Stephen Mutuku makes a living by breeding rabbits, poultry, and lambs on his three-acre farm in the Iviani region, near Kangundo Road in Machakos County.
The farmer owns more than 300 birds and sells eggs for Ksh 10 each.
He raises indigenous chickens and gets over 50 eggs per day from the laying hens. He raises chickens in coops made of wood and iron sheets.
“Our farm is three acres, but we only use a small portion of it to raise chickens and rabbits,” he said.
Mutuku and his wife, Pauline Ndunge, have collaborated on a variety of farming enterprises. However, he notes that his wife is the primary caregiver for the indigenous hens.
He says that he gives his rabbits a certain variety of hay.
Mutuku takes leaves from various plants to feed his bunnies because the area is rich in grass and vegetation.
He also describes how they make feed for their chickens, allowing them to walk freely about the property in search of more food.
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Mutuku raises several rabbit breeds, including the Californian White, New Zealand White, Chinchilla and Flemish Giant.
“We sell these rabbits for between Sh800 to Sh1,500. The prices depend on their gender, age and weight,” he said.
Furthermore, they sell their chickens at varying costs based on criteria such as gender, age and weight, among others.
The farmer explains that they sell chicks starting at Ksh 100, particularly for buyers who plan to rear them. In addition, adult chickens are available for purchase starting at Ksh 300.
Furthermore, they grow Dorper sheep, who graze on the farm’s grass and other flora.
He says that they sell sheep starting at Ksh 5,000, depending on their age and size.
Mutuku said that in the future, he intends to extend his farming activities, seeking to have more rabbits, chickens, and sheep to enhance his revenue.
He also mentions how they use the manure from their livestock to fertilize various crops on the property.
