Keeping improved Kienyeji birds as commercial venture

The true population of improved indigenous or backyard chickens in Kenya is not well known, and for that reason no county has a policy to improve on production.

Majority of these improved breeds are dual-purpose in nature, which means that improved Kienyeji are good for both meat and table eggs. They are slowly replacing the locally known 'Kienyeji' or backyard indigenous chicken due to their ability to grow fast and give tastier meat.

These birds raised for meat, will be ready for market from as early as eight weeks to 14 weeks, while for table eggs, the hens start laying at the age of six months. They are common in rural and peri-urban areas, as free-range birds during the day and huddled together at night in the kitchen stores or in semipermanent structures.

Why should one keep these types of birds? Keeping improved Kienyeji chicken has advantages; these types of birds have exceptionally low chick mortality. They rarely die under normal environmental conditions and the main reason is due to high resistance to diseases. 

They can be reared on minimal maintenance cost but are still able to gain high weight compared to local backyard chicken. Most farmers buy and rear these chickens in small groups of 50-100 and therefore can be reared in the free-range system or semi-housed.

They also produce more eggs than indigenous chicken species and thus offer high return on investment.

Housing requirements

Proper housing is particularly important for any poultry farming. It not only protects the birds from the external environment, but also against being attacked by predators and diseases that such predators may transmit. Poultry housing has evolved over time. However, it is easy to achieve a low-cost house that is constructed from local materials.

When constructing a chicken house, it is important to consider key elements such as good roofing to keep away the rain and flooding, a flat floor which should be covered with suitable litter, like wood shavings, to absorb moisture from birds’ droppings and to reduce bad odour. Wet litter releases ammonia, which can affect the bird’s eyes and respiratory system. The litter can be disinfected using a commercial disinfectant. 

Vaccination

It is important to protect these birds through modern farming practices, like vaccination against a myriad of diseases that are unnecessarily destroying our livelihoods. Proper strategic vaccination programmes, if adopted and embraced by all poultry keepers, will eradicate diseases such as Newcastle, Fowl cholera, fowl pox and Fowl typhoid from our flocks and guarantee a steady stream of income to our rural farmers.

Vaccinations are very safe to birds if used properly and in healthy birds. Overreactions can occasionally occur in situations where the vaccines are deposited on the wrong sites or done at the wrong age of birds or inappropriately applied.

Although it does not give 100 per cent protection, in the unlikely event of a disease outbreak, flocks that are vaccinated will stand a better chance of protection compared to flocks that are not vaccinated. It is also a good welfare requirement that we take safe care of our animals against disease, pain, and suffering treat our animals with respect and compassion. 

Practice good poultry husbandry

When it comes to commercial farming, there are no shortcuts, every detail counts, and level of commitment must be commensurate to the expected benefits. This starts with sound bio-security practices, selection of improved Kienyeji breed suitable to your market, trusted chick supplier, good brooding principles, adequate feeding and water provision, prudent vaccination schedule and all the necessary processes that go with it.

For this to happen, you must invest in a good poultry attendant, who must be well-equipped with the right skills to manage a commercial venture like this.

Access to markets

Marketing is the driving force of any business. Luckily for improved Kienyeji chicken or eggs, hoteliers have been experiencing inadequate supply to meet the demand. There has been low investment in this sector as most farmers keep these types of birds as secondary activity only meant for supplemental income.

[Dr Messo is the company veterinarian, Kenchic; [email protected]]