Indigenous chicken are tasty, organic and growing them contributes to food security since it has low start up costs, requires less land, labour and are highly demanded.
Challenges to poultry farmers are disorganised marketing system, unreliable product supply, no access to extension services, high mortality rates, high costs of feeding and poor breeding.
Its always advisable for farmers to keep many birds for higher profits and their droppings used as manure.
Production and marketing
When selling birds always weigh birds to enhance collective marketing and production. Also build sustainable poultry housing to safe guard birds from predators, thieves and harsh weather.
Ensure ventilation in poultry houses with one side having wire mesh to allow proper air circulation. To add on that pour saw dust on the floor for moisture absorption. Additionally use raised wire mesh system to accommodate a large number of birds and for easily collect droppings.
Also maintain proper hygiene and vaccinate 3 – 5 days after hatching to control and minimize viral diseases. Always get trained on vaccination and parasite control measures to control losses resulting from diseases and pests as well as properly follow vaccination programme to minimize losses.
Regularly inspect poultry for external parasites as outdoor birds are highly exposed and sprinkle pesticides in shade, nests, cracks and crevices to kill external parasites. Lastly place herbs in drinking water for medication and supplement birds in with feeds for better growth.
