Livestock I

[Mutua Kimanzi]

I've got a poultry project of improved kienyeji chickens, mainly Kuroilers, Rainbow and kenbrow. My speciality is fertilized eggs and meat of course. I've been doing this project for the past 3yrs and it's a profitable venture ,with the right numbers. What I wanted to know is when do you specifically introduce layers feeds for chickens which are about to fully mature? Do I Wait until I spot the 1st egg? It's always been tricky for me.

 

[Peter W]

@nedward , what is your advice?

 

[Mutua Kimanzi]

It would be great if farmers were to truly be recognized by credible financial institutions, be given concessionary loans, to help spur growth and making farming a truly rewarding endeavor. Even the government, should stop paying lip service to farmers - national and county, but they should formulate enabling polices to help farmers market their produce,without fear of exploitation by cartels and middle men. There's great capacity for potential and growth in farming, but it's a sector that's littered with inertia and confusion; and is largely unfulfilled.

 

[nedward]

I've got a poultry project of improved kienyeji chickens, mainly Kuroilers, Rainbow and kenbrow. My speciality is fertilized eggs and meat of course. I've been doing this project for the past 3yrs and it's a profitable venture ,with the right numbers. What I wanted to know is when do you specifically introduce layers feeds for chickens which are about to fully mature? Do I Wait until I spot the 1st egg? It's always been tricky for me.

It is advisable to gradually introduce layers mash from week 16( mix layers &growers mash ). Once laying start, move to full layers mash.

 

[Mutua Kimanzi]

Thanks. I'll move to implement that feeding regimen.

 

[Clyde007]

It is advisable to gradually introduce layers mash from week 16( mix layers &growers mash ). Once laying start, move to full layers mash.

Am abit concerned about introduction of layers mash as from week 16, considering the cost implication of layers mash and the fact that Mutua has said he rears Improved kienyeji which i assume by default start laying eggs at around 20 weeks onward(please clarify start of lay for kienyeji breeds he has mentioned)
Will that 'eat' alot of his production cost?

 

[Mutua Kimanzi]

Yeah, cost's an issue I'm trying to get about, though I must admit it's mighty difficult. I use commercial feeds,and if it weren't for the fact that I rear chicken as a hobby, with passion, I'll have packed it in long time ago.

 

[nedward]

Am abit concerned about introduction of layers mash as from week 16, considering the cost implication of layers mash and the fact that Mutua has said he rears Improved kienyeji which i assume by default start laying eggs at around 20 weeks onward(please clarify start of lay for kienyeji breeds he has mentioned)
Will that 'eat' alot of his production cost?

The cost not much, growers mash is more expensive than layers(kienyeji mash) example wonder feeds 70kg bag growers mash ex factory cost Ksh.2210 while kienyeji layers mash cost 70kg cost 1900. It is gradual incorpration of layers mash into growers mash such that by week 20 when your birds start laying, incidence of shelless eggs,weak shells etc are well taken care of. Remember oviposition begins early enough. So just balance your cards well and tilt them to your economic advantage.

 

[Mutua Kimanzi]

Thanks. But I've found that with the proliferation of so many feeds companies in the market, quality and consistency of feeds suffers. I recently had a problem, when in my quest to cut costs, I gave my layers feeds from a local company. They stopped laying eggs completely, such that I had to buy some drugs and returned them to the usual feeds which I've been giving them since when they were chicks. So it's a tricky situation, balancing costs and quality. We're forced to pay a premium, for guaranteed quality that delivers productivity.

 

[nedward]

Thanks. But I've found that with the proliferation of so many feeds companies in the market, quality and consistency of feeds suffers. I recently had a problem, when in my quest to cut costs, I gave my layers feeds from a local company. They stopped laying eggs completely, such that I had to buy some drugs and returned them to the usual feeds which I've been giving them since when they were chicks. So it's a tricky situation, balancing costs and quality. We're forced to pay a premium, for guaranteed quality that delivers productivity.

True . But never change feed mid laying, however best one tries to convince you or even with confirmed quality. Set all right well before point of laying including any repairs.