources on how to make engaging and educational farming content.

After one or two weeks, I wouldn’t be an expert yet, but I’d know enough to start my layer farm confidently.

Step 3 : Start The Farm

Layer Chicken in a poultry house. While Ksh.50k won’t get you this at first, with a long term business strategy you can get here.

Next, I would begin the actual farm setup. My plan would be to start with 50 layer chickens. That’s enough to make sense as a business but still manageable for a beginner.

However, there’s one issue. Starting a 50-bird layer poultry farm in Kenya costs around Ksh.91,000, according to my recent research (see the cost breakdown here👇🏿

The True Cost Of Starting A Layer Poultry Farm

Yet, the NYOTA Program grant is only Ksh.50,000.

So how would I bridge that gap?

I have a plan — and I’ll share how to make it work. Just trust me and follow the logic to the end.

I would follow the exact process outlined in my Free guide to set up the farm and get my chicks started.

At this point, the farm would be running.

Now, layer chickens take about four and a half months before they begin laying eggs. That means no cash flow for about five months.

So what next?

Step 4 : Create Content Around My Farming Journey

During this waiting period, I would focus on creating content. I’d document my entire journey from day one — every success, failure, and lesson learned.

Don’t frown yet. Maybe if I say “teach people what I’m learning,” it will sound better. But yes, I’d share my journey publicly.

This would include content across YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, X, and Pinterest. However, I’d focus mainly on the three I use most — Facebook, X, and YouTube.

This approach is exactly how Secret Layers started — by teaching and documenting.

For instance you can watch the YouTube video of this blog post here👇🏿

https://youtu.be/0B_B0QsqW50?si=7NCNMw7cNJ7jBiQc

Setting up social media accounts is free. The only small cost would be basic content tools like a ring light, tripod stand, and microphone — not more than Ksh.3,000 ($23).

There are two main reasons for creating content:

1. To build a brand around my farm.
The content would serve as my marketing and branding engine.

2. To create a potential income stream.
In time, monetizing these platforms could bring in more money to grow the farm further.

At that point, I’d have two things running – a real farm and a growing online brand.

That’s the foundation of a long-term business.

Now The Secret To Make My Whole Plan To Work

Step 5 : Partner With Another Beneficiary

Now, remember that the cost of starting the 50-bird farm is Ksh.91,000, but the grant is only Ksh.50,000.

Here’s the secret to make it work.

I would partner with another NYOTA Program beneficiary. Together, we would combine our grants for a total of Ksh.100,000.

The NYOTA Program includes a training period before the funding phase. I’d use that time to identify a serious, like-minded partner — preferably someone from my area, maybe a friend, or someone who shares my farming vision.

Finding the right partner isn’t always easy, but it’s the smartest way to make this plan possible. And I would treat it like my life depended on it.

That’s my blueprint for how I would use the NYOTA Program grant to build a sustainable and profitable business.

You don’t need millions to start. With focus, learning, and creativity, you can turn Ksh.50,000 into something that grows year after year.

If you’ve received the NYOTA grant, congratulations again. Use it wisely, and build something that will last beyond five years.

💡 If you want to start your own layer poultry business..

Get my Free Guide: 6 Steps to Start a Profitable Layers Poultry Farm here👇🏿

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And I’d love to hear your thoughts — what would you do with your Ksh.50,000 NYOTA grant?

Let me know in the comments.

See you next Friday!

carlosdeche4040@gmail.com

secretlayerske@gmail.com
October 24, 2025
How To Prepare For Day Old Chicks Arrival

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 clean water. 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.

See you next Friday!

carlosdeche4040@gmail.com

secretlayerske@gmail.com

October 3, 2025