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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
The Village Witch And The Farmer
A Quiet Night Turns Strange

Niss had just sold off her first batch of ex-layers.
It had been a successful run — her birds maintained an impressive 80% laying rate the entire period. For a first-time farmer, that was nothing short of amazing.

Now, she was taking a one-month break before bringing in her next batch. The chicken house needed time to dry after disinfection — an essential step to prevent disease transmission to new chicks.

But that also meant no income for a whole month.

She didn’t have enough savings to build another chicken house.
And for a moment, she wondered, What will I do now?

Voices In The Dark

That night, around midnight, Niss was woken by faint voices outside her house.
A woman’s voice.
It sounded like she was talking to herself.

“Is that the village witch?” Niss thought, half terrified.

She sprang out of bed and crept toward the door.
As she reached the hallway, the voices grew louder — but now there were two people.

Her heart pounded hard, pumping litres of blood to her legs, ready to sprint for her still-short dear life.

Then it hit her.
Wait. That’s coming from my daughters’ room.

She froze. Are they—? She didn’t want to finish that thought.

Listening closer, she realized the voices were indeed her two daughters.

When she asked why they were awake at midnight, their answer confused her even more. Something about a “masterclass” and “techniques” and “digital something.”

Niss didn’t get it — not that night. She went back to bed, uneasy but curious.

The Morning Revelation

By morning, after another round of questioning, she finally understood:
Her daughters had been attending an online masterclass on professional knitting.

That surprised her — but it also sparked a thought.
What if I did the same?

What if she taught others what she already knew so well — layer poultry farming?

She had seen people online making money teaching what they knew. Some even lived lavishly — nice cars, big houses, flashy lifestyles.

Before she could dream too far, her daughters interrupted her thoughts.

> “Mama, stop there,” they said.
“That internet life is a lie. But you can make money from YouTube — not to buy a sports car, but enough to cover slow months like this.”

That was all Niss needed to hear.

“Then show me how,” she said eagerly. “I want to start right now!”

Her daughters laughed.

> “Chill, Mama. Take it slow. Remember how you prepared before starting your layer farm? That’s what you need to do for this too.”

They were right.

Before she started her poultry business, Niss had done months of research — visiting farms, asking questions, taking notes. Skipping that process now would be against her own rules.

She had to learn again — this time, about content creation and online education.

The Turning Point

That morning, Niss made up her mind.
She would teach poultry farming online, just like she raised her chicks — step by step, carefully, consistently.

She would share her knowledge through videos, blog posts, and stories that help other farmers grow.

Maybe it would work. Maybe it wouldn’t.
But she was determined to earn that extra income — while teaching others the craft she loved.

Why Don’t You Try It?

If you’re a farmer, you probably have mountains of knowledge and experience others would love to learn from.

And sometimes, there are slow months — when you’re between flocks, waiting for the next batch, or the market is just quiet.

That’s when creating content can become your second source of income.
You teach, you inspire, and you make a little extra money — all while building your farm into a loveable, trusted brand.

So why not try it yourself?
Start small. Start real.
And remember, every great farm — and every great brand — starts with a single story.

Get a Free copy of my Beginner Layer Poultry Farming Guide here.

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October 22, 2025
The True Cost Of Starting A Layer Poultry Farm (2025)
You’ve decided it’s layers you want to keep on your farm, and you’re asking yourself: how much will it cost to start?
Or maybe you haven’t decided yet. Check the reason why I chose layers here — it will help you decide👇🏿

6 Reasons Why I Chose Broilers And Why You Should Too

You want to know how much you’ll need to start your farm.
You want to plan, budget, or save for it.
And you don’t want to be caught off guard by unforeseen costs or run out of money halfway through your project.

You’re also tired of seeing so many different startup costs on the internet.
Well, this is the realest startup cost estimate you’ll ever see.
This guide is for you.

Before We Start – 3 Things To Keep In Mind

1. No figure you see on the internet is exactly what you’ll need.
Don’t be happy if you find it’s little, and don’t be sad if it seems too much.

