- Chicken farming proves to be a profitable venture in Kenya, as many families across the country maintain chickens at home.
- Vincent Isambo, an agribusiness specialist, offered advice on the key factors Kenyans should keep in mind while constructing a chicken farm.
- The specialist suggested that the location ought to be protected from predators and theft and should also have good ventilation.
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Constructing a chicken coop is crucial as it ensures the well-being and productivity of your chickens, maintains efficient management, and minimizes ecological impact.
What reasons are there for constructing a chicken coop?
The house shields chickens from predators, thefts, harsh weather conditions, and offers protection for laying eggs and nesting hens.
As stated by the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO), poultry housing should include vents on both sides for proper air circulation.
"Make sure wind circulates through the house without creating drafts (chill). For poultry houses, provide vents on both sides for adequate air flow. Including an opening or ridge along the roof will guarantee good ventilation and allow sunlight inside," as per KALRO instructions.
Elements to take into account when constructing a chicken coop
Vincent Isambo, an agribusiness advisor, offered guidance on key factors for Kenyans to keep in mind when constructing a chicken coop.
Below are his recommendations:
1. Topography
Isambo says that the site chosen for constructing the chicken coop needs to be both dry and level.
He advised staying away from locations with poor drainage. Otherwise, raise the house above the ground level and ensure that in rectangular structures, the ends align with the East-West axis.
In commercial poultry operations, six laying hens require one square meter of space, whereas 11 broiler chickens can be housed within the same dimensions.
2. Security
Another aspect to take into account for preventing or reducing losses is security.
Isambo suggests that the location needs to be both secure and free from predators and thieves.
"In order to deter rodents and reptiles, ensure that you eliminate all vegetation within a radius of at least three meters around your home’s exterior. For keeping out predators and removing feces easily, opt for raised or slatted floors. Make sure to also clean up any sharp items on the ground to prevent possible harm. It is recommended to install concrete flooring as this facilitates simpler sanitization and maintenance processes," he elaborated.
3. Cost of materials
In order to lower the expenses for building, the specialist recommended that chicken farmers utilize resources found nearby.
"He suggested using readily accessible resources such as lumber, metal roofing sheets, and leftover pieces. Make sure to strip away all the tree bark from the wood to minimize the pest infestation," he stated.
4. Accessibility
The website ought to be user-friendly for commercial poultry farmers so that clients can easily select the birds they desire.
"it needs to be situated in an area with a well-developed road system for convenient customer access and smooth movement of goods. Additionally, essential facilities such as water supply and electrical power must be available," explained Isambo.
5. Waste management
To minimize external contaminants, set up a footbath at the entrance for shoe cleansing. Ensure sufficient space is provided so people do not skip this step.
Isambo suggested adequate spacing to allow cleaners to gather refuse for utilization.
There needs to be sufficient room for gathering waste from the chickens, which can serve as fertilizer, along with instructions on handling this process.
What factors determine the size of eggs?
Other updates include various factors affecting the number of eggs a poultry farmer’s chickens produce.
These factors vary from what the hens eat to the surrounding environment, yet they significantly affect output.
Grasping these elements can enhance egg production efficiency and maintain superior output quality.
What errors do chicken farmers commonly commit?
Earlier, INSPIRATIONS DIGITAL.co.ke It was reported that poultry farming has turned into a profitable venture for numerous Kenyans who have effectively managed to turn a profit from it.
Harrison Omuka, a thriving poultry farmer, highlighted five common errors that numerous farmers encounter in poultry farming, which impact their profitability.
Omuka told INSPIRATIONS DIGITAL.co.ke A proficient farmer recognizes the significance of assessing accessible funds and the necessary investments for their agricultural enterprise.
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