Category: Poultry Farming

Ostrich farming in Kenya is a thriving industry that has been growing in popularity over the years. Ostriches are native to Africa and are well suited to the country’s climate and environment. They are raised for their meat, eggs, feathers, and leather.

The Kenyan government has been actively promoting ostrich farming as a way to diversify the country’s economy and create employment opportunities. There are several large ostrich farms in Kenya, with the majority located in the Rift Valley region.

Ostrich meat is becoming increasingly popular in Kenya and other countries, as it is a lean, healthy, and high-protein meat. Ostrich eggs are also in high demand, as they are considered a delicacy and can be used for cooking and baking.

Ostrich feathers and leather are used for various purposes, including fashion accessories, decorative items, and furniture. The feathers are highly valued for their softness, durability, and unique appearance, while ostrich leather is considered one of the finest leathers in the world.

Ostrich farming in Kenya has also created employment opportunities for many people, especially in rural areas where jobs are scarce. It has provided a source of income for many small-scale farmers who can raise ostriches on their land.

Overall, ostrich farming in Kenya has become a sustainable and profitable industry that has a positive impact on the economy, environment, and society.

The battery cage system is a method of housing chickens for egg production, in which chickens are kept in small cages in large numbers. There are several types of battery cage systems, including:

1. Conventional battery cages: These are the most common type of battery cages, and they consist of small, wire-mesh cages stacked on top of each other in rows. Each cage is designed to hold several birds, and they are typically housed in large, warehouse-like buildings.
2. Enriched cages: These are larger than conventional battery cages and have some additional features such as perches, nest boxes, and scratching areas. Enriched cages provide more space and some additional opportunities for natural behaviors, but they still do not allow for the full range of natural behaviors that chickens would exhibit in the wild.
3. Furnished cages: These are similar to enriched cages but provide even more space and additional amenities such as perches, nest boxes, and litter areas. Furnished cages allow for more natural behaviors than conventional battery cages or enriched cages, but they are still far from ideal in terms of animal welfare.

It’s worth noting that many animal welfare organizations and advocates oppose the use of battery cages for laying hens, citing concerns about animal welfare, health, and environmental impacts. Alternative housing systems, such as free-range, cage-free, and aviary systems, have become more popular in recent years.

A feed granulator, also known as a feed pelletizer, is a machine that is used to convert raw materials such as grains, corn, soybean, and other feed ingredients into compressed pellets. The pellets can then be used as animal feed for livestock, poultry, and fish.

The process of making animal feed pellets involves compressing the raw materials under high pressure using a pelletizing machine. The feed granulator usually consists of a feed hopper, a conditioning chamber, a press chamber, and a cutting device. The raw materials are first fed into the conditioning chamber where they are mixed with steam and water to soften them. The softened mixture then passes through the press chamber where it is compressed into pellets. The cutting device is used to cut the pellets to the desired length.

The advantages of using a feed granulator include:

1. Improved animal nutrition: Feed pellets produced by a feed granulator have a higher nutritional value and are easier for animals to digest, leading to improved growth and productivity.
2. Increased efficiency: Feed granulators can produce pellets in large quantities, making them ideal for commercial animal feed production.
3. Cost-effective: By producing their own animal feed using a feed granulator, farmers can save money and reduce their reliance on expensive commercial feed.
4. Ease of storage and transport: Feed pellets are easy to store and transport, taking up less space than raw materials.

However, there are also some potential drawbacks to using a feed granulator, including:

1. High upfront costs: Feed granulators can be expensive to purchase, which may be a barrier for some farmers.
2. Maintenance: Feed granulators require regular maintenance and cleaning to ensure that they are working properly and producing high-quality feed pellets.
3. Raw material quality: The quality of the raw materials used to produce feed pellets can affect the nutritional value and quality of the pellets.

Overall, a feed granulator can be a useful tool for farmers who want to produce high-quality animal feed efficiently and cost-effectively.

KARI (Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization) Kienyeji chickens are a popular breed of indigenous chickens in Kenya known for their high egg-laying capacity and meat quality.

The prices of KARI Kienyeji chickens can vary depending on various factors such as the location, age, weight, and demand.

In general, the price of a fully grown KARI kienyeji chicken can range from Ksh 800 to Ksh 1500 (approximately 7 to 14 USD) depending on the location and demand.

The price of day-old chicks can range from Kshs.100 to Kshs.150 (approximately 1 to 1.5 USD) per chick.

It’s important to note that the prices can vary depending on the seller, and it’s always advisable to purchase KARI Kienyeji chickens from reputable sellers to ensure that you get healthy and quality birds.

Kenbro chickens are a popular breed of indigenous chicken in Kenya that are known for their high egg-laying capacity, quick maturity, and resilience to harsh environmental conditions. However, there are also some disadvantages associated with the Kenbro breed, including:

1. Size: Kenbro chickens are generally smaller in size compared to commercial breeds like broilers. This means that they may not be as profitable for meat production.
2. Meat quality: While Kenbro chickens are a dual-purpose breed, they are not as meaty as some other commercial breeds, and the quality of their meat may not be as good.
3. Availability: While Kenbro chickens are a popular breed in Kenya, they may not be as readily available in other parts of the world.
4. Disease susceptibility: Like all chickens, Kenbro chickens are susceptible to various diseases and parasites, and if not properly managed, this can lead to significant losses.
5. Market demand: Kenbro chickens may not be as popular in some markets compared to other breeds, which could affect their profitability for farmers.

Overall, while Kenbro chickens have many advantages, farmers need to weigh the pros and cons when deciding whether to raise this breed.

Quail fertile eggs are eggs laid by female quails that have been fertilized by male quails. Fertile quail eggs can be incubated to hatch into baby quails, which can be raised for their meat, eggs, or as pets.

