Secret Layers

Tag: Layers poultry farming guide

  • Receiving Day Old Chicks – Step By Step Guide

    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, first count 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

    Day old chicks starting their brooding phase.They have everything they need - light,heat for temperature,feed and water.
    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.

    As you get started, I also encourage you to think ahead: how will you add value to your eggs? Check my 6 proven ways to add value to your eggs post.

    Register now for free for the Layer Chicken Digest to get more practical tips and updates via email.

    Name

    See you next Friday!

    carlosdeche4040@gmail.com

    secretlayerske@gmail.com

  • THE ROSEMARY-FED CHICKEN

    Out Of The Cell

    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.

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    carlosdeche4040@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

  • THE 9 LAYERS OF THE COLD GROUND

    💪🏿I’ll Be A Millionaire From Eggs

    “I’m going to be rich.
    I’m going to make a lot of money.
    I’m going to be a millionaire.

    I’ll be selling my eggs every day — money in my hands each morning.
    Which job pays you every day? None.”

    🛌🏿Dreaming In Numbers

    Niss lay on her bed, half-asleep, half-awake. Her daughter had already left for school; Niss let herself rest for a few more minutes — just a little longer😅

    “Let me do some quick math,” she whispered to the ceiling.

    If I start with 1,000 birds, that’s 1,000 eggs a day once they start laying.
    At Ksh.20 per egg — that’s Ksh.20,000 a day.

    Her mouth went dry. Ksh.20,000?😱
    Times thirty. Ksh.600,000 a month.

    🤓Wait Till Mama B Hears

    She imagined Mama B’s face. She imagined the neighbours whispering — jealous, saying she had “jinis.” She smiled. She didn’t mind.

    The city rose before her like a promise: a better house, quieter mornings, no more wrangles with neighbours. She pictured herself checking the village once in a while but living somewhere with pavements and light.

    ⚠️The Stomach Knot Nobody Talks About

    Then the stomach-knots arrived — the same small panic she had felt before. Her heart skipped in a way she could almost taste it at the back of her throat.

    If layer poultry farming brings Ksh.600,000 a month, why isn’t everyone doing it?
    Is it that they don’t know? Or that they don’t have the money?

    📱One Google Search That Changed Everything

    She grabbed her phone and typed: Is layer poultry farming profitable?

    The results? -“You must be offline.” 😂She bought data. And the results returned.

    At the top: Layers vs Broilers: Why you should choose layers over broilers.
    It was from Secret Layers. She tapped the link and read the six reasons.

    💥When The Dream Cracks Wide Open


    One by one her assumptions fell away. Yes — steady cash flow. But something else hung on the page like a warning: raising layers is hard.

    Her chest tightened. The urge she usually felt when she was nervous pushed low in her belly. Layers can be profitable, yes — but the money doesn’t come easy. Her quick math had been a fantasy.

    📃The Cold Hard Truth On The Ground

    The 9 layers of cold ground.What you think you know about something is wrong until you do it.And on the ground,it's cold.
    Things on the ground are not what you think you know. The truth is cold. Real cold.

    This is what she realized:

    1. Having layers doesn’t guarantee daily sales. Marketing and selling takes time.


    2. Starting with 1,000 birds is far too risky for a beginner.


    3. Buying 1,000 chicks doesn’t mean 1,000 will reach laying age — she didn’t factor in mortality.


    4. Even healthy flocks don’t produce 100% — with good management, 80% is realistic.


    5. Ksh.20 per egg is retail. Bulk buyers pay less.


    6. You’ll likely sell in trays, not single eggs — and volume changes price.


    7. Ksh.20,000 per day is gross revenue — not net profit. Not even close.


    8. She hadn’t added expenses: daily feed, monthly labour, utilities, even a salary for herself.


    9. Nobody will care if she makes it. She has to do it for herself and for her children.

    There they are, the 9 things Niss had forgotten and she was reminded how things are different on the ground.

    🤐Nobody Cares

    Her neighbours were busy with their own lives; they weren’t waiting to cheer her on. The truth was sharp and lonely.

    🥚The Brown Image Of Hope

    As she scrolled away from the post, a brown image caught her eye — eggs and layer birds, simple and promising. It said: Register for free to get the guide.

