Poultry keeping, RAPOGI, Migori (2026)

02/09/2026

🚨 BROILER FARMERS, CHECK YOUR BIRDS TODAY! 🐔⚠️

5 DAILY MISTAKES THAT CAN DESTROY BROILER PERFORMANCE FROM WEEK 3–6

Your birds may have started very well during the first two weeks, then suddenly growth slows down, flock becomes uneven and feed consumption increases.

Why? 👇
1. OVERCROWDING
Too many birds in a small space means competition for feed, water and fresh air.
👉 Give birds adequate space as they grow.

2. DIRTY DRINKERS
Dirty drinkers can contaminate drinking water and increase disease pressure.
👉 Wash drinkers regularly and keep water fresh.

3. POOR VENTILATION
If the house is hot and poorly ventilated, birds may reduce their feed intake.
👉 Allow proper airflow without creating harmful drafts.

4. IGNORING SMALL BIRDS
Don't wait until birds become severely stunted before investigating.
👉 Identify smaller birds early and check their access to feed and water.

5. TREATING WITHOUT DIAGNOSIS
Giving different medications whenever birds look weak can waste money and may delay proper treatment.
👉 Look at the signs, investigate the cause and involve a poultry veterinarian when necessary.

🔥 REMEMBER:
A GOOD FEED CANNOT CORRECT BAD MANAGEMENT!

Your broilers need more than feed to reach their potential.

💬 BE HONEST, FARMERS: WHICH OF THESE 5 MISTAKES HAVE YOU MADE BEFORE?

19/08/2026

CANNIBALISM IN CHICKEN

Cannibalism in chickens is a complex issue with multiple contributing factors. Here's a breakdown of the common causes and mitigation strategies:

Causes of Cannibalism in Chickens:
* Overcrowding: When chickens don't have enough space, they become stressed and more likely to peck at each other.
* Nutritional Deficiencies: A lack of essential nutrients, especially protein and certain amino acids, can lead chickens to seek them out in feathers or blood.
* Insufficient Feed or Water: Competition for limited resources can cause stress and aggression, leading to pecking and cannibalism.
* Excessive Heat or Light: Both can create stress and irritability, increasing the likelihood of pecking.
* Boredom: Lack of stimulation can lead to feather pecking, which can escalate into cannibalism.
* Injuries or Illness: Chickens are attracted to blood, so an injured bird can become a target.
* Genetics: Some breeds are more prone to cannibalism than others.
* Sudden Changes: Abrupt changes in environment, feed, or routine can stress chickens.

Mitigation Strategies:
* Provide Adequate Space: Ensure enough room for each chicken to move freely. The recommended space varies by breed and age.
* Balanced Diet: Feed a nutritionally complete diet that meets their protein, vitamin, and mineral requirements.
* Sufficient Feeders and Waterers: Ensure enough feeding and watering stations so all birds have easy access.
* Control Lighting: Avoid bright lights and provide a period of darkness for rest. Red or yellow bulbs can help reduce pecking.
* Environmental Enrichment: Provide activities and objects to keep chickens occupied, such as dust baths, perches, and pecking blocks.
* Promptly Treat Injuries: Isolate injured birds immediately to prevent others from pecking at them.
* Avoid Overcrowding: Don't overcrowd the coop or run.
* Introduce New Birds Carefully: When adding new chickens, quarantine them first and then introduce them gradually to the flock.
* Beak Trimming: In severe cases, beak trimming may be considered, but it should be done humanely and only when necessary.
* Monitor Flock: Observe your chickens regularly for signs of pecking or stress, and address any issues promptly.
Remember that prevention is key. By addressing the underlying causes, you can create a healthier and happier flock and prevent cannibalism from becoming a problem.

