Category: Poultry Farming

There are several poultry feed brands available in Kenya, and choosing the best one depends on the specific needs of your poultry. Here are some of the best poultry feed brands in Kenya:

1. Kienyeji chicken feed: This feed is specifically designed for indigenous chickens, which are the most common type of poultry in Kenya. It is formulated with natural ingredients such as maize, sorghum, and omena (small fish), and it is available in both pellet and mash form.
2. KARI improved kienyeji chicken feed: This is another popular feed brand for indigenous chickens, developed by the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO). It is formulated with maize, sunflower, soybean, and other ingredients to provide a balanced diet for the birds.
3. Broiler feed: This feed is formulated for broiler chickens, which are raised specifically for meat production. It is high in protein and energy to promote fast growth and weight gain. Examples of broiler feed brands in Kenya include Kenchic, Pioneer, and Unga Feeds.
4. Layer feed: This feed is designed for laying hens and is high in calcium and other nutrients needed for egg production. Examples of layer feed brands in Kenya include KARI, Kenchic, and Unga Feeds.
5. Turkey feed: This feed is formulated for turkeys and is high in protein to support their rapid growth and weight gain. Examples of turkey feed brands in Kenya include Unga Feeds and Kenchic.

It is important to note that the quality of poultry feed can vary depending on the brand, and it is important to choose a reputable brand that uses high-quality ingredients. It is also important to follow the recommended feeding guidelines for your specific type of poultry.

Layer rearing refers to the practice of raising hens that are specifically bred for egg production. Here are some important things to consider when rearing layers:

1. Housing: Layers require a well-ventilated and spacious house that protects them from the elements and predators. The house should be designed to allow easy access for cleaning and maintenance. Each bird should have a minimum of 2-3 square feet of floor space.
2. Feeding: Layers require a balanced diet that is high in protein, vitamins, and minerals. A commercial layer feed is recommended, and it should be supplemented with greens, fruits, and vegetables. Clean water should be provided at all times.
3. Health management: Layers require regular vaccination and deworming to prevent diseases. The house and equipment should be regularly cleaned and disinfected. Sick birds should be isolated and treated immediately.
4. Lighting: Layers require adequate lighting to stimulate egg production. Natural lighting should be supplemented with artificial lighting to provide a minimum of 14-16 hours of light per day.
5. Egg collection: Eggs should be collected daily to prevent them from being soiled or broken. The eggs should be stored in a clean and cool place to prevent spoilage.
6. Marketing: There is a high demand for eggs in Kenya, and layers can provide a steady source of income for farmers. Farmers can sell their eggs to supermarkets, hotels, restaurants, and other buyers.

In conclusion, rearing layers can be a profitable enterprise in Kenya if done properly. Proper housing, feeding, health management, lighting, and egg collection are essential for successful layer rearing.

Turkey farming is a lucrative agricultural venture in Kenya, and it is becoming increasingly popular as more Kenyans become aware of the benefits of raising turkeys. Here are some important things you should know about turkey farming in Kenya:

1. Turkey breeds: The two main turkey breeds kept in Kenya are the Bronze and White Holland. Bronze turkeys are known for their meat production and are more commonly raised in the country, while White Holland turkeys are kept mainly for their eggs.
2. Housing: Turkeys require a spacious and well-ventilated house that protects them from the elements and predators. The house should be easy to clean and have adequate feeding and watering facilities. The birds should be kept in separate groups based on age and size.
3. Feeding: Turkeys require a balanced diet that includes proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. A commercial turkey feed is recommended, and it can be supplemented with greens, fruits, and vegetables. Clean water should be provided at all times.
4. Health management: Regular vaccination and deworming are crucial in preventing diseases in turkeys. Regular cleaning and disinfection of the house and equipment is also important in keeping the birds healthy.
5. Market: The demand for turkey meat and eggs is growing in Kenya, with many hotels, supermarkets, and restaurants willing to buy from farmers. There are also export opportunities for those who meet the required standards.

In conclusion, turkey farming is a profitable agricultural venture in Kenya that can be started with minimal capital. Proper management practices are essential in ensuring a successful and sustainable turkey farming enterprise.

