(Q). What are the specifications for building a chicken house?
(A). Assuming you want to construct a structure for deep litter system, consider the floor spacing, which should be 1m2 per four birds.
This will allow free movement of birds and proper distribution of the feeders and drinkers in the unit. Also consider perching space of 16cm and nest space for the communal laying boxes of 2m2 per 100 birds.
For lighting, ensure the roof has translucent sheets evenly spread out above the house to allow you to maximise on natural light to stimulate egg production.
As for hatched chicks, the same room may be used, however, a temporary brooder must be built using cardboards to make a circular ring with floor spacing of 1m2 per 25 chicks.
(Q). How do I handle incubators and rear kienyeji chicks?
(A). Artificial incubators regulate the temperature and humidity automatically once they have been set. From day 1 to 18, the temperature should be set at 37.80c and humidity at 60 to 65 per cent, then three days prior to hatching, adjust the temperature to 37.50c and humidity to 70 to 75 per cent.
Upon hatching of chicks, transfer them to deep litter brooder (use wood shavings as litter material and cardboard to make a circular brooder) and provide supplemental heat using either infra-red bulbs or stove hover for four weeks.
During the first week, provide chick formula (to boost immunity), glucose (for energy) and liquid paraffin (to clear their digestive system).
Feed chick mash for eight weeks at the rate of 35 to 75g/chick/day increasing the amount gradually. Vaccinate the birds against New Castle and Gumburo on day seven and 21, respectively.