September 4th

Update - The budget and goal was to raise NZD $5600 to build the chicken farm, buy the feeders, solar lights, baby chickens and feed etc.
On behalf of the villagers in Manipur, India, we pass on our heartfelt thanks to all who have supported this vision and donated towards the project. To date NZD $8800 has been raised.
As a result, we have widened our vision. Tragically another lady in the village has died in childbirth, so we are now looking at supporting a health clinic in the village. This clinic will be supported with some of the expected on-going profits from the chicken farm and with any extra donations we receive.

The Ideas and Thoughts

Chickens – The Ideas and Thoughts

We shared our random thoughts for chicken farming with some friends from India and spent some time brain storming with them. We all realised the potential that these farms can have in helping slum dwellers and others from very poor villages to break the cycle of poverty and hopelessness. Poverty that for so many, is the reality of day to day existence.

We see the need to empower local Indians who already have the knowledge of the land, climate, available chicken varieties etc. We have access to local chicken farmers and the ability to raise finances and sponsor chickens. All and any fund raising would be done through the right channels and a NGO or something similar would be established first and all farms would adhere to local regulations.

Idea One - land not currently being used could be utilized to build a small scale farm that would employ people from the slums or a remote village. There would be a variety of jobs created - some employees would learn how to make and build suitable dwellings for the chickens, some would raise the newly hatched chickens, others collect eggs, others become egg sellers etc. Once this model is up and running it could be replicated in other parts of India. A farm like this, in a remote village would ultimately change the living standards and provide protein, food and employment opportunities that are currently unavailable.

Idea Two – a micro enterprise type of chicken farming could be established.

To be honest, at this stage, we have more questions than answers but as we spend the next few months brain storming, asking questions from those who farm chickens in New Zealand and getting advice from many quarters, we hope to be able to eliminate some questions and see the dream and idea of the chicken farms become a reality.

Blessings....Adrian and Juanita

Chickens - Why?

Chickens – Why ??

When we were in India recently, we stood on a bridge and looked down to a mostly dry river bed that housed a slum. A slum that has shacks next to shacks made up out of old tin, cardboard and anything else salvaged off the streets. We were able to observe children playing in a small stream into which sewage flowed while just upstream some women were doing their washing in the same contaminated water. On the river bed, other adults were picking through and sorting rubbish into piles. Piles of paper, cardboard, rags, cans etc. Piles that could be used or resold for a few rupees which in turn buys a few kgs of rice but never enough food to be completely full.

We were taken to see this slum by a married couple who had befriended some of the slum dwellers. This couple was able to raise some finances for a few blankets which they gave away to a few of these slum dwellers. While these blankets were greatly appreciated, the adults keep sharing that they really wanted was jobs. Jobs that would give them purpose and hope and ultimately, money that would enable them to feed and clothe their families in more than rags.

The idea for the chicken farm was conceived while looking down on this pitiful scene.

Welcome!!

WELCOME to Chickens 4 India !!

You have followed our adventures through India and Nepal and now we invite you to follow us on our next adventure - 

CHICKENS 4 INDIA 

Chickens, chickens and more chickens….at least thats the plan and dream.

We have brain stormed and come up with this crazy, off the wall, wonderful and adventurous idea to start a chicken farming project in India. A project that will benefit and help those who are at most risk from disease and death caused by poor food, water and sanitation.

We envisage chickens being raised in the slums and poorer villages in India offering work skills and employment but more importantly offering hope and a brighter future.

We will be partnering with locals in India – they have the local knowledge of land, climate and culture, while we can provide the technical details of chicken farming and chicken raising.

Sooooo please continue to join us and be part of this adventure.......