Quail Farming in Kenya: Best 23 Tips for High Profits

Quail farming in Kenya is becoming popular day by day both in rural and urban areas. Nowadays people are more conscious about the nutritional value of quail eggs and meat.

But the current production is not sufficient for fulfilling the growing demands. So, there is a great potential/business opportunities for the people who want to earn their livings and want to create a new business venture by raising quails.

Commercial quail farming business is really very profitable and requires less capital/investment than raising other poultry birds like chickens or ducks.

Quail farming is also very interesting, pleasuring and entertaining. However, here I am describing the benefits of quail farming in Kenya and the necessary steps for starting quail farming business.

Benefits of Quail Farming in Kenya

Commercial quail farming in Kenya has many benefits. It is a lucrative business. The main benefits of quail farming in Kenya are listed below.

  • Quails are small sized birds. They require less feed, space, care and management compared to other poultry birds like chickens.
  • They become very hardy and adopt themselves with almost all types of climate. They also suffer by diseases less than other birds.
  • In case of commercial production, required investment in quail farming business is comparatively very low.
  • Quails gain maturity faster than other birds. Broiler quails become suitable for marketing within their 5 weeks of age and layers start laying eggs within their six to seven weeks of age.
  • Egg laying capability of quails is also higher. A quail can lay about 280 eggs per year.
  • Quail meat is very nutritious and tasty. It is lower in fat and cholesterol and enriched in protein and energy. Some people says that quail meat and eggs are suitable and easily digestible by the children and patients.
  • A chicken egg is five to six times larger than a quail egg. But the quail egg has more nutritional value than the chicken egg.
  • Quail meat and eggs are very suitable diet for children, patients, pregnant and nursing mothers.
  • Infrastructure and feeding costs are also less in quail farming business. And quails have a great feed to meat or eggs converting efficiency ratio.
  • Quail farming does not require large place or space like chickens or ducks. Even quail cages can be kept on your balconies.
  • They also can be raised with your some other poultry birds or farm animals.
  • Demand of quail products are increasing gradually. So you don’t have to think about marketing your products.
  • As a result of it, commercial quail farming in Kenya can be a great source of employment and income.
  • Women and unemployed educated youth can easily setup quail farming business and earn their livings.
  • Along with the above benefits, there are many more benefits of quail farming in Kenya.

Starting Quail Farming in Kenya

Starting commercial quail farming in Kenya doesn’t require any high-end infrastructure and technical knowledge. It is very easy and simple.

You can start raising quails commercially with your other birds or only quails. For managing a profitable quail farming business in Kenya follow the steps described below.

Get License

Quail is a wild bird. So you have to get license before starting commercial quail farming in Kenya. You can easily get license by ensuring all necessary facilities for your birds.

For raising quails commercially you must have to be licensed by the Kenya Wildlife Services. For getting license it can take approximately two weeks after completing the application process.

You have to build cages according to their suggestion. You can keep a maximum number of 50 birds in a cage measuring 4* 2.5 * 1 square feet. Attach photos of the cages and infrastructures while submitting your request form.

After that KWS will visit your farm and monitor all their requirements for raising quails. And if your design and farming plan can satisfy them then you will get license within next 2 weeks.

You have to renew the license very year and annual fee for maintaining a license costs upto 2,000 shillings. KWS also conducts periodic monitoring and inspections of farms and they will withdraw license if you violate the conditions. Be be very careful and ensure good environment for your birds.

Choose Breeds

There are numerous breeds available throughout the world. But all of those breeds are not suitable for commercial quail farming in Kenya.

Some of those breeds are suitable commercial meat production in Kenya and some others are suitable for commercial eggs production. Bobwhite (American) and White Breasted (Indian) are broiler quail and suitable for commercial meat production.

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British Range, English White, Manchurian Golden, Pharaoh, Tuxedo etc. are some highly egg laying quail breeds. Along with this breeds there are many more quail breeds. You can go with the breeds which are producing well and have huge demand in your local market.