    She registered. Then she opened her email.

    There it was:
    ✅ A beginner’s guide
    ✅ A printable purpose planner

    🔑From Fantasy To Plan

    She quickly read through the guides and oh boy! She was glad she did.

    She sat back and let the truth land in her skull. For the first time the fantasy and the work separated. The math stopped being a dream and began to look like a plan — one that required learning, humility and time.

    🚨Don’t Be Like Niss

    “I can’t believe I was just fantasizing about money without knowing anything about keeping layers,” she whispered. “Never again.”

    What’s in your head is very different from the work on the ground. Don’t be a spectator. Be the person in the arena.

    If you’ve ever pictured quick riches from birds and a single, neat calculation — stop. Learn the real steps first.



    👉 Register for free now and start the work with truth, not a fantasy.

    You’ll get our regular Layer Chicken Digest tips via email.

  • 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”

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    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

  • 7 QUALITIES OF A SUCCESSFUL LAYER CHICKEN FARMER

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

    Remember the quail farming craze of 2010?

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

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

    But what was the real problem?

    Were quails themselves a bad idea?

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

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

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

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

    1.DESIRE

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

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

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

    Look around you.

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

    2.RESILIENCE

    Resilience is the ability to recover quickly from difficulties.

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

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

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

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

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

    3.SPIRITUALITY


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

    Mission:

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

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

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

    Faith:

    Faith is believing in things you cannot yet see.

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

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

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

    4.TEAMWORK

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

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

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

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

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

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

    5.ACCOUNTABILITY


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

    It’s different from responsibility.

    Responsibility means admitting you made a mistake.

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

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

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

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

    6.RESOURCEFUL

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

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

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

    Resourcefulness often awakens your creativity.

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

    7.READER

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

    And that’s an essential quality.

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

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

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

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

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

    Here are other reliable sources:

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

    And if you haven’t already:

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

    ✅Beginners’ guide

    ✅ Printable Purpose Planner

    ✅Regular Layer Chicken Digest Tips

    Name

    See you next Friday!

    Carlos Deche

    carlosdeche4040@gmail.com

    secretlayerke@gmail.com

    secretlayers.co.ke

  • STEP BY STEP GUIDE TO STARTING A LAYER POULTRY FARM

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

    Listen to this..

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

    (Layers chicken in a farm)

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

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

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

    Don’t be that person!

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

    Let’s get started…

    STEP 1 : JOIN SECRET LAYERS

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

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


    Think of it this way:

    Would you go mountain climbing without a guide?

    No?

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

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

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


    Secret Layers exists to give you:

    Simple and practical information that helps you avoid failure.

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

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

    Ask yourself:

    How will you raise your chickens right?

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

    Who will motivate you when you feel like quitting?

    How will you even know the best breeds?

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

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

    So join us.

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


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

    “PURPOSE PLANNER”

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

    STEP 2 : CREATE A PLAN

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Ask yourself:

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

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

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

    Here’s a simple plan you can start with:

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

    How many birds are you going to start with?

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

    🥚 Product
    Are you going to sell eggs only?

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

    ⚙️ Systems
    How will the farm run daily?

    Will you hire?

    If so, how will you train and manage them?

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


    📢 Communication
    Who will buy your eggs?

    Marketing – How will your buyers find you?

    Sales – How will you sell your eggs?

    What’s your customer service plan?

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

    How will you survive while waiting to be paid?

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

    STEP 3 : GET YOUR MONEY

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

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

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

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

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

    Start with what you can manage. Learn. Grow.

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

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

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

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

    STEP 4 : GET YOUR MARKET


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

    Let me tell you a true story..


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

    Don’t be that farmer.

    Talk to potential buyers before you start.

    Neighbours
    Schools
    Shops
    Hotels
    Bakeries

    Ask them:

    How much they buy eggs for?

    How often they buy?

    How and when they pay?

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

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

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

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

    STEP 5: GET A GUIDE

    You’re doing great.

    You’ve joined Secret Layers.

    You’ve created your plan.

    You’ve secured your money.

    You’ve found a market..

    Now get yourself a guide.

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

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

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

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

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

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


    Why does this matter?

    Because farm problems don’t wait.

