Raising Chickens in Zimbabwe
Empowering Young Entrepreneurs with Microloans
In keeping with DTCare’s overall mission to empower the disadvantaged, DTSpark was founded. This is a micro lending company based out of South Africa that will make funds available in order to start individual small businesses. Our objective is to help enable positive and sustainable change via individual job creation and entrepreneurship.
DTSpark is proud to start off micro loan operations by financing Coleen Matia’s local chicken egg production based out of Zimbabwe. This will serve as an opportunity to not only provide a much-needed food source to the local community, but allow Coleen another resource to sustainably support her and her family. This real-world experience acts as the perfect classroom environment to learn basic business principles while equipping Coleen with the opportunity to expand the business in the future.
Equipment
Charcoal
Light
Wood shavings
Feeders
Chicken feed
Waterers
Fans
The Beginner Process
0-3 Weeks
Pullet starter will be introduced.
There will be light for 16 hours and then 8 hours of darkness to ensure optimum growth.
Upon delivery they will be given an Anti-Stress pack.
On day ten they will be vaccinated against Newcastle Disease and Gumboro.
Thereafter they will be given vitamins and minerals, 3 times a month.
3-8 Weeks
Pullet grower will be introduced - for body development.
They will be re-vaccinated for Newcastle and new vaccine against Chicken Pox.
9-16 Weeks
Pullet developer is maintained.
Vaccines, deworming and vitamins will be repeated.
17- Weeks
Egg production begins.
Month 1 - Nestling in
Introduction of pullet starter (chick feed).
Light for 16 hours a day and darkness for 8 hours a day will ensure optimum growth.
Chicks will receive an anti-stress pack for calming.
Chicks will be vaccinated against Newcastle Disease and Gumboro.
Chicks will receive vitamins and minerals three times per month.
Month 2 - Growth spurt
Introduction of pullet grower for physical development.
Chicks will be vaccinated for Newcastle disease and Chicken Pox.