Kenbro chicken is a dual-purpose breed of chicken that was developed in Kenya by the Kenyatta University’s Department of Animal Science and Technology. The breed is known for its fast growth rate, early maturity, and good meat and egg production.

Kenbro chickens are a cross between the indigenous chicken breeds of Kenya and commercial broiler breeds. The aim of the breed’s development was to create a chicken that would thrive in the Kenyan climate and produce high-quality meat and eggs that are affordable to small-scale farmers.

Kenbro chickens are suitable for both free-range and intensive farming systems. They are disease-resistant, and their strong immune systems make them less susceptible to diseases such as Newcastle disease and fowl pox, which are common in Kenya. They also have a good feed-to-meat conversion ratio, which means that they require less feed to produce a kilogram of meat compared to other breeds.

In terms of egg production, Kenbro chickens are good layers, with hens capable of laying up to 180 eggs per year. The eggs are medium-sized, brown in color, and have a good taste.

Kenbro chicken has gained popularity among small-scale farmers in Kenya due to its adaptability, disease resistance, and good meat and egg production. The breed has also been exported to other African countries such as Uganda and Tanzania, where it has been well received.

Free-range poultry farming in Kenya is a system of raising chickens in a way that allows them to move around freely and have access to the outdoors. In free-range poultry farming, chickens are usually kept in a large outdoor space that is fenced off to prevent predators from getting in. The chickens are also provided with shelter to protect them from extreme weather conditions.

In Kenya, free-range poultry farming has gained popularity in recent years due to the increasing demand for organic and healthier food products. This method of farming is believed to produce healthier and better-tasting meat and eggs compared to conventionally farmed poultry.

Free-range poultry farming in Kenya also has several benefits, such as providing livelihoods to small-scale farmers and reducing the environmental impact of poultry farming. This is because the birds are able to forage for their own food, which reduces the need for expensive commercial feeds that are often associated with conventional poultry farming.

However, free-range poultry farming also has its challenges. One of the main challenges is the risk of predation, which can cause significant losses to farmers. Additionally, free-range chickens may be more susceptible to diseases if not properly managed, and their eggs may be more susceptible to contamination.

Overall, free-range poultry farming in Kenya can be a viable and sustainable way of producing poultry products, provided that appropriate management practices are put in place to address the challenges.

Farming of chickens, also known as poultry farming, is the practice of raising domesticated birds such as chickens, turkeys, ducks, and geese for their meat and eggs. Chickens are one of the most common types of poultry raised for food worldwide.

Chicken farming can be done in various ways, including free-range farming, battery cage farming, and barn farming. Free-range farming involves allowing chickens to roam freely outside, whereas battery cage farming involves keeping chickens confined to small cages indoors. Barn farming is a system where chickens are kept indoors in a large space that is designed to mimic a natural environment.

The process of chicken farming typically involves selecting the appropriate breeds, providing the birds with proper nutrition and housing, and monitoring their health and growth. In addition, farmers may use various methods to increase egg and meat production, such as selective breeding and the use of growth-promoting medications.

It’s worth noting that the methods used in chicken farming can have ethical, environmental, and health implications. As such, it’s important for farmers and consumers alike to be aware of the various practices and their potential impacts.

Building a simple Kienyeji chicken house requires a few key elements to provide shelter and protection for your chickens. Here are the basic steps to build a simple Kienyeji chicken house:

1. Choose a location: Select a flat area with good drainage and plenty of sunlight. Avoid areas that are prone to flooding or have standing water, as this can create a breeding ground for disease-carrying insects.
2. Gather materials: You will need building materials such as wooden poles, corrugated iron sheets, nails, and wire mesh.
3. Build the foundation: Dig holes for the wooden poles, and then fix them in place using cement or gravel. The poles should be spaced about 2-3 feet apart to provide support for the roof and walls.
4. Build the walls: Nail the corrugated iron sheets to the wooden poles to create the walls of the chicken house. Make sure to leave enough space for ventilation, and cover the openings with wire mesh to keep out predators.
5. Install the roof: Nail corrugated iron sheets to the top of the wooden poles to create the roof. Make sure the roof is sloped to allow for water runoff.
6. Add bedding: Line the floor of the chicken house with sawdust, wood shavings, or straw to provide a comfortable and dry surface for the chickens to rest on.
7. Install perches: Install wooden perches inside the chicken house to give the birds a place to roost at night.
8. Add feeding and watering equipment: Install feeders and drinkers inside the chicken house, making sure they are raised off the ground to prevent contamination.
9. Provide a secure door: Install a secure door that can be closed at night to keep predators out.

