Mahmoud Shaban never envisioned succeeding in poultry farming until in 2017 when he partnered with a local chicken farmer, initially engaging in commission-based sales aimed at high-end hotel clientele.
The career gradually grew to become a thriving venture focusing on free-range poultry, including chickens, ducks, and pigeons.
Recognizing the high demand for free-range chicken meat, Mahmoud embraced farming as his career.
His initial success with ducks spurred further exploration into pigeon farming, thanks to support from his mentor.
Mahmoud started with two fresh pairs of pigeons, which rapidly expanded to a group of 120 birds.
The appeal of his pigeons attracted local attention, gaining recognition for their health benefits, with some community members noting that pigeon eggs are believed to help treat pneumonia in infants.
Brian: 26-year-old UoN graduate with 1,200 chickens, producing 2,800 chicks per week
He sells the birds mostly to wealthy individuals who buy at a high of Sh4,000 per pair. The domestic pigeons are known for their monogamous relationships and commitment to parenting.
The birds are raised together as pairs of males and females. A pair of male and female pigeons stay together for their whole life.
The venture is considered profitable, but success in pigeon farming starts with selecting birds with strong genetics and excellent immune systems.
Whether breeding for meat or racing, healthy stock ensures better results and higher profits. Breeders are encouraged to prioritize pigeons with good temperament, strong homing instincts, and resistance to diseases.
The birds primarily consume grains and seeds such as corn, sorghum, soybeans, rice or legume seeds. As the chicks grow, they should be allowed to eat freely so as to grow fast and get sold quickly.
Additionally, Pigeons like to take a bath, so they must have their own bathing containers with about 7.5 cm deep water. They bathe 2 or 3 times a week in the morning if the weather is good.
Bathing often protects them from pests and diseases, but it is advisable to consult a veterinarian.
Farmers are further advised to remove 25 percent of old birds and replace them with newly born ones to keep their propagation active.
Half of this number should be taken care of until age 5-6 weeks. A progressive mother pigeon can produce 10 chicks a year.