Raising both broilers and layers are very profitable. You can go with one or both type of production. Always buy healthy, diseases free and productive quails from famous quail breeders or farms.

You can get more information about your nearest quail breeders or farms from KWS. After getting information from KWS, contact the farms or breeders and buy fresh chicks or adult quails.

Housing

Good housing plays an important role in quail production. So, ensure all types of necessary facilities for the quails inside their house. You can raise quails in both deep liter and cage systems.

But cage method is much easier and very suitable for commercial production. In litter system you can raise about 4 to 6 birds per square feet. But in cage system you can keep a maximum number of 50 birds in a cage measuring 4* 2.5 * 1 square feet.

In case of commercial egg production make several colonies in the cage and keep 10 to 12 birds per colony. This system is not necessary for broilers. Ensure sufficient flow of fresh air and light inside the house.

You can use wire net in the cages. Plastic cages are most convenient for quail farming than metal or wooden cages. The house must have to be free from all types of predators and wild animals. In a word you have to make a healthy and safe environment for your birds.

Feeding

Don’t start quail farming business until you can provide sufficient amount of nutritious and healthy foods. Feeding well balanced and nutritious food ensures good health and maximum profits from this business.

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So, always try to feed your birds sufficient amount of fresh foods. Quails need more protein enriched foods than other birds. They need about 22 to 24% protein in their food.

On an average an adult quail consume about 20 to 35 grams of food daily. See the feeding chert of quails.

Breeding

On an average broiler quails become mature within their five weeks of age and layers take about six to seven weeks for laying eggs. Layer quails attain about 50% of egg production at their 8th weeks of age.

For successful breeding purpose you can keep 1:5 male and female ratio in your farm. Quail eggs take not more than 18 days to hatch and producing chicks.

A day old quail chick normally weights around 8 to 10 grams. Chicks become very sensitive to light and temperature.

And absence of adequate temperature leads to clustering of young chicks and causes high mortality rate. So be very careful during this period and stay alerted.

Health Care & Management

Diseases are the main constraints of all types of farming business. Quail farming is not exceptional. Diseases are one of the major problems successful quail farming in Kenya.

Although quails are very hardy and they suffer by diseases less than other birds. They are very resistant to infectious diseases than chicken and other poultry birds.

But you have to be prepared all time and take necessary steps if something goes wrong. Always take good care of your birds and provide them good shelter and food.

Add adequate amount of nutrient elements in their regular food. As far as I know, right now there are no medicines and vaccines available for quails in the market.

Only one thing you can do is to take good care of your birds always. If you love birds and take good care of them then they will definitely give their best.

Marketing

Marketing is not a problem for quail farming in Kenya. Because the market demand of quail products is increasing day by day. You can easily sell your products in your nearest local market.

You can also keep good relation with your nearest hotels and restaurants. Because they can be one of your best customers. Before starting commercial quail farming in Kenya, personally I will suggest you to visit as many farms as possible.

Because nothing can exceed the practical knowledge. As the market of quail products are growing, there are great possibilities of earning and creating new employment opportunities. Wish you a very profitable quail farming in Kenya. Cheers!

Tips for Successful Quail Farming in Kenya

Quail farming is a lucrative venture that has gained popularity in Kenya due to its low investment costs, high profitability, and nutritional value of quail products.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced farmer, implementing the right techniques and strategies can ensure a successful quail farming business.

Now we are going to share with you some of the best tips for quail farming in Kenya, covering various aspects of the venture, from setup and management to marketing and profitability.

1. Choose the Right Quail Breed

Selecting the appropriate quail breed is crucial for the success of your farm. In Kenya, popular quail breeds include the Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica), British Range quail, and Tuxedo quail. Consider factors such as growth rate, egg production, and adaptability to local conditions when making your choice.

2. Construct a Suitable Quail House

Build a well-ventilated and secure quail house to protect your birds from predators and extreme weather conditions. Ensure adequate space for each quail, allowing at least one square foot per bird.

