How to select and breed kienyeji chicken

Right breeding is a game changer in livestock farming. Selection of healthy chicken is important to ensure a healthy flock with high productivity especially for kienyeji poultry farming.

But what are the most important features to look out for in chicks, growers, hens and cocks?

A breed is a group of chicken with unique features inherited from parents. Features such as the colour of comb, earlobes and shank are usually determined by breed. A breed can have variations in plumage colour. Thus, a white and a black hen may just be different variant of the same breed.

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Features of a healthy chick

For a healthy chick look out for, shiny, dry, thick and coloured down feathers. Soft belly, clean, dry navel and clean feathers around the vent. Thick shanks with spaced and straight toes. Big clear eyes and lively behaviour.

Features of a healthy grower

A healthy grower should be alert and on guard, have bright eyes and comb. It should be able to walk, run, stand and scratch with ease. Continuously eat and drink and normally lay eggs.  Additionally, it should have smooth and neat feathers, soft compact droppings and breathe quietly.

Features of a Laying Bird and Cock

They should be healthy and lively, feathering shiny and normal (depending on the breed) and large size for the age. The eyes should be clear and shiny while the beaks and nostrils are clean and dry. For stability, they should have straight legs and toes.

Generally, the cocks are large relative to the hens and are mostly alert and protective.

Additional features of a Healthy Good Layer

To add on the above, a good layer should have a red comb (that is more coloured when in lay) and the legs less coloured when in lay. The breast bone should not be too sharp. A big broad bottom is desirable so that it can lay large sized eggs with ease.

Select or buy new chicken variety early in the day, as stress from lack of water, feed and rest, will make them look sickly.