Many young graduates fresh out of college or university dream of securing a well-paying office job.
However, with a surplus of graduates and a scarcity of positions, this dream often remains out of reach.
In the face of this harsh reality, some daring individuals, like Bevan Tabu, choose the path of self-employment from the very beginning.
Instead of struggling in the crowded job market, they find unique and unconventional ways to make a living.
One such path has led Bevan Tabu to venture into a fascinating poultry territory – rearing exotic birds for commercial purposes.
Tabu, a 29-year-old graduate, resides in Ondiek Estate in Kisumu City.
While others grapple with the challenges of the job hunt, he spends his days tending to hundreds of exotic birds and chickens on his bustling poultry farm.
His journey into exotic bird farming was an unexpected one.
Initially involved in the world of sports gaming, Tabu decided to leave the play station business behind after witnessing the success of another farmer who had chosen exotic bird farming.
“I became interested in this type of farming after seeing another farmer doing it and earning a decent living. I slowly gained interest and after doing my research on the benefits of keeping exotic birds, I decided to give it a try.” Tabu said while speaking in an interview with the Standard.
Intrigued by the potential and lured by the possibility of earning a decent living, Tabu decided to delve into this lesser-known field.
His foray into farming began with improved local breeds of chickens.
However, the high cost of feeds associated with these breeds prompted him to explore alternatives.
“After visiting different farms around Nyanza and in Mombasa, Uganda and Tanzania, I decided to settle on exotic birds. I learnt a lot from those benchmarking trips,” he said.
These beautiful creatures require less space, and their feeding and care are comparatively easier than traditional chickens. They can be fed on chicken feed, making them more cost-effective to raise.
Tabu’s farm is now a captivating mosaic of over 20 different species, each well-cared-for in their own cubicles.
From elegant brahma chickens and Bearded Silkies to vibrant Ayam Cemani chickens and Australian budgies, his farm hosts a stunning array of avian wonders that are a delight to behold.
Apart from their unique aesthetics, Tabu emphasizes that these exotic birds are beloved for their eggs and meat, making them highly sought after in the market.
Moreover, the birds’ manageable size and feeding requirements have endeared them to Tabu, who has found them to be a more profitable venture than traditional chickens.
With a gleam of pride in his eyes, Tabu recounts the success he has achieved through his passion and dedication to his feathered companions.
“In a good month, I get a profit of between Sh30,000 and Sh80,000 from the sale of the birds,” he shares.
The demand for exotic birds in Kenya far surpasses the supply, opening up exciting business opportunities for poultry farmers like Tabu.
However, as with any enterprise, Tabu’s journey has not been without challenges. The unpredictable nature of diseases can strike and affect the birds, leading to losses.
To mitigate such risks, Tabu maintains a stringent routine of vaccinations and multivitamin supplements for the young chicks.
He ensures that by the time they reach a month old, they are strong enough to fend off common diseases like Newcastle and Fowl Pox.
Another obstacle he faces is the ever-increasing price of feeds, which forces farmers to seek alternative sources.
Nevertheless, Tabu’s unwavering passion for his work keeps him driven to overcome these challenges.
In addition to selling his birds through local markets and referrals, Tabu harnesses the power of online platforms to reach a wider customer base.
He credits the quality of his birds, their optimal feeding,
