Quail farming is becoming a profitable agribusiness venture in Kenya. The venture is low-cost, requiring minimal capital, space, and labor. It involves raising quails primarily for eggs and meat production. Below are important details on how to successfully start and run a quail farm in Kenya.
Licensing
Before venturing into quail farming, you need to acquire a license from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) since quails are considered wild birds. The application process takes about two weeks, and KWS officials will visit your farm to ensure it meets the necessary qualifications. The license is valid for one year and is renewable for a fee of Kshs 2,000 annually.
Benefits of Quail Farming
- Fast Maturity: Quails mature faster than most poultry birds, reaching maturity in 5 to 6 weeks.
- Low Capital and Space Requirements: Quails require minimal capital investment, space, and labor to raise.
- High Egg Production: Quails are known for their high egg-laying capability compared to other domesticated poultry birds.
- Health Benefits: Quail meat and eggs are nutritious, containing low cholesterol levels. They are highly valued for their health benefits.
- Climate Adaptability: Quails can be raised in any climate, making them suitable for diverse regions in Kenya.
Breeds of Quails in Kenya
- Bob White: Raised primarily for meat production.
- White Breasted: Raised for meat production.
- British Range: Known for high egg-laying capabilities.
- English White: Excellent egg layers.
- Manchurian Golden: Known for laying eggs.
- Tuxedo: Popular for egg production.
Housing for Quails
Quails are best raised in cages, with a recommended cage size of 4×2.5×1 square feet to accommodate up to 50 quails. Plastic cages are preferred as they are easy to clean and maintain. Proper lighting and ventilation are crucial for the well-being of the quails.
Feeding
To maximize egg and meat production, quails should be fed a well-balanced diet rich in protein. Suitable feeds include:
- Rice bran
- Maize
- Sorghum
- Sunflower cake
- Fishmeal
- Soybean meal
- Groundnut cakes
Market for Quails in Kenya
There is a high demand for quail meat and eggs due to their nutritional benefits. Quail eggs and meat are marketed to various sectors:
- Local markets
- Supermarkets
- Hotels and restaurants
Market Prices:
- Quail chicks typically cost between Kshs 300-600.
- Quail eggs are sold for Kshs 50-100 per tray.
Quail farming presents a lucrative opportunity for farmers seeking to venture into poultry farming with low initial capital investment, and it has a ready market for both meat and eggs in Kenya.
