Joyce Kiara, a versatile farmer from Nakuru County, Kenya, has found success in the growing demand for ornamental birds, leading her to establish Charis Farm, situated along Kinangop Road near Naivasha town. At Charis Farm, a range of agribusiness activities, including dairy goat farming, fish farming, mushroom farming, and ornamental bird rearing, thrive under her skillful management.
In an interview, Kiara shared her farming journey, which initially revolved around goat farming. However, her passion for agriculture and a desire for a unique venture led her to explore ornamental birds after realizing that the regular chicken farming market was saturated. Her introduction to ornamental birds came through online research on Google, which proved to be a turning point for her farm’s profitability.
Being one of the pioneers of ornamental bird rearing in Kenya, Charis Farm is now home to various species of birds, including peacocks, Brahma, Guineafowl, Pheasant, Silkie, Bantam, and Brown Turkey, among others.
Kiara obtained her first flock from a farmer in Mombasa and quickly recognized the advantages of ornamental bird rearing. These birds have a short maturity period comparable to chickens, but their profitability surpasses that of traditional poultry. For instance, peacocks are the highest-selling birds on her farm, with a mature pair fetching up to Sh320,000, a considerable contrast to the Sh1,500 earned from selling a single chicken.
The economics of ornamental bird rearing further favor Kiara’s farm. Turkeys, which she rears for six months, yield 5-6kgs, and selling a couple of them brings in about Sh8,000. Comparatively, raising chickens for the same duration only amounts to Sh1,000 or even Sh800. Similarly, a single Guineafowl, maturing in six months like regular chickens, sells for Sh10,000, and its ability to lay an egg daily for three months during the season translates to 90 eggs, each selling at Sh250, far higher than the Sh15 from a chicken egg.
Apart from being economically advantageous, ornamental birds also require less feed than chickens and exhibit some resistance to diseases. However, Kiara highlights that obtaining a permit from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) is a prerequisite for engaging in ornamental bird rearing. She pays Sh4,500 annually for her birds’ permits, although some permits can be acquired for as low as Sh1,500. KWS officials provide guidance on suitable caging methods to prevent crossbreeding and mortality, as different ornamental bird species vary significantly in size.
To succeed in ornamental bird farming, Kiara advises aspiring farmers to conduct thorough research on the specific birds they wish to rear and the appropriate feeds they require. Adequate capital is also crucial for the successful management of the birds.
Kiara’s dedication and expertise in ornamental bird rearing have earned her well-deserved recognition, with her farm receiving accolades at the 2022 Nakuru Agricultural Society of Kenya Trade Fair for its outstanding performance.
