In the heart of Kilifi, Kenya, Sheikh Commercial Poultry Farm stands as a shining example of entrepreneurial success in the field of chicken farming.
Owned and operated by businessman Najma Ahmed Jabri, this poultry farm has achieved remarkable feats in just two short years of operation.
What makes their story truly inspiring is their journey from humble beginnings to becoming one of the most profitable and productive chicken farms in the region.
The farm’s journey began with a modest investment of Sh. 97,500, using which they purchased 1,500 day-old chicks at Sh. 65 each.
Little did they know that this initial investment would lay the foundation for an impressive operation that now produces over 20,000 chickens every month.
Key to their success is their meticulous attention to detail in every aspect of poultry farming. The infrastructure at Sheikh Commercial Poultry Farm is designed to provide optimal conditions for the birds.
“The poultry house is a stone-walled structure with a concrete floor and is divided into various sections
using wood and wire mesh to keep the birds according to their ages,” says a report that appeared in
the Daily Nation on the farm
Hygiene is a top priority on the farm, and a dedicated team of 20 workers ensures that the chicken houses are always clean and regularly disinfected.
Cleanliness is essential for the health and well-being of the birds, and it’s a testament to the farm’s commitment to maintaining high standards.
The farm’s manager emphasizes the importance of spacious and well-ventilated housing.
Adequate airflow and ventilation are crucial for the chickens’ growth and overall health. To maintain hygiene on the farm, the floors of the chicken houses are covered with wood shavings, creating a clean and comfortable environment for the birds.
Innovation also plays a role in their success, as they’ve introduced raised beds and automatic drinkers fed from a 5,000-liter tank to address a shortage of wood shavings.
Their dedication to providing the best possible environment for their chickens extends to the care and treatment of the birds.
The farm sources its broiler chicks from reputable suppliers in Nairobi and Isinya. Upon arrival, the chicks are placed in a brooder heated to an ideal temperature of 33 to 35°C.
Adequate access to feed and water is ensured, and the newly arrived chicks receive anti-stress multivitamins to help them recover from the stresses of transportation.
Vaccinations are administered at specific intervals to protect the birds from diseases. While antibiotics are not used once the initial vaccination period is over, the farm employs targeted medications such as Aliseryl, Limoxin, and Anticox when needed.
The farm’s dedication to quality extends to their feed management.
A broiler typically consumes different types of feed, starting with starter mash, followed by grower’s mash, and finisher feed to reach an ideal market weight of approximately 1.5 kg.
Upon reaching maturity, the chickens are sold to hotels in Mombasa and Kilifi, priced according to their weight. Each carcass, weighing between 1.5 kg and 2 kg, fetches prices ranging from Sh. 495 to Sh. 660.
