Ornamentals: The cute birds minting cash for farmers

Budgis birds in the picture at Murungi Muthamia bird farm of Ornamental birds in Karen ,Nairobi. [David Gichuru, Standard]

Their beautiful colours and features turn heads on major highways and the hawkers use that trait to attract motorists and passersby. It is a booming business. Indeed, ornamental bird farming has become one of the major economic activities in Kenya in the recent past. There are more than 100 traits and species of birds that are being reared as pets or just for their beauty, grace, and melodic voices. Poultry are birds that have been domesticated over the years for their eggs, meat, or feathers and the most common in this group are the chickens, ducks, turkey which we are all familiar with.

But what are ornamental birds? These are essentially birds that are kept in cages, in aviary systems,s or reared on the floor primarily for show, decoration, or as pets. They are not kept for consumption. They are docile, prefer lazing around the compound, and are friendly and vice-free. Some have very attractive and iridescent plumage and feather formations while others communicate in beautiful melodious tones or pitches like the peacocks. Most are still considered game birds and one needs a permit from Kenya wildlife services for each species of the bird to be kept.