This archive report was first published on 17 July 2020.
Located in Mwezang’ombe–Bofa, Kilifi County, a two-acre farm named Davao is a haven for pigeon and dove enthusiasts. The farm, surrounded by a high stone wall, is home to 150 doves and pigeons.
Salim Mbarak, 57, the owner of the farm, is a self-proclaimed pigeon enthusiast who has invested heavily in the birds. He started his poultry business in 2018 with his brother Mbarak Nassib, building four poultry houses and buying a 50-egg incubator and 200 Kenbrow day-old chicks at Sh120 each.
However, the initiative did not go as expected, with most of the birds dying due to high production costs and the unavailability of buyers for fertilized eggs at Sh20 each. Undeterred, Mbarak was introduced to dove and pigeon farming last year and has since found success in the venture.
‘This is a pigeon and dove kingdom,’ Mbarak says with a smile, highlighting the ease of rearing the birds. ‘They are clean, not labour-intensive, and need adequate food and water to thrive.’
The birds are fed mainly maize bran, millet, and sunflower seeds, and can also consume peas, wheat, groundnuts, and insects. Mature doves and pigeons start laying eggs at three months, which hatch after 18 days into squabs that are cared for by both the male and female birds.
At three to four months, the squabs are mature and ready to start a new life cycle as couples. ‘You can sell them or eat them at this stage,’ says George Danda, the farm manager, adding that a pair of doves goes for Sh400 and ornamental pigeons Sh15,000.
Some of the threats to the birds include snakes, mites, and rats, as well as diseases such as diarrhoea, cholera, Newcastle, and tuberculosis. To mitigate these risks, the farm manager calls a veterinary officer to provide proper treatment and vaccinates the birds regularly.
Despite the challenges, Mbarak has found success in rearing pigeons and doves, a venture that has brought him both profit and joy.
