In Kilifi county, the Sheikh Commercial Poultry Farm has emerged as a beacon of success in the country’s poultry farming industry.
Owned and managed by the visionary businessman Najma Ahmed Jabri, this farm has achieved remarkable feats in just two short years.
With a humble start of 1,500 day-old chicks purchased at a cost of Ksh 65 each, totalling Ksh 97,500, Sheikh Commercial Poultry Farm now boasts a monthly production of over 20,000 chickens.
The success story of Sheikh Commercial Poultry Farm began with strategic planning and infrastructure development.
The farm’s sprawling compound features spacious poultry houses designed to accommodate thousands of chickens while ensuring optimal airflow and ventilation.
To maintain hygiene and comfort for the birds, the floors of these houses are layered with wood shavings, providing a clean and sanitary environment.
Moreover, the farm has introduced innovative practices such as raised beds and automatic drinkers fed by a 5,000-liter water tank, enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of its operations.
With a dedicated workforce of 20 employees, Sheikh Commercial Poultry Farm places a strong emphasis on cleanliness and hygiene.
The team works tirelessly to ensure that the chicken houses are kept spotless and regularly disinfected before welcoming each new batch of one-day-old chicks.
The farm’s approach to rearing young chicks is characterized by meticulous attention to detail. Upon the arrival of broiler chicks from suppliers in Nairobi and Isinya, the farm prioritizes their well-being.
The brooder environment is carefully maintained at a temperature between 33 to 35°C, ensuring the comfort and health of the young chicks.
To facilitate their growth and development, feeders and drinkers are thoughtfully positioned for easy access, and the chicks are provided with anti-stress multivitamins to alleviate the stress associated with long-distance travel.
The first five days are crucial for the chicks, during which they receive fresh feeds and continuous access to clean water, which is changed regularly, sometimes up to three times a day.
This meticulous care ensures the chicks receive the best start in life.
Sheikh Commercial Poultry Farm takes disease prevention seriously.
The farm employs a comprehensive vaccination regimen, including vaccinations against Newcastle disease on day seven, Gumboro on day 14, and a second Newcastle vaccination on day 21.
Beyond this point, antibiotics such as Aliseryl, Limoxin, and Anticox are administered as needed to combat Gumboro and Newcastle.
To achieve market-ready weights, the farm employs a carefully planned feeding regimen. Broiler chickens typically consume approximately 1kg of starter mash, 1.5kg of grower’s mash, and 1.5kg of finisher feed to reach an optimal market weight of around 1.5kg.
This methodical approach to feeding ensures that the chickens are not only healthy but also well-nourished and ready for the market.
Upon reaching maturity, the chickens find their way to hotels in Mombasa and Kilifi, where they are sold by weight.
Each carcass typically weighs between 1.5kg and 2kg, commanding prices ranging from Sh. 495 to Sh. 660.
This thriving market presence not only fuels the farm’s growth but also contributes significantly to the local economy.