2. There are many assumptions to be made and considered.

3. It all depends on what you want and how you want it.

When you’re calculating the cost of starting a layer poultry farm, always remember these points. Every farm is unique.

Key Assumptions Used In This Guide

✅I used a standard price of Ksh. 4,000 for a 50 kg bag of feeds (starter, grower, and layers mash).
Feed prices vary by type and location in Kenya.

✅A price of Ksh. 150 per layer chick has been used (2025 prices).

✅Under feeds, you’ll need to prepare for starter, grower, and one month of layer mash in your startup costs.
That covers about six months before you sell your first egg.

✅No construction cost is included in these startup costs.
This is because building materials and labor prices vary widely from place to place.

✅Labour costs are also excluded since they differ depending on whether you hire help or work on your own.
Remember, even if you do all the work yourself, don’t forget to pay yourself a salary.

I calculated the startup costs for 50 birds based on poll results from the Secret Layers ;

Facebook and X pages.

Detailed Breakdown Of Startup Costs For 50 Layers

1. Chicks

60 × Ksh. 150 = Ksh. 9,000
I used 60 chicks to cover possible mortality — some chicks will die.

Tip: Don’t forget transport costs from the distributor or hatchery to your farm. Many farmers do.
I’ve included that under miscellaneous below.

2. Equipment

Estimated at Ksh. 10,000.
I used the equipment list from this 28 equipments post and realistic prices for what’s really needed when starting small.

3. Feed Costs

When planning the budget for layer farming, feed is your biggest expense.
Below is the estimate based on average poultry feed prices in Kenya in 2025.

Starter Mash

2.5 kg per bird in the first 8 weeks

50 birds × 2.5 kg = 125 kg

Since one 50 kg bag costs Ksh. 4,000:
125 kg × 4,000 ÷ 50 = Ksh. 10,000

Grower Mash

9 kg per bird for 11 weeks

50 birds × 9 kg = 450 kg

450 kg × 4,000 ÷ 50 = Ksh. 36,000

Layer Mash

3 kg per bird for 1 month before you start selling eggs

50 birds × 3 kg = 150 kg

150 kg × 4,000 ÷ 50 = Ksh. 12,000

Total feed cost:
10,000 + 36,000 + 12,000 = Ksh. 58,000

4. Medicines, Vaccines, and Supplements

Estimated at Ksh. 6,000 from start to selling of the batch.

5. Miscellaneous

Estimated at Ksh. 8,700 (about 15% of feed costs)
This covers day-to-day expenses, transport, and unexpected costs.
Always include a buffer in your layer chicken startup costs.

Total Startup Cost

9,000 + 10,000 + 58,000 + 6,000 + 8,700 = Ksh. 91,000

This is the estimated cost of starting a layer poultry farm with 50 birds in Kenya in 2025.

The true startup cost of starting a 50 bird layer poultry farm in Kenya.

Remember

✅ Construction costs (including cages or litter) are not included.

✅ I used 60 chicks to cover mortality.

✅ Transport costs are added under miscellaneous — most farmers forget this.

✅ Feed amounts include spillage and spoilage, which many startup guides ignore.

✅ Feed prices are standardized at Ksh. 4,000 per 50 kg bag, an average figure for 2025.

✅ A miscellaneous cost (15%) has been added for safety — almost everyone forgets this part.

Practical Tips To Lower Your Startup Costs

✅ Buy feeds in bulk (especially starter and grower mash).

✅ Improvise equipment instead of buying everything new.

✅ For housing, repurpose an existing structure or use cheap local materials.

✅ Negotiate prices and avoid building a fancy chicken house just for show.

Keeping your setup simple will significantly lower the cost of starting your farm.

This guide has given you a realistic picture of the cost of starting a layer poultry farm in Kenya.
With around Ksh. 91,000, you can start small with 50 layers, cover all basic costs, and begin your poultry business confidently.

Would you start with 50 birds or more?

Share your thoughts in the comments or tell me how you’re planning your layer poultry farming journey.

