- Chicken farming proves to be a profitable venture in Kenya, as many families across the country maintain chickens at home.
- Vincent Isambo, an agribusiness advisor, offered his perspectives on the key factors Kenyans should keep in mind while constructing a chicken coop.
- The specialist suggested that the location ought to be safeguarded against predators and theft, as well as adequately ventilated.
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Japhet Ruto, a journalist from Pawonation.com.co.ke with more than eight years of expertise in covering finance, business, and technological subjects, provides deep understanding of both Kenya’s and international economic patterns.
Constructing a chicken coop is essential as it ensures the well-being and productivity of your poultry, maintains efficient management, and minimizes ecological impact.
What reasons might there be for constructing a chicken coop?
The coop shields chickens from predators, theft, harsh weather conditions, and offers a safe space for laying eggs and brooding hens.
As stated by the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO), poultry housing should include ventilation openings on both sides.
"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 in the roof will guarantee good ventilation and allow sunlight in," according to KALRO.
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 while constructing a chicken coop.
Below are his recommendations:
1. Topography
Isambo says that the site chosen for constructing the chicken coop must 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 buildings, the shorter walls should align with the East-West axis.
In commercial poultry farming, six laying hens require one square meter of space, whereas 11 broiler chickens can be housed in the same area.
2. Security
Safety is an additional aspect to take into account in order to prevent or reduce damages.
Isambo posits that the site should be secure and away from predators and thieves.
"In order to deter rodents and reptiles, ensure that you eliminate all grass and vegetation within a radius of at least three meters around your home’s exterior. For keeping out predators and removing feces, opt for raised or slatted floors instead. 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 easier sanitization and maintenance." He elaborated.
3. Cost of materials
In order to lower the expenses of building, the specialist recommended that poultry farmers utilize resources found nearby.
"He suggested using readily accessible resources such as lumber, metal sheets, and leftovers. Make sure to strip away all the tree bark from the wood to minimize the pest infestation," he advised.
4. Accessibility
The website ought to be user-friendly for those engaged in commercial poultry farming, allowing clients to select the birds they desire with ease.
"it needs to be situated in an area with a well-developed road system for convenient customer access and smooth movement of goods. Additionally, it must include essential facilities such as water supply and power," explained Isambo.
5. Waste management
To minimize external contaminants, set up a footbath at the entrance for shoe cleaning. Ensure there’s enough space to prevent people from jumping over it.
Isambo recommended enough spacing to enable cleaners to collect waste for use.
"There should be enough space to collect waste from the chickens that can be used as manure and how to process them."
What factors determine the size of eggs?
Other stories worth noting involve various factors that affect 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 commonly occur among poultry farmers?
Earlier, Pawonation.com.co.ke It has been 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 errors commonly made by farmers in poultry production that hinder profitability.
Omuka told Pawonation.com.co.ke A proficient farmer recognizes the significance of assessing accessible funds and the necessary investments for their agricultural enterprise.
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