Since Covid-19 hit in March, it has been tough season for ="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/nyanza/article/2001384323/over-16000-poultry-farmers-get-free-extension-services">poultry farmers.< As the situation begins to normalise, here are some farming tips that will be important moving forward:

1.       Housing and bio-security

If you are constructing a new unit, ensure orientation is on East-West direction. The roof height should not be less than 9 feet from the ground, well ventilated using chicken wire and wire mesh all round. The perimeter wall should be two to three feet high. Cover the unit with curtains made of gunny bags and ensure you have enough tube feeders (1 per 80 chicks), bell drinkers (1 per 50 chicks), heat source and lighting. The building should be lockable and only accessible to authorised personnel.

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2.       Choice of type and breed of chicken

Consult widely for the right choice of breed and type for your poultry venture. Go for a breed with predictable performance characteristics. Put your supplier to task on expected level of performance from the chicks, what is the expected feed conversion ratio? Expected growth rates, average daily gain in weight? Livability? Egg production per hen/year.

3.       Brooding and early life care

Prepare a good brooder and place at most 50 chicks/metre square space and this should be expanded as the chicks approach two weeks of age. Your heating source should provide and maintain a temperature of 32-35 degrees centigrade first week and gradually go down as="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/nyanza/article/2001384323/over-16000-poultry-farmers-get-free-extension-services"> chicks