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October 17, 2025
The Funeral (Part Two)

If you missed part one read it here before you proceed👇🏿

The Funeral (Part One)

August 4th, 2025 — Monday

“Bye. Have a good day,” Niss said to the pickup driver.

She wiped her forehead. That was too much work for one day. All she wanted now was rest.

Just as she reached for her door, she heard a voice behind her.

“Enye.”

Enye is a Mijikenda word that means The Owners. It’s used as you would say, Hello. Anyone home?

Niss sighed. Who is this now? I just need a break.

“Enye,” she answered back, walking toward the gate.

It was her friend.

After ten long minutes of African-style greetings and laughter, her friend finally asked,
“I saw a pickup. What was it here for?”

What? Niss wondered. You came all the way here just to ask that?

Anyway.

“Those were feeds,” Niss said. “I bought feeds for my birds. They were just delivering them. How are you doing with yours?”

“Oh, me…” Her friend paused and smiled.

“You see, I realized that feeds are the most expensive cost on a layer farm.”

“Yes, that’s true,” Niss said confidently. “I spend crazy amounts of money on feed.”

“And I figured out the best way to cut that cost,” her friend went on, “is to make your own feed.”

She sounded proud.
“So now I’m talking to some farmers and companies — maize, soybeans, sunflower — trying to make deals so I can get the raw materials. That way, I’ll make my own feed. If I cut that cost, I’ll get more profit. These feed companies are exploiting us. I won’t be one of their victims.”

Niss nodded politely.

“Anyway, have a good day,” her friend said, turning toward home.

Niss just stood there. Her mind echoed one word: Why. Why. Why.

The Funeral (2)

October 15th, 2025 – Wednesday

Niss’s phone rang.
It was her friend again.

She picked it up half-heartedly.

“Guess what, Niss! I’ve gotten the contract!”

“What contract?” Niss asked, confused.

“For Ngerenya Secondary School! I talked to the principal. I told him I’m starting a one-thousand-bird layer farm and that I’d like to supply them eggs every week. And he said yes! I’m so happy.”

She went on, voice bubbling with excitement.
“Now I just need two more schools, and all my eggs will have a market once I start producing. I won’t even struggle.”

Niss felt heat rising in her chest. Her hands trembled.
Anger boiled inside her — not hate, but the kind that burns when someone just doesn’t get it.

She took a deep breath and said it.

“Friend.
Number one — the principal lied to you.
Number two — and most important — start your damn farm.

Which eggs will you sell?
Who will you be making the feeds for?
Which chickens did you buy the land for?

START your farm.”

Then she hung up.

It’s heartbreaking seeing your chicks.Whether on day one of arrival or any other time.

Was that the death of a dream?

Was it the end?

Was that the end of their friendship?
Niss didn’t know.
But at least she knew she’d told her friend the truth.

Are you like Niss’s friend?

You keep planning.
You keep talking.
You keep making deals.

But you never start.

If that’s you — start now.

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October 15, 2025
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

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.

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October 10, 2025
The Funeral (Part One)

January 7th, 2025 – Tuesday

Schools had opened for the new year. The laughter, the shouting, the morning rush — all gone. Now, the neighborhood was dead quiet, like the calm after a storm.

“You know, Niss,” her friend said, breaking the silence. “That thing we talked about — keeping layers. We should do it. It’s a good idea.”

“Yeah, absolutely,” Niss replied. “I’ve been preparing. Reading, researching… there’s a ton of information in blogs, articles, even YouTube videos. It looks promising. I think I’m ready to start.”

“Really? Well, good for you.” Her friend smiled. “How many are you planning to start with?”

“I don’t know. I don’t mind starting with a hundred birds. It depends on how much money I can get.”

“A hundred?” Her friend’s eyebrows shot up. Niss suddenly wondered what she’d said wrong.

“How much profit will you even get from that? So small.”

“Here’s my plan,” her friend whispered, leaning forward like she was about to share a secret. “I’m planning to start big — massive profits, you know? I want not less than a thousand birds. I heard an expert say anything less than that is pointless.”

