By Noko Mashilo
Maggy and Paul Bango are the passionate owners of Bango Poultry Farm, a dedicated operation known for raising rare and exotic chicken breeds like the striking Buff Orpington and the mysterious Ayam Cemani which is regarded as the most expensive chicken in the world.
Their farm specializes in breeding chickens with unique physical characteristics that set them apart from more common poultry varieties. The Buff Orpington is prized for its golden plumage and friendly temperament, while the Ayam Cemani, with its all-black feathers, beak, and even internal organs, is often described as the “Lamborghini “due to its fascinating appearance and price.
Through their expertise and care, the Bangos have cultivated a reputation for producing top-quality, visually stunning poultry that attracts collectors and enthusiasts alike. Maggy told Vutivi News that they had two farms, one in Midrand that bred exotic and indigenous chickens and also one in Benoni that mainly bred Lohmann Brown for layers. “Some of our breeds are light columbian brahma, Rhode Island red, white leghorn, plymouth-rock, light Sussex, black, blue and lavender orpingtons,” said the proud Maggy.
She also said what made exotic chickens unique was their appearance, unusual feather patterns, physical traits, and high market value. “They adapt to specific environments; there is breeding opportunity and demand for genetics. There is cultural and historical value about them. For example, Ayam Cemani is associated with various cultural beliefs. It is often linked to traditional rituals and ceremonies. Exotic chickens are also famous for laying colourful eggs,” said Maggy.
Maggy said for the special care of her breeds, she has a measure to prevent diseases through vaccination. “If I notice one sick chicken, I make sure that it is quarantined; regular monitoring is very essential,” said Maggy, who gives high-quality feed once a day to the exotics and twice a day to the layers. There were government regulations that a farmer must ensure that their animals were taken care of. “You need proper housing and avoid overcrowding. You need a licence before exporting your chicken, and we must comply with Animal Welfare Act,” she said.
Maggy said the business was growing, but she was not where she wanted to be. “We want to be the highest exotic breeders in South Africa and also see us as consultants in colleges and varsities,” said Maggy. Maggy sells her exotic chickens to hobby farmers, breeders, exhibitors, and also during poultry shows and her students via social media or at the farm.
Maggy said her farm was not only known for its diverse chicken breeds but also for its dedication to teaching and empowering aspiring entrepreneurs. “Through our training programmes for start-ups, I help to cultivate the next generation of poultry farmers, equipping them with the skills needed to thrive in the competitive agricultural sector,” said Maggy.
Her next training is taking place on 8 February 2025 in Midrand, followed by 8 March 2025 in Polokwane. The hybrid workshops will take place the whole day. They will cover exotic and indigenous chicken, layers and broilers, biosecurity, type of breeding, marketing, and many more aspects. Maggy’s model to success is AIDA, which stands for attention, interest, desire, and action.