19/08/2026

Shout out to my newest followers! Excited to have you onboard! Issa Mapukata, Majoni Makombe, S Pradeep Kumar, Chris Jean Ishaya, Ayub Ashoey, Nathalie Zakietou, Matos Manuel Manuel, Mubarak Ahmed Karama, Jesrace Home Decors AndFurnitures, Roy Palma, Gift Shevchenko Chanza, Filemon Elias Namwinga, Timam Chisoni, Nouhan Sidibe, Adama Ba, Dumisani Gina, Takunda Craig Bonyongwa, Kennedy Riaga, Last Gokuda, Gerald Ng'ambi Snr, Cyruh Mwangi, Olugbenga Oluyemi, Fanelo Tshuma, Mujeeb Kurikkal, Glenda Chama Mandala, Baraka Blessyn, Ilunga Benwa, Daniel Tirivashe Kadiki, Okafor Chukwuemeka, Whisper Ndou, Jonas Besa, Qudrat Ullah Khan, Lydia Jebie, Asfandiar Khan, Sechaba Sa Motaung, Angelah George, Shaka Andthe Zulunation, Simon Thawe, Aishatu Hassan Dikko, Aremu Olakunle, Sneh MaZibula Dludlu, Nick K Rotich, Othusitse Radipex Dibotlhale, Antonis Alexakis, Obert Mazhakata, Simeon Nkambule, Kabwange Mziray, Cheikh Ndiaye, Erick Owaghah, Lynda Mouafo

18/08/2026

CANNIBALISM IN CHICKEN

Cannibalism in chickens is a complex issue with multiple contributing factors. Here's a breakdown of the common causes and mitigation strategies:

Causes of Cannibalism in Chickens:

* Overcrowding: When chickens don't have enough space, they become stressed and more likely to peck at each other.
* Nutritional Deficiencies: A lack of essential nutrients, especially protein and certain amino acids, can lead chickens to seek them out in feathers or blood.
* Insufficient Feed or Water: Competition for limited resources can cause stress and aggression, leading to pecking and cannibalism.
* Excessive Heat or Light: Both can create stress and irritability, increasing the likelihood of pecking.
* Boredom: Lack of stimulation can lead to feather pecking, which can escalate into cannibalism.
* Injuries or Illness: Chickens are attracted to blood, so an injured bird can become a target.
* Genetics: Some breeds are more prone to cannibalism than others.
* Sudden Changes: Abrupt changes in environment, feed, or routine can stress chickens.

Mitigation Strategies:

* Provide Adequate Space: Ensure enough room for each chicken to move freely. The recommended space varies by breed and age.
* Balanced Diet: Feed a nutritionally complete diet that meets their protein, vitamin, and mineral requirements.
* Sufficient Feeders and Waterers: Ensure enough feeding and watering stations so all birds have easy access.
* Control Lighting: Avoid bright lights and provide a period of darkness for rest. Red or yellow bulbs can help reduce pecking.
* Environmental Enrichment: Provide activities and objects to keep chickens occupied, such as dust baths, perches, and pecking blocks.
* Promptly Treat Injuries: Isolate injured birds immediately to prevent others from pecking at them.
* Avoid Overcrowding: Don't overcrowd the coop or run.
* Introduce New Birds Carefully: When adding new chickens, quarantine them first and then introduce them gradually to the flock.
* Beak Trimming: In severe cases, beak trimming may be considered, but it should be done humanely and only when necessary.
* Monitor Flock: Observe your chickens regularly for signs of pecking or stress, and address any issues promptly.
Remember that prevention is key. By addressing the underlying causes, you can create a healthier and happier flock and prevent cannibalism from becoming a problem.

12/08/2026

Early chick mortality (1–7 days) in improved kienyeji breeds like Sasso, Kenbro, or Kuroilers is unfortunately common—but usually preventable. When deaths happen progressively (a few each day), it often points to management or infection issues rather than a single sudden event.

Here are the main causes, grouped clearly:
---
🔥 1. Temperature Stress (Most Common Cause)

Young chicks cannot regulate their body temperature.

Too cold → chicks pile up, become weak, stop feeding → die gradually

Too hot → panting, dehydration → death

✅ Signs:

Huddling under heat source (cold)

Moving far away from heat (too hot)

👉 Ideal brooder temp:

Day 1–3: 32–35°C

Reduce gradually each week
---
💧 2. Dehydration & Poor Feeding

Chicks can die quickly if they don’t eat or drink within the first 24 hours.