She paused, frowning. “But you know my piece of land — it’s small. If I keep a thousand birds, I’ll have no room left for maize or cassava. So for now, I’m saving. I want to buy a bigger plot. I hear Be Kanze is selling part of his land. That’s what I’m aiming for. When I start, it’ll be big — and fast.”

“What do you think?” she asked.

“I think it’s a dead plan,” Niss said flatly. “Let’s start with what we can for now.”

“Not true. Just wait and see,” her friend replied, folding her arms.

After a few more rounds of back-and-forth, Niss finally walked back home, unsure if she’d made her point — or lost it.

The Funeral

It’s heartbreaking seeing your chicks die. Whether on day one of arrival or any other time. It’s so tough.

April 28th, 2025 – Monday

“Hey, what’s that?” a voice called out behind her.

Niss turned. It was her friend.

“I’m burying two of my chicks. They died overnight,” Niss said quietly.

“Chicks? Dead? What chicks?” her friend asked, puzzled.

“Layer chicks — the ones we talked about. I bought a hundred and fifty. Now they’re a hundred and forty. Ten have died so far. I spoke to the vet, and he said a few deaths are normal. But it shouldn’t be too many.”

“See? I told you. If you’d waited, this wouldn’t be happening. Plus, if you had a thousand birds and lost a hundred, you’d still have nine hundred left. That’s still good money,” her friend said, voice laced with concern.

“Where are you with your plan?” Niss asked.

“Oh, I’ve got the land now,” her friend said proudly. “So I’m saving for the next step — the structure, the chicks, equipment, and feeds. I heard prices have gone up again. Once I’ve saved enough, I’ll hire a contractor and buy my chicks.” She smiled, confident.

“That’s good,” Niss said slowly, “but I think you’re wasting time.”

“No, I’m not. Just wait and see.”

Niss sighed and turned away. Maybe she should wait.

For now.

But she knew that this was the day she had buried her inexperience in brooding. The day of the funeral..

(Part 2 drops next week Friday)

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October 8, 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
The Principal And The Eggs

Niss and the First Egg

“Maaa! Come and see this!”
Her daughter’s voice rang from the chicken house, urgent and excited.

Niss sprang to her feet, heart racing, and nearly flew across the compound. She slipped into her gumboots, tugged on her overalls and gloves, dipped her feet in the disinfectant bath, and stormed inside.

“An egg!” her daughter cried.

For a moment, time froze. Niss’s heart swelled, her smile trembled, and her eyes filled with tears. This was the 19th week—the week she had been waiting for.

“Here’s another one! And another!” her daughter shouted, unaware that her mother’s heart had already burst open, streams of joy gushing out.

It felt like a miracle.

From Joy To Worry

But that was two weeks ago.

Now, Niss stood in her storehouse, staring at 80 trays stacked neatly in rows. By the end of the week, she would cross 100.

Her joy had turned into unease.

Who is going to buy all these eggs?
What if they go bad?
What if they all break right here in the store?
Who buys month-old eggs anyway?

The questions gnawed at her.

Doors Slammed Shut

She tried everything.

Her first stop was the local high school, where she pitched her eggs with hope in her voice. But the headmaster, a not-so-distant neighbor, turned her away.

“We already have a supplier under contract. I can’t change that without the board’s approval,” he said.

Board? What board? Niss thought bitterly. What board would choose rules over supporting a struggling local farmer? Deep inside, she suspected jealousy. Maybe he just wanted to see her fail.

Still, she pushed on.

She carried her eggs to the marketplace, setting them out for buyers. But not a single customer came near. The only tray she sold was to a wealthy-looking man who, she suspected, bought out of pity rather than need.

Her stomach sank. This was not what she signed up for.

She thought of the stories she had read of young millionaire farmers smiling beside heaps of eggs. Where did they sell? To whom? And what magic words did they use? No one had the answer.

One Last Try

That night, she added six more trays to her growing mountain and lay in bed, disappointment pressing down on her. Yet somewhere inside, a stubborn spark flickered. She decided to try one last move.