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


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

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

    STEP 6 : START

    You’ve done it all.

    It’s time.

    Start.

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

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

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

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

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

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

    You’ve waited long enough.

    Don’t delay your dreams any longer.



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Carlos Deche

    secretlayerske@gmail.com

    carlosdeche4040@gmail.co.ke

    secretlayers.co.ke

  • THE STORY OF THE THREE BRICKLAYERS – FINDING PURPOSE ON YOUR LAYER CHICKEN

    (St.Paul’s Cathedral,London)

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

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

    ‎“What are you doing?”

    ‎He replied,

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

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

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

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

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

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

    He was the most productive of the three.

    What has this got to do with Layers Farming?

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

    Look beyond the daily chores.


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

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

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


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

    Your dreams.

    ‎This is what our Mission reads..

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

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

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

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

    3 Why Exercise – Discovering My WhyDownload

    Ready to apply these lessons?

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

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

    Free beginners guide to starting a profitable layer poultry farm. Step by step guide.
    Join Secret Layers Success Circle

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

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

    See you next Friday!

    carlosdeche4040@gmail.com

    secretlayerske@gmail.com

    ‎

    ‎


    ‎

  • HOW TO START A LAYER POULTRY FARM:5 THINGS EVERY FARMER MUST KNOW

    Did you know that nearly 80% of small layer chicken farms fail within the first two years?

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

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

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

    That moment you question everything

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

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

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

    Let’s start..

    1. Know Your Why

    Before sinking time and money into chicks, ask yourself:

    Why do you want to start keeping layers?

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

    What deeper purpose drives you?

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

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

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

    A good technique is the “3 Whys” Exercise:

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

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

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

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

    Memorize it.Refer to it.Live by it.

    Discover your why by doing the 3 Why Exercise.

    Download The 3 Why Exercise

    Secret Layers – Discovering my WhyDownload

    2.Believe You Can Be Wealthy From Layers Chicken Farming

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

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

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

    It all starts in the mind.

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

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

    The rest follows.

    3.Know How To Raise The Birds

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

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

    You must know how to manage your layers farm.

    These are the essential areas to learn:

    • Breed selection
    • Housing (Ventilation,space,security)
    • Health and disease control (Biosecurity, vaccination,isolation)
    • Feeding(Feed formulation)
    • Layer cycle management(Production period)
    • Maximizing egg production
    • Waste management

    Even if you hire staff, these areas are your farm’s backbone.

    You must lead with confidence.

    4.Treat Your Layer Farm Like A Business

    A layer farm is a business first—farm second.

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

    You need to understand:

    Marketing and sales strategies (finding buyers, contracts)

    Cash flow—tracking income and expenses

    Negotiating deals and setting prices

    Legal and licensing requirements

    Identifying markets (hotels, schools, institutions)

    Market trends: egg prices vary with seasons and holidays

    Record keeping: production logs, health records, expenses

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

    Ignore the business side at your risk!

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

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

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

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

    5.Tap Into Value Addition Of Eggs

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

    That’s value addition.

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

    Basic eggs fetch low prices and face seasonal demand swings.

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

    Liquid eggs – pasteurized, sold to bakeries or hotels.

    Egg powder – shelf-stable for remote markets.

    Egg crisps/snacks – popular packaged treats.

    Home baking or packaged egg meals

    Organic/free-range eggs – higher market price.

    By-products – egg shells.

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

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

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

    This isn’t just theoretical.

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

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

    https://youtu.be/noJ4FU39-u8?si=_c567QQvAgNYCId_‎‎

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

    Great!

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

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

    1.A purpose that fuels you everyday.

    Do the 3 Why exercise.Write it down.

    2.A strong belief in yourself and your future farm

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

    Read.Find a guide.

    4.A well structured business foundation that drives profit.

    Subscribe to Secret Layers to get all this information.

    5.Smart value addition strategies that maximize every egg

    Pick one.Learn the process.Start small.

    What you should do next;

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

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

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

    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”

    Free beginners guide to starting a profitable layer poultry farm. Step by step guide.
    Join Secret Layers Success Circle

    See you next Friday!

    carlosdeche4040@gmail.com

    secretlayerske@gmail.com