In Kenya, the most commonly raised egg-laying breeds are the Kuroiler, Kenbro, and Rainbow Rooster. These breeds are known for their high egg production, good feed conversion rates, and resistance to diseases. Other popular breeds for egg-laying include the Rhode Island Red, Sussex, and Leghorn.

When raising layers in Kenya, it’s important to provide them with a balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs. Layers require a high-protein diet that is rich in calcium and other minerals to support egg production. Commercial layer feeds are available in Kenya and are formulated specifically for layers.

In addition to a balanced diet, layers also need access to clean water, shelter, and a comfortable living environment. The housing should be well-ventilated and provide enough space for the birds to move around and engage in natural behaviors like scratching and dust-bathing.

Proper disease control measures should also be in place, including regular vaccinations and biosecurity protocols to prevent the spread of diseases.

It’s also important to keep in mind that egg production is influenced by factors like age, breed, nutrition, and environmental conditions. With proper care and management, layers in Kenya can produce an average of 280-320 eggs per year.

A heat bulb is an essential item for raising chicks, as it provides a source of warmth that mimics the heat provided by a mother hen. Here are some key things to consider when choosing a heat bulb for chicks:

1. Wattage: The wattage of the bulb will determine how much heat it produces. A typical heat bulb for chicks is between 100-250 watts, depending on the size of the brooder and the number of chicks.
2. Type of bulb: There are two main types of heat bulbs for chicks – infrared and ceramic. Infrared bulbs are the most common and produce heat through a red light. Ceramic bulbs are less common but are more durable and long-lasting.
3. Color temperature: The color temperature of the bulb will affect the amount of light it produces. A warmer color temperature (around 2700K) will produce less light and more heat, while a cooler color temperature (around 5000K) will produce more light and less heat.
4. Height: The height of the bulb should be adjusted to provide the right amount of heat for the chicks. The bulb should be positioned so that the temperature directly under the bulb is between 90-95°F (32-35°C) for the first week, and then gradually reduced by 5°F (3°C) per week until the chicks are fully feathered.
5. Safety: Make sure the bulb is safely secured and that there is no risk of the chicks coming into contact with it. Also, use a bulb guard to prevent the chicks from accidentally touching the hot bulb.

When using a heat bulb for chicks, it’s important to monitor the temperature regularly with a thermometer to ensure that it is at the right level for the chicks. If the chicks are huddled together directly under the bulb, it may be too cold, while if they are scattered and avoiding the area directly under the bulb, it may be too hot. Adjust the height of the bulb or the wattage as needed to achieve the ideal temperature for your chicks.

There are several brands of poultry feeds available in Kenya, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the top poultry feed brands in Kenya:

1. Kienyeji Chicken Feed: This is a locally-made feed that is designed specifically for indigenous or Kienyeji chickens. It is made from a blend of maize bran, wheat pollard, sunflower seed cake, and other ingredients.
2. Chick Mash: This is a starter feed that is designed for young chicks. It contains high levels of protein and other essential nutrients needed for growth and development.
3. Layers Mash: This is a feed that is designed for laying hens. It contains high levels of calcium and other nutrients needed for strong eggshells and healthy hens.
4. Broiler Finisher Mash: This is a feed that is designed for broiler chickens in their final stage of growth. It contains high levels of protein and other nutrients needed for rapid growth and weight gain.
5. County Feeds: This is a brand of poultry feed that is available in different formulations for different stages of poultry growth. They offer feeds for chicks, layers, broilers, and other poultry.

When choosing a poultry feed, it’s important to consider the nutritional requirements of your specific breed of chicken and their stage of growth. You may also want to consider factors such as price, availability, and the reputation of the feed brand. It’s a good idea to consult with a veterinarian or experienced poultry farmer for advice on choosing the best feed for your flock.