There was a new private high school in the neighboring village, barely a year old. Maybe, just maybe, they would listen.

The Breakthrough

At dawn, Niss was at the principal’s office, waiting an hour for him to arrive.

When he finally sat down, she took a deep breath and launched into her pitch:

“My eggs are fresh and good. Your students will love them. They’ll grow strong, think sharper, and perform better. And by buying from me, you’ll be supporting a local farmer.”

The Principal And The Eggs

The principal and the eggs.

The principal leaned back, studied her, leaned forward, then nodded.
“Go bring all your eggs right now,” he said. “And make sure you can supply us every week.”

Niss blinked, hardly believing it. Was it her words that convinced him? Or was he simply in urgent need of eggs? It didn’t matter. What mattered was that, at last, her eggs would leave the storeroom.

Bigger Than She Dreamed

That morning, Niss had woken up poor. By 9 a.m., she was holding nearly Ksh. 40,000 and, more importantly, a guaranteed weekly buyer.

Unbelievable.

She whispered to herself:

It’s going to be harder than you think, harder than you plan for. But when the breakthrough comes, the reward will be bigger than anything you can imagine.

She smiled faintly. She had heard those words somewhere before, maybe on Facebook. But now, they weren’t just words. They were her truth.

If you want tips and strategies on how to sell and market your eggs.

And enjoy money just like Niss, register for free for our regular Layer Chicken Digest Tips below.

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Carlos Deche

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October 1, 2025
28 Essential Layer Farm Equipment

They say Abraham Lincoln once remarked, “Give me six hours to chop down a tree, and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.” It’s a powerful reminder that preparation always beats raw effort.

But here’s the truth — before you sharpen, you need an axe in your hands. The same applies to poultry farming. You can buy the best chicks and dream of collecting trays of fresh eggs every morning. Yet without the right layer chicken farming equipment, your farm will struggle before it even begins.

Many beginners rush to buy birds first, only to realize later they don’t have feeders, drinkers, or even a proper house. This mistake wastes money and puts the flock at risk. The right poultry equipment may look simple, but it is the foundation of a profitable layer poultry farm.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through all the essential equipment for layer chicken farming every beginner needs before starting a poultry farm.

Think of this as your starter kit — a farmer-focused guide to help you prepare, avoid costly mistakes, and set your farm up for success.

Just to be clear, this is not the exclusive list. And most important, you don’t need to buy all of these items before you kick off your farm. You can buy some later, and you can improvise to fit your needs. Don’t wait until you have everything. Start with what you can, and build from there.

I. Housing

1. Structure

Your birds need a house with enough space. That’s a no-brainer. Include space for storing feed as well. You want this store to be cool, dry, and secure.

Construct your house with a foot dip at the entrance for biosecurity. Always add disinfectant, not just soapy water. Another thing farmers often forget is perches. Birds need a place to rest and play. Try to give them as natural an environment as possible. All lay and no play makes layers dull girls.

2. Litter

If you plan to use the deep litter system, prepare dry litter about 4 inches thick. Depending on what’s available, you can use sawdust, coffee husks, or rice husks.

3. Cages

If you plan to use cages, have them ready before the birds arrive. This system is easier to manage but more expensive than deep litter.

To decide which is better for you between cages and deep litter read here

4. Windbreaker

On the open wire-mesh sides, cover them to reduce strong winds, dust, or even rain. You can use curtains, polyethylene sheets, shade nets, or even sacks 😂. Remember DR.STARR— he was resourceful.

II. Brooding

Brooding is a temperature-sensitive stage. Without the right poultry farm equipment, chicks will not survive.

5. Heat Source

You’ll need a reliable source of heat. Options include a brooding jiko, charcoal stove, or infrared lamp.

6. Water Source

Never buy chicks without a water source on your farm. Birds will die without clean water. Ensure you have a municipal supply, water tanks, or a plan to buy water when needed.