3. Provide Optimal Lighting

Maintain a consistent lighting regime to stimulate quail productivity. Provide 14-16 hours of light per day during the laying period using artificial or natural light sources.

4. Implement Proper Feeding

Offer a balanced diet comprising high-quality feed to ensure healthy growth and maximum egg production. A combination of commercial quail feed and locally available sources such as grains, vegetables, and insects can be used.

5. Ensure Clean Water Supply

Clean and fresh water is essential for quail health. Provide drinkers with easy access to water and clean them regularly to prevent contamination.

6. Maintain Hygiene and Sanitation

Regularly clean the quail house to prevent the buildup of dirt, waste, and diseases. Proper sanitation practices, including disinfection and waste management, are crucial for maintaining a healthy quail flock.

7. Monitor Temperature and Humidity

Maintain an optimal temperature range between 18°C and 25°C in the quail house, as quails are sensitive to temperature fluctuations. Install proper ventilation and insulation systems to regulate temperature and humidity.

8. Practice Biosecurity Measures

Implement strict biosecurity measures to prevent the entry and spread of diseases. Limit visitors to the farm, quarantine new birds, and maintain hygiene protocols to safeguard your quail flock.

9. Optimize Breeding Techniques

To ensure a continuous supply of quail chicks, learn and implement effective breeding techniques. Techniques such as natural mating, artificial insemination, and incubation can be used based on your requirements.

10. Implement Record Keeping

Maintain detailed records of your quail farm operations, including breeding, egg production, feed consumption, and expenses. This information will help you analyze performance, identify areas for improvement, and make informed decisions.

11. Implement Vaccination Program

Consult with a veterinarian to develop a suitable vaccination program for your quail flock. Vaccinations can protect your birds against common diseases prevalent in the region.

12. Monitor Egg Production

Regularly collect and record egg production data. This will help you identify the most productive quails and make informed decisions regarding culling and replacement.

13. Develop a Marketing Strategy

Identify potential buyers and establish partnerships with local markets, hotels, restaurants, and supermarkets to market your quail products. Consider packaging and branding options to create a unique selling proposition.

14. Explore Value-Added Products

Apart from selling eggs, consider diversifying your product range by exploring value-added products such as quail meat, quail feathers etc.

15. Implement Quality Control Measures

Maintain strict quality control measures throughout your quail farming process. This includes ensuring the cleanliness and freshness of eggs, proper packaging, and consistent product quality. Meeting or exceeding customer expectations will help build a strong reputation for your farm.

16. Implement Effective Marketing Strategies

Utilize various marketing channels to promote your quail products. Create a website or social media pages to showcase your farm and products. Participate in local agricultural fairs and events to reach a wider audience.

17. Seek Professional Advice

Connect with experienced quail farmers, agricultural extension officers, and industry experts for guidance and advice. Their insights can help you overcome challenges and improve your farming practices.

18. Stay Informed

Keep yourself updated with the latest trends, research, and advancements in the quail farming industry. Attend workshops, seminars, and conferences related to poultry farming to enhance your knowledge and skills.

19. Join Quail Farming Associations

Become a member of quail farming associations or cooperatives in Kenya. These organizations provide a platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and accessing market opportunities.

20. Monitor Market Demand

Regularly assess the market demand for quail products in your area. Stay updated with consumer preferences and adapt your production and marketing strategies accordingly.

21. Diversify Revenue Streams

Consider diversifying your income streams by offering services such as quail farming training, consulting, or selling quail farming equipment and supplies. This can provide additional revenue streams and contribute to the sustainability of your farm.

22. Stay Compliant with Regulations

Ensure that you comply with all relevant regulations and licensing requirements for operating a quail farm in Kenya. This includes adhering to animal welfare standards, food safety regulations, and any other legal obligations.

23. Continuously Improve

Quail farming is an evolving industry, and it’s important to stay proactive and continuously improve your farming practices. Embrace new technologies, explore innovative methods, and adapt to changing market dynamics to stay competitive and maximize your farm’s profitability.

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