Are you a layers chicken farmer in Kenya looking for answers to prices, costs, feed needs and vaccination schedules? This post gives you the best answers to various FAQs you may have.
Q: What are the qualities of Kenchic layers Chicken?
A: Kenchic layers have these qualities: high liveability (over 93.2%), start laying eggs at 18 weeks, lay eggs from 18 to 80 weeks, produce over 330 eggs per hen in 62 weeks, reach peak production of over 95%, have a feed conversion ratio of 6 eggs per kg, and weigh over 2kg at 80 weeks.
Q: How many eggs can 100 layers lay in a day?
A: At peak production, a layer can lay up to 1 egg per day. So, 100 layers at peak production can lay up to 100 eggs per day.
Q: What is the feeding program for Kenchic layers?
A: The feeding program for Kenchic layers involves a 3-phase diet, as recommended by Unga Farmcare, a sister company of Kenchic.
- The first phase is Fugo Chick & Duckling Mash, which is fed from Day 0-Week 8 and provides balanced nutrients that support internal organs growth and better immune system to resist early chick mortalities.
- The second phase is Fugo Grower Mash, which is introduced gradually in a span of 3 days from Week 9-18 and provides high quality supplementary nutrients that support proper frame development of a pullet and faster weight gain.
- The third phase is Fugo Layer Compleat Meal, which is introduced gradually in a span of 3 days to a layer bird from the start of lay at 2% egg and provides high quality nutrients that gives strong shelled eggs and yellow coloured egg yolks.
Q: How many bags of feed for 100 layers per month
To determine the amount of feed required for 100 layers per month, it is necessary to consider the feed consumption rate of each hen. and type of feed. A laying hen will consume between 100 and 150 grams of feed per day or roughly 0.25 pounds.
- Determine the total monthly feed consumption range:
- Lower end: 100 layers * 30 days * 0.1 kg/day = 300 kg
- Upper end: 100 layers * 30 days * 0.15 kg/day = 450 kg
- Determine the number of bags needed:
- Lower end: 300 kg ÷ 70 kg/bag ≈ 4.29 bags
- Upper end: 450 kg ÷ 70 kg/bag ≈ 6.43 bags
Therefore 100 layers will require 4 to 7 bags of feed per month considering a normal bag size of 70 kg.
Q: Which factors affect my chicken feed requirements per day?
A: However, your chicken feed requirements may further be affected by following factors.
- Age of chicken:
- Chick mash: 2 bags per month
- Growers feed: 4.5 bags per month
- Layer mash: 6.7 bags per month
- Genetics: High-producing hybrid layers require more feed to support their egg-laying capacity compared to heritage or Kienyeji chicken breeds.
- Type of housing: Crowded or poorly ventilated housing may increase feed consumption due to stress.
- Feeding system: Automated systems can provide controlled portions and reduce wastage, while manual feeding may lead to overfeeding or uneven distribution.
- Management system: Proper management practices such as chick vaccination promote bird health and productivity, resulting in lower feed needs
- Stocking density: Lower population chicken densities can lead to low chicken feed costs.
- Environmental conditions of the layer birds: Extreme temperatures or poor lighting can affect chickens’ metabolic rate and energy requirements, influencing feed intake.
Q: What is the cost of rearing 100 layers in Kenya?
A: On average, it costs approximately Sh400 per pullet up to the point of lay. The cost of rearing 100 layers in Kenya is Ksh. 276,940. It comprises the expenses for buying chicken feed and one day old chicks, vaccines, and treatment. The cost of layers is highest at around 95 % of the total cost.
Q: How can I keep poultry diseases at bay?
A: Adhere to strict biosecurity measures such as regular cleaning of the poultry house, vaccination according to schedule, providing adequate spacing, and ensuring clean water and high-quality feeds.
Q: How can I construct a chicken house?
A: Ensure the house is well-ventilated with open walls not less than five feet high on both long sides. The floor can be concrete, wood/concrete, or murram, and litter should be provided for chicks.
Q: How many layers can I keep in a house?
A: Allow two square feet per layer, so for 100 layers, you’ll need a space of at least 200 square feet.
Q: Can I keep layers and broilers in the same house?
A: Birds of different types and ages should be housed separately in an all-in all-out system.
Q: How far should the houses be from each other?
A: Ideally, poultry houses should be 10 meters apart, but at least five meters is acceptable for small plots.
Q: What should I do when it is very cold?
A: Use used-feed bags as curtains for ventilation during cold weather. Avoid using polythene bags to prevent suffocation.
Q: Can I use sawdust as litter?
A: Sawdust is not preferable due to its lack of absorbency and tendency to cake. Use wood shavings, chopped straw, or rice husks instead.
Q: How do I construct laying nests?
A: Individual nests should be one cubic foot raised at least one foot off the ground, shared by five birds. Communal nests should be dark and constructed on the darkest side of the house.
Q: How can I increase my layers’ egg production?
A: Follow a week-by-week feeding guide, ensure proper weight gain during rearing, monitor egg production rates closely, provide a balanced diet with the right nutrients, and maintain proper management practices like temperature control, lighting, and ventilation.
Q: Kenchic layers prices in Kenya?
A: Kenchic is a local and regional retailer and distributor of day-old layers, broilers, and chicks in Kenya
Here’s the breakdown of Kenchic products and their prices in Kenya
| Product | Price (KES) |
|---|---|
| Kenchic Snacky Chicken Bite 125G | 99.00 |
| Kenchic Smoked Chicken Sausage 900G | 469.00 |
| Kenchic Chicken Brawn 200G | 142.00 |
| Kenchic Assorted Chicken Pack 1kg | 501.00 |
| Kenchic Chicken Necks 700g | Unspecified |
Day-old chicks prices:
| Chick Type | Price (KES) |
|---|---|
| Layer | 140 |
| Broiler | 100 |
| Kenbro | 110 |
