By MaryAnne Musilo

Kenchic, Kenya’s largest chick and poultry producer, is offering free farmer training every month to help farmers reduce poultry deaths and improve their profits. 

The sessions, which are being held at the company’s headquarters, Exsan House, Industrial Area, Enterprise Road, Nairobi, are open to all farmers, on registration, on either the first or second Friday of each month, with the next session set for October 17 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. 

The training has been driven by the high rates of poultry death in the country, with researchers reporting that poor disease control and weak biosecurity practices account for up to 40 per cent of smallholders’poultry deaths in Kenya.

“The mistakes farmers make include overcrowding birds, detecting diseases late, and feeding incorrectly, leading to high mortality rates and financial loss,” said animal health assistant at Kenchic, Kimani

Speaking to FarmBizAfrica at the Nairobi International Trade Fair, he said the monthly training focused on disease prevention, housing, feeding, and flock management, to help farmers avoid heavy losses.

“A good way to prevent diseases and infections is to follow a vaccination schedule, from a day-old chick until it is about 16–18 weeks old,” he said.

He also advised farmers to manage litter, temperature, water, and feed carefully. 

“Taking good care of the birds brings about profit. This means investing in a proper house. A farmer should consider proper ventilation and lighting, secure fencing and roofing,” he said. 

“The side walls should be 3 feet high, the floor should be cemented and make sure the house is bird and rat proof.”

Kimani said farmers should use absorbent materials such as husks or wood shavings for litter and turn it one to two times a week with a rake for better quality.

“Ensure poultry houses are clean and well-aerated, observe bird health and behaviour, provide clean and safe drinking water, listen to bird vocalisations and respiratory sounds, and monitor air movement and house temperature.”

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“Care for the birds as you would care for your baby, and you will get a good income,” said Kimani.

The monthly training, which is part of the company’s campaign o equip farmers with knowledge and skills, covers broilers, layers, and Kenbro breeds, helping farmers adopt the right practices, reduce mortality, and boost productivity. 

To join the training, farmers need to register on: 0703056055.