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Profitable poultry production means ensuring proper living conditions for chickens. Ministry of Agriculture Poultry Officer Derek Thomas advises budding poultry entrepreneurs to take some training before purchasing young chicks. He responds to requests from farmers and potential farmers to visit sites for poultry pens; and provide general information on production, nutritional requirements and disease prevention.
“One of the first considerations is proximity to neighbours. If I have any doubts about a site, I contact the Ministry of Health and the Environment to make an assessment. Once we determine a site is suitable, I prepare a proposal for the farmer that summarizes the amount of funds needed and what the expected income is,” Mr. Thomas told GAIS.
The site should be accessible in that a farmer can drive to each pen. A continuous supply of clean drinking water is required, including a storage tank, as well as a reliable supply of electricity. The area should be well drained. Good ventilation is a must, since this removes excess heat, moisture and ammonia; thereby reducing respiratory tract disorders.
Broilers require one square feet of space, while layers require two and one half square feet. Buildings should be sturdy and erected East to West. A concrete base is best, as it prevents water seepage and is easy to clean. One row of concrete blocks around the base will hold the litter material, while the wire should extend about 8 to 10 feet above the blocks. The wire will keep out wild birds and other pests, provided it is secured at both top and bottom. The water-proof roof of galvanize steel should have a three-foot eave overhang.
A container with disinfectant should be placed at the entrance of the pen to sanitize footwear. Pens must be thoroughly sanitized between flocks by removing all organic material and disinfecting the base with white lime.
| Efficiency Targets |
| Broilers: |
Livability (birds that survive to slaughter) |
95% |
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Feed conversion rate (lbs of feed per lb of weight) |
2 |
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Chicks lost in transport |
0.3% |
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Growth rate |
0.1lb |
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Condemnations (slaughtered birds that cannot be sold) |
1% |
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Days to slaughter 4.5 lbs birds |
45days |
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Down time |
14days |
| Layers: |
Livability (birds that survive to slaughter) |
88% |
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Feed conversion rate (lbs of feed per cost of egg) |
35¢ |
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Eggs lost in transport |
0.2% |
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Condemnations (cracked eggs) |
0.2% |
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Weeks to egg production |
20days |
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Down time |
21days |
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