Caged bird farming is becoming increasingly popular among poultry farmers due to its high returns and efficient management.
Farmers are discovering that birds kept in cages grow faster, use less feed, and are easier to monitor.
Charles Kijjambu, who rears layers, explains that the cage system allows for better hygiene, improved egg production, and quicker profits.
Imelda Kasi, also a chicken farmer, has seen her fortunes change since she embraced the caged system.
“I started poultry farming with a few layers in cages, and within a short time, I began earning steadily,” she says.
“The birds are easy to manage because they stay in one place. I know how much feed each one is getting, and I can easily spot if one falls sick.”
Imelda explains that this system minimises movement, so the birds gain weight faster and produce more eggs with less feed.
Kenneth Kabagambe, another poultry farmer, says the cage system can avoid common poultry farming problems like theft and disease spread.
“In deep litter systems, birds often step in their waste, leading to infections. But with cages, hygiene is easier to maintain,” he says.
“When it comes to feeding, there is less wastage because the feeders are well-designed to reduce spillage.”
Kabagambe adds that with a small space, a farmer can keep a large number of birds and make good money within a few weeks, especially with broilers that mature quickly.
Peter Kisomose, a chicken feed dealer in Matugga, confirms that farmers using cage systems are among his best clients.
“They know exactly how much feed they need because the system allows for proper monitoring. They come back for more supplies because their birds grow well and they earn fast,” he explains.
Kisomose adds that cages also reduce labour costs, since the system allows for easier cleaning, feeding, and egg collection.
The cage system also fits well in urban settings where land is limited. A small plot can hold hundreds of birds in stacked cages, making it ideal for entrepreneurs looking to maximise returns from poultry in a short time.