7. Feeders

Feeders are where birds eat. Commercial ones reduce wastage, which is the highest cost on a farm. Homemade ones are cheaper but often waste more feed.

8. Drinkers

Drinkers hold water. Both chick and adult drinkers are important, though adults can also serve chicks.

A chick chilling next to a drinker.

9. Light Source

Light matters. Layers need about 18 hours of light per day. The sun gives 12 hours, so you must provide the other 6 using electricity or solar bulbs.

10. Plywood

This is the main material for brooders. You’ve seen round areas where chicks are kept — that’s plywood at work. Still, many farmers improvise with cardboards or simple small rooms, and chicks survive just fine.

11. Brooder Paper

Cover litter with brooder paper or newspapers to stop chicks from eating it on day one.

12. Thermometer

Observation helps, but it’s not accurate. A thermometer lets you monitor brooder temperature properly.

III. Growing Stage

When chicks start growing into pullets, you need more chicken farming tools.

13. Weighing Scale

Monitor the birds’ weight to make sure they are not underweight or overweight. This affects laying performance. Weighing also helps detect poor feed intake and sick birds.

14. Beak Trimmers

Layers can become cannibalistic, pecking each other or breaking eggs. Since eggs are money, invest in debeaking equipment. Modern tools make it humane.

15 & 16. Syringes and Needles

Vaccines are a must. Some require injections or wing stabs. Keep syringes and needles ready, and ask your vet for guidance.

IV. Laying Stage

When birds reach laying age, equipment needed for starting a layer farm becomes more essential. It’s the money period.

17. Laying Boxes

Layers need quiet, dark places to lay eggs comfortably.

18. Egg trays

Where will you put your eggs? On trays — simple and safe.

19. Means Of Transport

Transport is optional but useful. Having your own reduces costs when moving eggs, chicks, or supplies.

V. Security

You must protect both your birds and your investment.

20. Sprayer

Disinfect the house before bringing in birds and between batches. A sprayer makes this easy.

21 & 22. Human and Animal Surveillance

Theft is real. Consider guards, CCTV, or dogs for human intruders and cats, fences or traps for animal intruders like rats,wild animals e.t.c

Not everyone will like your success — it’s human nature.

VI. Clothing

Your safety and biosecurity come first.

23, 24, 25 and 26. Protective Clothing

I put these separately because they are crucial to your health and your birds health. Each and everyone of them.

Gloves, gumboots, masks, and overalls are necessary. Keep one set for farm use only, and remove it immediately when leaving. Ignoring this increases disease risk.

VI. Record Keeping

A farm without records is a farm headed for failure.

27. Record Keeping Tools

Record everything — mortality, feed use, bird weights, egg numbers, sales, credits, and finances. Use a notebook or software. At Secret Layers, we don’t have record-keeping tools yet (2025), but we’ll release them soon.

VII. Other Tools

Simple tools make work easier.

28. Farm Tools

A spade, jembe, and wheelbarrow will help you mix feed, change litter, and dispose of manure.

IX. Not Equipment, But Still Important

Some essentials don’t fit into equipment but are crucial.

Feeds: Without quality feed, nothing works.

Workers: You may do it alone or hire extra help.

Glucose and disinfectant: Prepare these before chicks arrive.

Marketing Material : Decide how to sell eggs. Use airtime, internet, and social media.

Chicks:Finally, don’t forget the birds themselves 😂

Read this if your undecided on which chicken breed to buy.

That’s everything you need for your layers poultry farming journey. This complete list of equipment for poultry farming will help you avoid mistakes, save money, and prepare like a professional.

If you think I missed anything important, type it in the comments and I’ll add it.

We need to make sure every farmer is ready before they start.Remember, you don’t need all the layer chicken farming equipment at once. Some items can wait, and you can improvise on others to save costs.

Don’t postpone your dream just because you don’t have gumboots. That’s not what entrepreneurship is.Now go out there, start your farm, and live your dream.

See you next Friday!

carlosdeche4040@gmail.com

secretlayerske@gmail.com

September 26, 2025
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.

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September 24, 2025