Fertile quail eggs can be identified by a small white spot on the yolk, which indicates that the egg has been fertilized. These eggs can be purchased from quail breeders or online, and they are typically more expensive than non-fertile quail eggs.

When purchasing quail fertile eggs, it is important to ensure that they are fresh and have been properly handled and stored. Fertile eggs should be stored in a cool, dry place, and they should not be washed, as this can remove the protective coating on the eggshell and increase the risk of bacterial contamination.

To incubate quail fertile eggs, they should be placed in a suitable incubator set to the appropriate temperature and humidity levels. The eggs should be turned several times a day to ensure that the developing embryo does not stick to the inside of the eggshell. After around 17-18 days, the eggs should begin to hatch, and the baby quails can be removed and placed in a brooder to be raised.

Overall, quail fertile eggs can be a great way to start a quail breeding program, as they provide the opportunity to hatch your own quail chicks. However, it is important to ensure that you have the necessary equipment and knowledge to properly incubate and care for the eggs and the resulting chicks.

Muscovy ducks are not native to Kenya, but they have been introduced and can be found in some parts of the country. Muscovy ducks are native to South and Central America, and they are commonly raised for meat and eggs.

In Kenya, Muscovy ducks are primarily kept by farmers for their meat and eggs, as well as for pest control. Muscovy ducks are known to eat insects and other pests, making them an effective natural form of pest control in agriculture.

Muscovy ducks are also popular in Kenya for their ability to adapt to a wide range of environments, as well as their resistance to diseases. They are generally hardy and can withstand various environmental conditions, which makes them a good choice for farmers.

Overall, while Muscovy ducks are not native to Kenya, they have been introduced and are now being raised by farmers for various purposes.

The feeding schedule for chickens may vary depending on their age, breed, and the specific needs of the birds. However, here is a general feeding schedule that can be followed:

1. Chicks (0-6 weeks old): Provide a high-protein starter feed (18-20% protein) to chicks. Offer feed to chicks throughout the day, and ensure that they have access to fresh, clean water at all times.
2. Pullets (6-20 weeks old): Continue to feed the pullets with starter feed for the first few weeks, then switch to a grower feed (16-18% protein) until they start laying eggs. Offer feed to the pullets throughout the day and provide access to fresh, clean water.
3. Laying hens (20+ weeks old): Provide a layer feed (16-18% protein) to laying hens. Offer feed to the hens throughout the day, and ensure that they have access to fresh, clean water at all times. Supplement their diet with calcium, either through oyster shell or crushed eggshells, to support egg production and shell formation.

It’s also important to note that the quantity of feed provided to the birds should be based on their appetite, with adjustments made as needed. Additionally, providing treats in moderation can help with the birds’ overall health and happiness, but treats should not make up more than 10% of their diet.

In summary, feeding schedules may vary depending on the age and specific needs of the chickens, but a general schedule includes high-protein starter feed for chicks, grower feed for pullets, and layer feed for laying hens, with fresh water always available.

Here are some common tools and equipment used in poultry farming:

1. Feeders and Waterers: These are containers that hold food and water for the birds.
2. Incubators: These are used to hatch eggs by maintaining the temperature, humidity, and ventilation necessary for the eggs to develop.
3. Brooders: These are used to keep chicks warm in the early stages of life. They provide heat and shelter for the chicks until they are old enough to regulate their body temperature.
4. Egg collection nests: These are boxes or compartments designed for collecting eggs. They may be equipped with roll-away eggs, automatic egg collection or manual collection methods.
5. Coop and Cage Systems: These are enclosures designed to house the birds. They are designed to be safe, secure, and comfortable for the birds, as well as easy for farmers to access and maintain.
6. Lighting systems: Lighting can play a significant role in the growth, development, and behavior of birds. It can be used to regulate the birds’ internal clocks, promote egg-laying, and improve overall performance.
7. Ventilation systems: Proper ventilation is critical in poultry farming to ensure that the birds have enough fresh air, and to remove moisture, dust, and harmful gases from the air.
8. Cleaning and sanitizing equipment: Cleaning and disinfecting equipment such as sprayers, pressure washers, and chemical disinfectants, are necessary to maintain a clean and healthy environment for the birds.
9. Record keeping tools: Record keeping is important in tracking bird growth, feed consumption, egg production, disease incidence and general performance. Common record keeping tools are notebooks, excel sheets, or software programs.

These are just some of the essential tools and equipment used in poultry farming, and there may be additional specialized tools depending on the specific type of farming operation.

1. Intensive or Factory Farming: This method involves raising a large number of birds in a small area with controlled environmental conditions, such as temperature, lighting, and ventilation. This method is characterized by its high level of productivity and efficiency, but also involves significant environmental and animal welfare concerns.
2. Free-range Farming: In this method, birds are allowed to roam freely in a large outdoor area and have access to the sun, grass, and other natural elements. This method aims to provide a more natural and humane environment for birds, but it is often less efficient and less productive than intensive farming.
3. Cage-free Farming: In this method, birds are kept in large indoor barns but are not confined to cages. This method aims to provide a better quality of life for the birds compared to intensive farming, but it is still less natural than free-range farming.
4. Organic Farming: This method involves raising birds in a natural environment without the use of synthetic pesticides, hormones, or antibiotics. This method aims to provide a healthier and more environmentally sustainable environment for birds, but it is often more expensive and less productive than conventional farming methods.
5. Backyard or Small-scale Farming: This method involves raising a small number of birds in a backyard or small plot of land. This method is often used for personal consumption or as a hobby, and it provides a more natural environment for birds compared to intensive farming.