Category: Poultry Farming

Kienyeji chickens, also known as indigenous or local chickens, are typically raised for their meat and eggs in Africa. When it comes to feeding Kienyeji chickens, it’s important to provide them with a balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs.

Here are some ingredients you can use to make homemade feed for Kienyeji chickens:

1. Maize: Maize is a staple ingredient in chicken feed and provides a good source of carbohydrates.
2. Sorghum: Sorghum is another good source of carbohydrates and can be used as a substitute for maize.
3. Wheat bran: Wheat bran is a good source of fiber and can be used to supplement the carbohydrate content in the feed.
4. Fishmeal: Fishmeal is a good source of protein and provides essential amino acids that chickens need.
5. Soybean meal: Soybean meal is another good source of protein and provides essential amino acids that chickens need.
6. Oyster shells: Oyster shells provide calcium which is necessary for strong eggshells.
7. Sunflower seeds: Sunflower seeds are a good source of fat and can be used to supplement the energy content in the feed.

Here’s a sample recipe for homemade Kienyeji chicken feed:

• 50% maize or sorghum
• 20% wheat bran
• 10% fishmeal
• 10% soybean meal
• 5% oyster shells
• 5% sunflower seeds

Mix all ingredients thoroughly and feed to your Kienyeji chickens. Make sure to provide plenty of fresh, clean water at all times.

There are several boiler (meat) chicken breeds that are suitable for farming in Kenya. Here are some of the best:

1. Kuroiler: Kuroiler is a crossbreed developed in India that is becoming increasingly popular in Kenya. They are known for their fast growth rate and high meat production. They are also more resistant to diseases than other breeds.
2. Cobb: Cobb is a breed that originated in the United States. They are known for their fast growth rate and high meat production. They are also easy to manage and have a good feed conversion rate.
3. Ross: Ross is a breed that originated in France. They are known for their excellent meat production, fast growth rate, and good feed conversion rate. They also have a calm temperament and are easy to manage.
4. Hubbard: Hubbard is a breed that originated in France. They are known for their good meat production, fast growth rate, and good feed conversion rate. They are also easy to manage and have a good temperament.
5. Arbor Acres: Arbor Acres is a breed that originated in the United States. They are known for their excellent meat production, fast growth rate, and good feed conversion rate. They are also easy to manage and have a good temperament.

These boiler breeds are popular among farmers in Kenya due to their high productivity and good adaptability to local climatic conditions. It’s important to choose the right breed that is well-suited to your particular farming environment and market demand.

There are several exotic chicken breeds that can be found in Kenya. Here are some of them:

1. Rhode Island Red: Rhode Island Red is a popular breed that originated in the United States. They are known for their excellent egg-laying abilities, producing large brown eggs. They are also good for meat production and have a calm temperament.
2. Leghorn: Leghorn is another breed that originated in the United States. They are known for their high egg production, producing large white eggs. They are also good for meat production and have a slender body and a comb that stands erect.
3. Sussex: Sussex is a breed that originated in England. They are known for their dual-purpose nature, as they are good for both meat and egg production. They come in a variety of colors and have a calm temperament.
4. Plymouth Rock: Plymouth Rock is a breed that originated in the United States. They are known for their excellent meat and egg production and come in a variety of colors. They have a friendly and docile temperament, making them good for backyard flocks.
5. Australorp: Australorp is a breed that originated in Australia. They are known for their excellent egg-laying abilities, producing large brown eggs. They are also good for meat production and have a calm temperament.
6. Orpington: Orpington is a breed that originated in England. They are known for their large size and excellent meat production. They also produce large brown eggs and have a friendly and docile temperament.

These exotic breeds are popular among farmers and backyard poultry keepers in Kenya due to their good productivity and adaptability to local climatic conditions.

There are several places where you can buy kienyeji (local) chicken in Nairobi. Here are a few options:

1. Nairobi Farmers Market: The Nairobi Farmers Market is a popular market that sells locally grown produce and livestock, including kienyeji chicken. It is located on Ngong Road, near the Junction Mall.
2. City Market: City Market is another popular market that sells a variety of goods, including kienyeji chicken. It is located in the city center, near the Central Police Station.
3. Roadside vendors: You can also find kienyeji chicken being sold by roadside vendors in many parts of Nairobi. Look out for vendors selling live chickens or freshly slaughtered chicken.
4. Online marketplaces: There are several online marketplaces that sell kienyeji chicken, such as Jumia, Kilimall, and Masoko. You can place your order online and have the chicken delivered to your doorstep.
5. Local farms: You can also find kienyeji chicken being sold directly from local farms. Look out for signs advertising kienyeji chicken for sale, or ask around in your local area.

Remember to always buy from reputable sellers and ensure that the chicken is healthy and properly cared for.

A heat lamp brooder is a device used to provide heat for newly hatched chicks or other poultry birds. It typically consists of a heat lamp with a bulb, a reflector, and a brooder guard to keep the birds from getting too close to the bulb and getting burned.

Here are the steps to set up a heat lamp brooder:

1. Choose a safe location: Choose a location that is safe from drafts, predators, and other hazards. The brooder should be placed in a dry, clean, and well-ventilated area.
2. Install the heat lamp: Install the heat lamp at one end of the brooder, making sure to secure it in place. The bulb should be about 18 inches above the floor of the brooder.
3. Install the reflector: Attach the reflector to the heat lamp to direct the heat downward into the brooder.
4. Install the brooder guard: Install the brooder guard around the heat lamp to prevent the chicks from getting too close to the bulb and getting burned. The guard should be at least 18 inches in diameter and made of a material that won’t catch fire.
5. Set up the bedding: Spread a layer of bedding material, such as pine shavings or straw, on the floor of the brooder. The bedding should be clean and dry.
6. Test the temperature: Use a thermometer to measure the temperature at the level of the chicks. The temperature should be about 95°F (35°C) for the first week and decreased by 5°F (2.8°C) each week until it reaches room temperature.
7. Add the chicks: Once the brooder is set up and the temperature is stable, add the chicks to the brooder. Monitor the chicks regularly to ensure that they are comfortable and healthy.

