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  Chicken farming proves to be a profitable venture in Kenya, as many families across the country maintain poultry at home.
  
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  Vincent Isambo, an agribusiness specialist, offered advice on key factors for Kenyans to keep in mind when constructing a chicken coop.
  
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  The specialist suggested that the location ought to be protected from predators and theft, as well as adequately ventilated.
  

The LIFEHACK.co.ke correspondent Japhet Ruto boasts more than eight years of expertise in covering finance, commerce, and technological advancements, providing deep understanding of both Kenya’s and international economic patterns.

Constructing a chicken coop is crucial as it ensures the well-being and productivity of your chickens, maintains efficient management, and minimizes ecological impact.

What reasons are there for constructing a chicken coop?

The house shields chickens from predators, theft, harsh weather conditions, and offers a safe space for laying eggs and nesting hens.

As stated by the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO), poultry housing should include ventilation openings on both sides.

“Make sure wind flows through the house without creating drafts (chilliness). For poultry houses, vents should be placed on both sides for adequate air circulation. A vent or skylight on the roof will guarantee good ventilation and provide natural lighting,” according to KALRO.

Elements to take into account when constructing a chicken coop

Vincent Isambo, an agribusiness advisor, offered guidance on the key factors Kenyans should keep in mind while constructing a chicken farm.

Below are his recommendations:

1. Topography

Isambo says that the site chosen for constructing the chicken coop needs to be both dry and level.

He advised staying away from locations with poor drainage. Conversely, you could raise the house above the ground level. In addition, for rectangular buildings, position the gable ends to face east-west.

In commercial poultry farming, six laying hens require one square meter of space, whereas 11 broiler chickens can be housed within the same area.

2. Security

Another aspect to take into account for preventing or reducing losses is security.

Isambo suggests that the location needs to be both secure and free from predators and thieves.

In order to deter rodents and reptiles, ensure that you eliminate all vegetation within a radius of at least three meters around your home’s exterior walls,” he explained further. “To ward off predators and clean up feces easily, opt for raised or slatted floors instead. Make sure to also remove any sharp items from the ground level to prevent possible harm. For simpler maintenance through sanitization and cleansing processes, concrete flooring is recommended.

3. Cost of materials

In order to lower the expenses of building, the specialist recommended that chicken farmers utilize resources found nearby.

“He suggested using readily accessible resources such as lumber, metal roofing sheets, and leftover pieces. Make sure to strip away all the tree bark from the wood to minimize the pest infestation,” he stated.

4. Accessibility

The website needs to be user-friendly for those involved in commercial poultry farming, allowing customers to easily select the birds they desire.

“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 electrical power,” explained Isambo.

5. Waste management

To minimize external contaminants, set up a footbath at the entrance for shoe cleansing. Ensure there’s sufficient space to prevent people from bypassing it.

Isambo suggested sufficient space to allow cleaners to gather refuse for utilization.

There must be sufficient room to gather waste from the chickens, which can serve as fertilizer, along with instructions on how to manage this process.

What factors determine the size of eggs?

Other stories in the update highlight various factors that affect how big the eggs laid by a farm chicken can be.

These factors include aspects of the hen’s diet as well as environmental conditions, yet they significantly affect productivity.

Grasping these elements can enhance egg production efficiency and maintain superior output quality.

What errors do chicken farmers commonly encounter?

Earlier,

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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 common errors that numerous farmers encounter in poultry farming, which impact their profitability.

Omuka told

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A proficient farmer recognizes the significance of assessing accessible funds and the necessary investments for their agricultural enterprise.