Causes:

No clean water immediately after arrival

Weak chicks not finding feeders/drinkers

Electrolyte imbalance

✅ Signs:

Weak, shriveled chicks

Empty crops

👉 Solution:

Give glucose + vitamins in water on arrival

Ensure easy access to feed and water
---
🦠 3. Bacterial Infections (e.g., E. coli, Salmonella)

Very common in brooders with poor hygiene.

Causes:

Dirty brooders

Contaminated water/feed

Infection from hatchery

✅ Signs:

Pasting (dirty vent)

Diarrhea

Weakness and gradual deaths
---
🦠 4. Viral Diseases

Though less common in first few days, they can occur.

Examples:

Newcastle disease

Infectious bursal disease

👉 Usually linked to:
Poor vaccination
Early exposure
---
🍽️ 5. Poor Quality Feed

Low-quality or moldy chick mash can kill chicks slowly.

Issues:
Low protein
Aflatoxins (from moldy maize)
Expired feed

✅ Signs:
Poor growth
Weakness before death
---
🧼 6. Poor Brooder Hygiene
Dirty conditions = disease buildup.

Common mistakes:
Wet litter
Overcrowding
Not disinfecting before arrival
---
😮‍💨 7. Transport & Stress

If chicks were:
Overcrowded during transport
Exposed to cold or heat
They may die gradually over the first week.
---
🧬 8. Weak Chicks / Hatchery Issues

Some chicks are weak from the start due to:
Poor parent stock
Poor incubation
These usually die one by one in the first few days.
---
🚫 9. Smothering (Suffocation)

Occurs when chicks pile up due to:
Cold
Fright
Poor brooder setup
---
✅ What You Should Do Immediately:
Check and correct temperature

Provide clean water + vitamins/electrolytes

Use quality chick mash

Clean and disinfect brooder

Avoid overcrowding (max ~50 chicks per m² first week)

Observe chick behavior closely
---
⚠️ When to Call a Vet

If deaths continue beyond 5–10%

If you see diarrhea, coughing or twisted necks.

08/08/2026

Why poultry business?🐔

Poultry is one of the most popular businesses in Zim and across Africa for good reason. Here’s why people go into it:

1. Fast money turnover 💰
- Broilers: Ready in 6 weeks. You invest today, you sell in 1.5 months
- Layers: Start laying at 18-20 weeks, then give you eggs every day for 18+ months
Compare that to cattle that take 2-3 years. With poultry, your money doesn’t get "stuck" long.

2. High demand all year
Everyone eats chicken and eggs. Weddings, schools, shops, restaurants, families.
Even with the economy, people still buy a $4 tray of eggs or a $7 chicken. Market never really dies.

3. Low entry cost
You can start small.
- 50 broiler chicks + feed + drinkers = you can start with

29/07/2026

What to do if you find dead chicks (baby chickens) inside their house (coop or brooder).
Here’s what you should do immediately.

1. Remove the dead chicks — Use gloves and carefully take out all the dead ones. Put them in a sealed bag for disposal (burying or burning is best).

2. Isolate any sick ones — If some chicks are still alive but look weak, separate them quickly into another clean, warm area.

3. Check for causes — Common reasons chicks die are:

Temperature issues (too cold or too hot)

Poor ventilation

Contaminated water or feed

Disease or infection

Crowding (too many chicks in a small space)

4. Disinfect the house — Clean the whole area: feeders, drinkers, floor, and walls. Use a poultry-safe disinfectant.

5. Adjust the environment — Make sure:

Temperature is correct (around 32–35°C for very young chicks).

Water is fresh and clean.

Feed is fresh and appropriate for chicks.

Space is enough so they are not crowding.

6. Observe the rest — Watch the surviving chicks closely over the next few hours. If many more die, you might need a vet to check if it’s a disease outbreak.

28/07/2026

To succeed in poultry farming and sustain a profitable business, it's essential to adhere to key guidelines. Stocking within your means is crucial, meaning ordering only as many birds as you can comfortably manage. Overstocking can lead to challenges like stunted growth, disease outbreaks, and high mortality rates.