Remember to keep the brooder clean and dry, and provide fresh food and water for the chicks. Also, keep an eye on the temperature and adjust the heat lamp as needed to maintain the right temperature for the chicks.

Kenya has several breeds of layers that are suitable for commercial egg production. The following are some of the best layer breeds in Kenya:

1. Kuroiler: This breed is a cross between Rhode Island Red and an Indian breed called the Indigenous Kadaknath. Kuroilers are known for their high egg production, with an average of 280-320 eggs per year. They are also resistant to common poultry diseases and are adaptable to different climatic conditions.
2. Kenbro: This breed is a cross between the Kenyan Indigenous and the Rhode Island Red. Kenbros are known for their high egg production, with an average of 280-300 eggs per year. They are also resistant to diseases and are easy to manage.
3. Rainbow Rooster: This breed is a cross between the Rhode Island Red, Plymouth Rock, and New Hampshire. Rainbow roosters are known for their high egg production, with an average of 280-320 eggs per year. They are also resistant to diseases and are easy to manage.
4. Isa Brown: This breed is a cross between Rhode Island Red and Rhode Island White. Isa Browns are known for their high egg production, with an average of 280-320 eggs per year. They are also docile and easy to manage.
5. Hyline Brown: This breed is a cross between Rhode Island Red and the Rhode Island White. Hyline Browns are known for their high egg production, with an average of 280-320 eggs per year. They are also resistant to diseases and are easy to manage.

It’s important to note that the choice of the best breed of layer chicken in Kenya will depend on various factors such as climate, market demand, and management practices.

In Kenya, chicken cages are commonly used in commercial poultry farming operations, especially for raising layers and broilers. Chicken cages provide a controlled environment for the birds, protect them from predators, and make it easier for farmers to manage the flock.

There are different types of chicken cages available in Kenya, including:

1. Battery cages: These are wire mesh cages that house several birds in a small space. They are usually stacked vertically and have a feeding trough and water supply system.
2. A-frame cages: These are also wire mesh cages, but they are designed in the shape of an A, with the birds housed on both sides of the frame.
3. Free-range cages: These are larger, open-air cages that allow the birds to move around more freely, but still provide some level of protection.

Chicken cages can be purchased from various suppliers and manufacturers in Kenya, such as:

1. FarmHatch
2. Ecochicks Poultry Ltd

When purchasing chicken cages, it’s important to consider the size and design of the cage, as well as the number of birds it can accommodate. It’s also important to ensure that the cage is made of durable materials and is easy to clean and maintain.

There are several types of equipment that are commonly used in broiler chicken production to provide the birds with a healthy and comfortable environment. Some of the equipment includes:

1. Brooder: This is used to keep the chicks warm during the first few weeks of their lives. It can be a heated pad or a heat lamp that provides warmth to the chicks.
2. Feeder: A feeder is used to provide feed to the chickens. It can be a tube or pan feeder that is filled with feed and is gravity-fed.
3. Drinker: A drinker is used to provide water to the chickens. It can be a simple gravity-fed drinker or a nipple drinker that dispenses water when the chickens peck at it.
4. Heating and ventilation system: A heating and ventilation system is used to maintain the temperature and air quality inside the chicken house. This can include heaters, fans, and ventilation systems to regulate temperature and humidity.
5. Lighting system: A lighting system is used to provide a consistent day and night cycle for the chickens, which helps them to grow and lay eggs. This can include artificial lighting in the chicken house.
6. Cage or floor system: A cage or floor system is used to provide a comfortable and hygienic living space for the chickens. This can include wire cages or a litter-based floor system.
7. Poultry processing equipment: Poultry processing equipment is used to process the chickens for meat production. This can include equipment such as defeathering machines, evisceration equipment, and packaging machines.

Chicken rearing is a popular agricultural activity in Kenya, with many farmers engaging in it for commercial or subsistence purposes. Here are some important aspects of chicken rearing in Kenya:

1. Chicken Breeds: In Kenya, there are several breeds of chickens, including indigenous (Kienyeji) chickens, broilers, and layers. Farmers can choose the breed that suits their production goals and resources.
2. Housing: Proper housing is crucial for chicken rearing in Kenya. The chicken house should be well-ventilated, secure from predators, and provide enough space for the birds to move around comfortably. Bedding materials such as wood shavings, sawdust, or rice husks should be used to absorb moisture and prevent disease.
3. Feeding: Proper nutrition is essential for the growth and health of chickens. Farmers can either buy commercial feeds or formulate their own feed using locally available ingredients. The feed should be balanced and provide the necessary nutrients for the birds’ growth and egg-laying.
4. Disease Control: Chickens are susceptible to various diseases, some of which can be fatal if not treated promptly. Farmers should practice good biosecurity measures, such as keeping the chicken house clean, vaccinating the birds, and controlling pests and rodents.
5. Market Access: Farmers should have access to markets where they can sell their chickens or eggs. They can sell directly to consumers or through middlemen such as brokers, retailers, or processors. It’s important to have a reliable market to ensure profitability.
6. Government Support: The Kenyan government provides various incentives and support programs to encourage chicken rearing as a means of improving food security and increasing farmer incomes. Farmers can take advantage of these programs to access credit, training, and extension services.

In summary, successful chicken rearing in Kenya requires proper housing, feeding, disease control, market access, and government support. With these in place, farmers can improve their livelihoods and contribute to the country’s food security.