Factors for fluctuations in commercial day-old chicks supply in and around Kampala

Abstract

This study explored the fluctuation in supply of day-old chicks in Kampala. The specific objective was to determine the parent stock availability, characteristics of day-old chick buyers and sellers, and challenges facing the day chick supply chain. Semi structured questionnaire was administered to a total of 86 respondents. The study revealed most (69.6%) suppliers of day-old chicks supplied broilers chicks compared to other types of chicks. Majority (70.1%) of the suppliers bought chicks from abroad and resold them to the farmers. This implies that most of the suppliers of day-old chicks are middle persons who neither own parent stock nor import chicks directly. Most (41.6%) number of respondents kept broiler birds and majority (64.6%) of them supplied chicks once a week to customers. While most (80.0%) farmers waited 1 week after placing order with least (7.0%) number supply 3-5days. Most (58.0%) respondents suggested that increase the number of hatcheries and incubators can ensure that farmers have day old chicks when they want.