Category: Poultry Farming

The cost of rearing 100 broilers in Kenya can vary depending on various factors such as location, market demand, and availability of resources. However, I can provide you with a general estimate of the costs involved in rearing 100 broilers in Kenya.

1. Day-old chicks: You will need to purchase 100 day-old broiler chicks. The cost per chick can range from KES 100 to KES 150, depending on the breed and the supplier. So, the total cost of purchasing 100 chicks will be around KES 10,000 to KES 15,000.
2. Feed: Broilers require a high protein diet for growth. The cost of feed will depend on the quality and quantity of feed you provide. On average, each broiler will consume about 5-6 kg of feed during the rearing period. The cost of a 50kg bag of broiler feed is approximately KES 2,500 to KES 3,000. So, for 100 broilers, you will need 25-30 bags of feed, which will cost around KES 62,500 to KES 90,000.
3. Housing: You will need to construct a suitable broiler house to provide shelter and protect the birds from predators. The cost of construction will depend on the size and materials used. On average, the cost of constructing a standard broiler house that can accommodate 100 birds is around KES 100,000 to KES 150,000.
4. Vaccination and medication: Broilers require regular vaccination and medication to prevent diseases and maintain their health. The cost of vaccination and medication will depend on the type of vaccine and medicine used. On average, the cost of vaccination and medication for 100 broilers is around KES 10,000 to KES 15,000.
5. Labor and other expenses: You will also need to factor in the cost of labor, electricity, water, and other expenses such as transportation and marketing. The total cost of these expenses will depend on your location and the size of your operation.

In summary, the estimated cost of rearing 100 broilers in Kenya can range from KES 192,500 to KES 273,000, depending on the factors mentioned above.

A kienyeji chicken house is a type of chicken house that is specifically designed for raising kienyeji or indigenous chickens. These types of chickens are common in many African countries and are known for their hardiness, resistance to diseases, and adaptability to different environments.

When building a kienyeji chicken house, there are several factors to consider, including:

1. Location: The chicken house should be located in an area that is well-drained and not prone to flooding. It should also be away from noise and other disturbances that could stress the chickens.
2. Size: The size of the chicken house will depend on the number of chickens you plan to keep. Generally, each chicken should have at least 0.5 square meters of space.
3. Ventilation: The chicken house should be well-ventilated to ensure good air circulation and prevent the buildup of ammonia from chicken droppings.
4. Lighting: The chicken house should be well-lit to ensure that the chickens can see and move around easily.
5. Nesting boxes: The chicken house should have nesting boxes where the hens can lay their eggs.
6. Perches: The chicken house should have perches where the chickens can roost at night.
7. Flooring: The flooring of the chicken house should be easy to clean and disinfect. You can use materials such as sand, sawdust, or straw.

Overall, a Kienyeji chicken house should be designed to provide a comfortable and safe environment for the chickens, while also being easy to maintain and clean.

Starting a broiler chicken business can be a profitable venture for individuals interested in the poultry industry. Here are some steps to consider when starting a broiler chicken business:

1. Research and Planning: Conduct thorough research on the broiler chicken industry, including market trends, competition, and customer preferences. Develop a business plan that outlines your goals, strategies, and financial projections.
2. Choose a Location: Select a suitable location for your broiler chicken business. The location should be easily accessible and have adequate space for your chicken housing, feed storage, and other infrastructure.
3. Obtain Necessary Permits and Licenses: Obtain the necessary permits and licenses from your local government to operate a broiler chicken business. This includes obtaining zoning permits, business licenses, and health and safety inspections.
4. Purchase Equipment: Purchase or lease the necessary equipment and infrastructure for your broiler chicken business, including chicken housing, feeding and watering equipment, heating and ventilation systems, and transportation vehicles.
5. Purchase Day-Old Chicks: Purchase day-old chicks from a reputable supplier. Consider the breed, age, and vaccination history of the chicks when selecting your supplier.
6. Manage Feed and Water: Ensure that your broiler chickens have access to clean water and a balanced diet. Purchase feed from reputable suppliers and ensure that the feed is stored in a dry, clean environment.
7. Monitor Health and Biosecurity: Implement biosecurity measures to prevent the spread of diseases and parasites. Monitor the health of your broiler chickens regularly and promptly address any health issues that arise.
8. Marketing and Sales: Develop a marketing and sales strategy to promote your broiler chicken business. This can include advertising, word-of-mouth referrals, and building relationships with potential customers.

Starting a broiler chicken business requires a significant investment of time, money, and effort. However, with proper planning and management, it can be a profitable and rewarding business opportunity.

There are many different chicken house plans available depending on the size of your flock and the space you have available. Here are some basic considerations to keep in mind:

1. Size: A general rule of thumb is to provide 2-3 square feet per chicken inside the coop, and 4-5 square feet per chicken in the run or outside area.
2. Protection: Chickens need protection from predators like raccoons, foxes, and coyotes. Make sure your coop is secure with strong wire mesh on all sides, and consider burying wire mesh underground around the perimeter of the coop to prevent digging predators.
3. Nesting boxes: You’ll need nesting boxes for your chickens to lay eggs in. Provide one box for every 3-4 chickens, and make sure the boxes are filled with clean bedding like straw or wood shavings.
4. Ventilation: Chickens need fresh air, so make sure your coop has adequate ventilation. This can be achieved through windows or vents near the top of the coop.
5. Roosting bars: Chickens like to roost at night, so provide sturdy roosting bars for them to perch on. Plan for about 8-10 inches of roosting space per chicken.