Vigilance is also key. Treat your farm like a serious business by inspecting your pens daily and observing your birds' behavior. This helps identify potential issues early and maintain a healthy flock. Pay close attention to warning signs like bad odors, reduced feed consumption, or lethargic behavior, and address health issues promptly.

When changing feeds, do it gradually to minimize stress and negative effects on birds. Ensure uninterrupted water access, as birds can survive longer without feed than water, and prioritize providing clean, drinkable water to prevent waterborne diseases.

Additionally, avoid borrowing money without significant experience, as poultry farming involves unpredictable challenges. By following these principles, poultry farmers can cultivate healthy, productive birds, minimize losses, and build a thriving operation.

27/07/2026

*POULTRY DRUGS AND DOSAGES*

🐥 1. Coccidiosis (bloody diarrhoea, weak chicks)

Common drugs ✔ Amprolium / Amprocox WS (coccidiostat) — treats coccidiosis.
Dosage (general guideline)
👉 Mix 1 g Amprolium powder in 5 L clean drinking water for 5–7 days (adjust based on label).

✔ Nilcox (sodium sulfadimidine + diaveridine) — alternative anticoccidial.
Dosage:
👉 1 g per 5 L water for 5 days.

💡 Ensure only medicated water is given during treatment and change litter regularly.

🪱 2. Worm Control (internal parasites)

Common dewormers ✔ Albendazole / Piperazine / Levamisole — broad-spectrum dewormers.

Typical water dosages

Piperazine: ~200 mg/kg body weight (e.g., 1 g treats ~5 kg of birds) over 6–8 h in medicated water.

Levamisole: ~28 mg/kg body weight (e.g., 8 g in 10 L water) for small flocks.

📌 Give once, then repeat after ~2–3 weeks if heavy infestation suspected.

🦠 3. Bacterial Infections (respiratory, diarrhoea)

Common antibiotics used by farmers in Kenya These are sometimes used only under veterinary advice because inappropriate use can lead to resistance.

✔ Oxytetracycline products (e.g., Egocin, Veta Oxy, Vetoxy) — broad spectrum.
✔ Tylodoxy / Doxin (doxycycline + tylosin) — respiratory + general infections.
✔ Trimovet / Biosol (trimethoprim + sulphamethoxazole) — general antibacterial.

Example water dosage (general reference)
👉 Oxytetracycline: follow label (often a few grams per 10–20 L water)
👉 Tylodoxy: as per label; for respiratory signs often given for 3–5 days.

📌 Make sure no coccidiosis drugs or vitamins are in water when giving antibiotics.
📌 Antibiotics are not effective for viral diseases like Newcastle.

💧 4. Supportive Care (not drugs, but helps recovery)

✔ Multivitamins & electrolytes in water — improves strength and hydration after stress or illness.
👉 Add as per label (often ~1 g per litre water or per label instructions).

⚠️ Important Safety Notes

Vaccines, not antibiotics, prevent viral diseases like Newcastle and Gumboro.

Always complete the full course of medication.

Avoid using antibiotics without vet or agrovet guidance — misuse can cause resistance.

Respect withdrawal periods (eggs/meat) when using drugs.

Monitor chicks closely; if conditions worsen, seek a veterinarian.

25/07/2026

POULTRY GUIDE TIPS - IMPROVED KIENYEJI

1. Housing and Environment

Coop Design: Build a raised, well-ventilated coop (at least 2–3 ft off the ground) with 2–3 sq ft per bird inside and 10 sq ft in a fenced run. Use local materials like timber or mud walls, but ensure a tin or iron-sheet roof to protect from rain.

Predator Protection: Secure with chicken wire (small mesh) and lockable doors to guard against hawks, mongooses, and dogs common in rural areas.
Cleanliness: Use sawdust, rice husks, or dry grass as bedding; clean weekly to prevent coccidiosis and other diseases.

Ventilation: Ensure good airflow to avoid respiratory issues, but avoid direct drafts.

