Ornamental bird farming is gaining momentum in the country.
Amid rising unemployment, many Kenyans are turning to farming to earn a living.
In Kisii County, a 30-year-old youth is making ends meet through a venture he started a few years ago in ornamental bird rearing.
After struggling for years to find a job as a health practitioner, George Eshiwan Bota settled on this venture, which not only caters for his daily needs but has also given him a sense of stability.
Seeds of Gold visited Eshiwan at his home in Kiogoro, Nyaribari Chache Constituency, to learn more about the venture he started seven years ago.
Eshiwan is a trained health practitioner but has not secured a job. He is currently engaged in breeding and rearing ornamental birds.
“I started breeding ornamental birds in 2019 after visiting a friend in Kisumu. He told me the venture was attractive and could earn me income. Without hesitation, I returned home and began immediately,” he says.
Ornamental bird farmer George Eshiwan Bota with some of his birds.
Photo credit: Wycliffe Nyaberi | Nation Media Group
On his farm, Eshiwan keeps two main categories of ornamental birds: those resembling chickens and those resembling pigeons.
In the chicken category, he has five breeds, including Brahma, Silkie bantams, Polish bantams, Swedish Flower and Giant chicken.
He also keeps six pigeon varieties: Indian Fantail, Pomeranian Pouter, Shungi Flair, Capuchin, Speckled pigeon and local pigeon. In addition, he rears guinea fowls and ducks.
Eshiwan says it was not easy to establish the more than 200 ornamental birds he currently keeps on his farm.
“It was not easy to get breeding chicks at first because no one in my village was engaged in this type of enterprise. I bought some birds from a friend in Kisumu and sourced others from breeders I met through social media,” he explains.
“I had to do my homework well. With globalisation, I was able to find suppliers and gradually build my stock,” he adds.
According to Eshiwan, ornamental bird farming is a profitable venture.
He notes that ornamental birds consume less feed than regular chickens, yet their eggs and the birds themselves fetch higher returns.
A day-old chick sells for Sh1,000, while a pair of pigeons can fetch up to Sh40,000. In a good month, he says, he earns more than Sh50,000.
Ornamental bird farmer George Eshiwan Bota with some of his birds.
Photo credit: Wycliffe Nyaberi | Nation Media Group
Ornamental chickens have soft feathers similar to those of rabbits, covering their bodies and feet. They are distinguished by their origins, according to the farmer.
“Brahma chickens, for instance, have feathers on their feet and originated from the United States. Mature roosters can weigh up to 10 kilogrammes, while hens can weigh up to seven kilogrammes,” he says.
Eshiwan is particularly proud of pigeon farming, which he describes as an untapped market with significant potential.
He says demand is high, especially during weddings, where white-feathered pigeons are popular with brides.
“Pigeons are a major investment on my farm. Many clients, especially couples planning weddings, buy them in pairs. I sell a pair for Sh50,000,” he explains.
He adds that pigeons are also used during peace ceremonies, particularly in the political arena, where they symbolise peace.
Ornamental bird farmer George Eshiwan Bota with some of his birds at his home in Kiogoro, Nyaribari Chache Constituency, Kisii County. After years of struggling to find a job, he turned to the venture, which now meets his daily needs and offers stability.
Photo credit: Wycliffe Nyaberi | Nation Media Group
Eshiwan encourages young people who have not secured jobs after graduating to consider farming and animal rearing.
“There is money in farming and animal keeping. I urge young people not to be too choosy about work. I am also willing to train anyone interested in this venture at no cost,” he says.
In the next five years, Eshiwan hopes to transform his farm into a research and training hub for ornamental birds.
He acknowledges that this will require significant resources but remains confident that, with support from the government or donors, he will achieve his goal.