Here’s a basic chicken coop plan:

1. Choose a location for your coop. It should be on level ground and protected from harsh weather conditions.
2. Build a frame for the coop using lumber. The size will depend on how many chickens you have.
3. Attach wire mesh to the frame to create the walls and roof of the coop. Use staples or nails to secure the wire mesh in place.
4. Install a door that can be securely locked at night to keep predators out.
5. Build nesting boxes and attach them to the inside of the coop.
6. Install roosting bars near the top of the coop.
7. Create a run or outside area for your chickens using more wire mesh and lumber.
8. Provide food and water for your chickens, and make sure they have access to the outside area for exercise.

This is just a basic plan, and there are many variations you can make depending on your specific needs and preferences.

There are several poultry diseases that are common in Kenya, some of which include:

1. Newcastle Disease: This is a viral disease that affects both chickens and other poultry species. It can cause respiratory problems, nervous system disorders, and mortality in severe cases.
2. Avian Influenza: This is a highly contagious viral disease that can affect both wild and domestic poultry. It can cause respiratory problems, diarrhea, and mortality in severe cases. Avian influenza is also a zoonotic disease that can be transmitted to humans.
3. Infectious Bursal Disease: This is a viral disease that affects young chickens, and it can cause immunosuppression and mortality.
4. Fowl Pox: This is a viral disease that causes skin lesions on the chicken’s head, comb, and wattles. It can also cause respiratory problems and mortality in severe cases.
5. Coccidiosis: This is a parasitic disease that affects the digestive system of poultry. It can cause diarrhea, weight loss, and mortality in severe cases.
6. Marek’s Disease: This is a viral disease that affects young chickens, and it can cause tumors, paralysis, and mortality.
7. Salmonellosis: This is a bacterial disease that affects both chickens and humans. It can cause diarrhea, fever, and mortality in severe cases. Salmonella is also a zoonotic disease that can be transmitted to humans.

It is important for poultry farmers in Kenya to implement proper biosecurity measures and vaccination programs to prevent the spread of these diseases.

There are several types of hens commonly found in Kenya, including:

1. Kienyeji or Indigenous Chicken: This is the most common type of chicken in Kenya, and it is the traditional breed that has been reared by farmers for generations. They are hardy birds that can withstand harsh conditions, and they are well-suited for free-range systems.
2. Broiler Chicken: This is a fast-growing chicken breed that is specifically bred for meat production. Broilers are highly efficient in converting feed into meat, and they reach market weight within a short period of time.
3. Layer Chicken: This type of chicken is bred for egg production, and they are capable of laying large numbers of eggs throughout their productive lifespan. Layer breeds commonly found in Kenya include Leghorn, Rhode Island Red, and Sussex.
4. Dual-Purpose Chicken: This breed is a cross between a broiler and a layer chicken, and it is bred for both meat and egg production. They are capable of laying a decent number of eggs while also growing quickly for meat production.
5. Silkie Chicken: This is a unique breed of chicken that is characterized by its soft, fluffy feathers and black skin. They are primarily kept for ornamental purposes, and their meat is considered a delicacy in some parts of the world.

Poultry farming techniques refer to the methods and practices used to raise poultry, such as chickens, ducks, turkeys, and geese, for commercial or personal purposes. Some common poultry farming techniques include:

1. Housing: Poultry should be housed in a clean, dry, and well-ventilated environment that protects them from predators and extreme weather conditions.
2. Feeding: Poultry require a balanced diet that includes protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals. The feed should be of high quality, and water should be provided at all times.
3. Breeding: Poultry can be bred naturally or artificially to produce offspring with desirable traits such as high egg production, meat quality, and disease resistance.
4. Health management: Poultry should be regularly checked for signs of disease, and appropriate vaccination and medication should be administered to prevent or treat illnesses.
5. Egg collection and handling: Eggs should be collected daily and handled carefully to prevent cracking and contamination.
6. Waste management: Poultry waste should be managed properly to prevent environmental pollution and to produce organic fertilizers.
7. Marketing: Poultry products can be sold locally or exported to international markets. Proper marketing strategies should be put in place to ensure that the products reach the target market.

Overall, successful poultry farming requires careful planning, effective management, and continuous learning and adaptation to new technologies and market demands.

Kari Improved Kienyeji chicken, also known as the KARI Improved Indigenous Chicken, is a breed of chicken developed by the Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI) in collaboration with the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) to improve the productivity of traditional indigenous chicken breeds in Kenya.

The KARI Improved Kienyeji chicken is a hardy breed that is well adapted to the local environment and is resistant to diseases. It is known for its high meat and egg production, fast growth rate, and low mortality rate. The breed is also valued for its ability to forage and scavenge for food, which makes it suitable for rural smallholder farmers who may not have access to commercial chicken feed.

Overall, the KARI Improved Kienyeji chicken has played an important role in improving the livelihoods of many smallholder farmers in Kenya, as it provides a source of income and nutrition for households.