2. Feeding and Nutrition

Balanced Diet: Supplement free-range foraging with a balanced diet. Provide:
Commercial Feed. Improved Kienyeji like Kuroiler or Kenbro need more protein than traditional breeds.

Local Supplements: Mix in maize bran, sorghum, sunflower seeds, or omena (fish meal) for cost-effective nutrition.

Vegetables and Greens: Offer sukuma wiki, cabbage, or amaranth (terere) to boost vitamins.

Calcium and Grit: Provide crushed oyster shells or limestone for strong eggshells and grit for digestion.

Water: Supply clean, fresh water daily in clean containers; add multivitamins during stress (e.g., vaccination or weather changes).

Feeding Schedule: Feed twice daily (morning and evening) to complement foraging.

3. Health Management

Vaccinations: Follow a vaccination schedule:
Day 1–7: Newcastle Disease (NCD) vaccine (eye drop or water).
Week 2: Gumboro (Infectious Bursal Disease) vaccine.
Week 4–6: Fowl Pox and repeat NCD.
Every 3 months: Deworm and repeat NCD for adults.

Parasite Control: Dust birds with poultry-safe powders (e.g., Sevin) for lice/mites. Deworm every 3–4 months using piperazine or levamisole.

Biosecurity: Disinfect coops with products like Virkon, restrict visitors, and quarantine new birds for 2–4 weeks.

Local Remedies: Use aloe vera or chili in water to boost immunity and treat mild infections, but consult a vet for serious issues.

4. Breeding and Selection

Improved Breeds: Choose high-performing Kienyeji breeds like Sasso, Kenbro, or Rainbow Rooster for faster growth (3–4 months to market) and better egg production (150–200 eggs/year vs. 50–80 for traditional Kienyeji).

Breeding Ratio: Maintain 1 rooster for every 8–10 hens to ensure good fertility without stress.

Hatching: Use broody hens or affordable incubators (50–100 egg capacity) for controlled hatching. Ensure eggs are clean and stored at 15–20°C before incubation.

5. Egg Production and Management
Nesting Boxes: Provide 1 box per 4–5 hens, lined with soft grass or sawdust, placed in a quiet, shaded corner.

Egg Collection: Collect eggs 2–3 times daily to prevent breakage or eating by hens.

Boosting Production: Ensure 14–16 hours of light (use solar lamps in low-light seasons) and minimize stress from noise or predators.

6. Free-Range Management

Supervised Foraging: Allow free-ranging in a fenced area during the day (e.g., 6–10 AM, 4–6 PM) to reduce feed costs, but lock birds up at night.

Predator Patrol: Use dogs or local traps to deter predators. Plant thorny hedges (e.g., kei apple) around the run.

Crop Protection: Fence off gardens to prevent chickens from damaging crops like maize or vegetables.

7. Chick Rearing
Brooder Setup: Create a warm brooder (90–95°F for week 1, reduced by 5°F weekly) using charcoal jikos, heat lamps, or insulated boxes with sawdust.

Feeding Chicks: Use chick starter mash (20–22% protein) for the first 8 weeks. Avoid adult feed to prevent kidney issues.

Hardening: Gradually expose chicks to outdoor conditions from 4–6 weeks to build resilience.

8. Marketing and Profitability

Market Research: Sell eggs and meat at local markets, hotels, or schools. Kienyeji eggs and meat fetch higher prices (KSh 15–20/egg, KSh 800–1200/bird) due to organic appeal.

Record-Keeping: Track feed costs, egg production, and sales to monitor profitability.

Value Addition: Sell smoked or packaged Kienyeji meat or branded eggs for premium prices.

9. Common Challenges and Solutions

High Feed Costs: Grow fodder crops like napier grass or black soldier fly larvae to cut costs.

Disease Outbreaks: Work with local vets or agro-vets for timely advice and vaccines.

Low Egg Production: Check for stress, poor nutrition, or old hens (replace hens after 2–3 years).

Poultry keeping

02/09/2026

19/08/2026

19/08/2026

18/08/2026

12/08/2026

08/08/2026

29/07/2026

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27/07/2026

25/07/2026

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