Reforestation in Guatemala

Group RUKUX IXIM.

• During the month of January, a 12-month plan was elaborated for raising 2,500 egg-laying hens.

• Since May, the project activities were initiated by first constructing an adequate chicken coop.

• On June 15, the group Rukux Ixim bought 2,500 chicks that had 12 hours of birth and placed them in the newly constructed chicken coop.

• From this date on, Isaquel Hernandez became the maintenance personnel to take care of the chicks during 4 months until they became egg-laying hens.

• During their second week of age, the chicks were vaccinated for disease prevention.

• During the four months, the group would meet every end of month (and weekends when it was urgent) to evaluate the activities and the growth status of the chicks.

• At the beginning of October, the promotion of egg-laying hens sales were initiated to get people and local community groups interested in buying the hens.

• On October 16, egg-laying hens were sold at a price of $5.70 each. Isaquel calculated the price based on the production costs.

• The hens obtained a high demand. At the end, there were not enough hens to satisfy the market’s demand.

• According to the project management, a positive profit was obtained this year, which will encourage the group to invest again in 2007.