Building A Low-Cost Chicken Coop In Kenya

Building a chicken house in Kenya is a lucrative business for many Kenyans, especially in rural households. There are several factors to consider when building a chicken house, including the number of chickens, the available space, and the specific needs of the chickens. The design of the chicken house should also take into account the local climate and weather conditions, such as ensuring proper ventilation and protection from extreme wind and rain. The orientation of the building is important, with an east-west orientation recommended to avoid exposing the chickens to direct sunlight and providing adequate sunshine. The size of the chicken house should allow for a minimum of two to three square feet per chicken inside the house and four to five square feet per bird in the open-air space. The chicken house should be constructed with materials that provide security and comfort for the chickens, such as using naturally rot-resistant timber and installing wire mesh for ventilation and protection from predators.

Sizing and stocking density

When building a chicken house, sizing and stocking density are important considerations. The size of the chicken coop will depend on the number of chickens and the space available. As a general rule, each chicken should have a minimum of 2 to 3 square feet of space inside the house and 4 to 5 square feet of open-air space outside. This means that for 100 chickens, you will need a coop that is around 235 square feet.

The ideal stocking density varies depending on the type of chicken. For layers, the ideal stocking density is 2 square feet per bird, while for broilers or kienyeji chickens, it is 1 square foot per bird. If you are planning to keep 500 kienyeji chickens, for example, your chicken house should measure 500 square feet.

In addition to sizing and stocking density, it is important to consider ventilation and orientation. The chicken coop should have openings on either side for ventilation, and the width of the house should not exceed 6-7 meters to allow for adequate central ventilation in tropical countries like Kenya. The orientation of the building should be east-west to avoid exposing the chickens to direct sunlight and to ensure adequate sunshine and lighting, which are important for feeding and egg-laying.

Materials and ventilation

When it comes to materials, wood is the most commonly mentioned option for building a chicken house. It is recommended to use naturally rot-resistant timber, such as redwood or cedar, instead of artificially treated wood that may contain heavy metals that can harm the birds. You will also need screws, nails, wire mesh, and roofing material. The floor should be made of concrete to prevent dampness and the easy spread of diseases. The roof can be made of any cheap roofing material, as long as it provides good air circulation and water drainage.

For ventilation, it is important to create openings on either side of the chicken house to allow for proper airflow. This can be achieved by installing vents or windows close to the top of the walls, or by creating a gap between the roof overhangs and the upper wall sections. The roof should also have a reflective surface or slope with overlaps for optimal natural ventilation. A hole or ridge in the roof will ensure proper ventilation and provide light. The width of the house should not exceed 9 meters when only natural ventilation is used, to avoid suffocating the birds. Larger sheds that exceed 25 feet in width will require ridge ventilation on the centerline of the roof.

The chicken house should be oriented in an east-west direction to avoid exposing the chickens to direct sunlight and to provide adequate sunshine and lighting. Two sides of the chicken house should be covered in wire mesh, while the other two sides facing east and west should have solid walls. The side walls should be 1 to 1.5 feet long to protect the chickens from extreme wind and rain.

It is also important to consider the stocking density of the chicken house. The ideal density is 2 square feet per bird for layers and 1 square foot per bird for broilers or kienyeji chickens.

Lighting and orientation

The orientation of the chicken house should be determined by the weather conditions of the region. In general, the long axis of the structure should be oriented east-west to prevent direct sunlight from reaching the birds and to ensure the house gets adequate sunshine. The two sides of the poultry house facing east and west should have solid walls, while the other two sides should be covered in wire mesh for protection and ventilation.

To ensure proper ventilation and lighting, a hole or ridge should be incorporated into the roof design. Windows can also be included to deliver fresh air and natural light, but they should be configured to keep predators out. The roof should have a reflective surface or slope with overlaps for optimal natural ventilation.

In terms of lighting, it is important for stimulating ovulation and triggering more prolific laying performances in hens. Adequate lighting also encourages optimal feeding, as chickens feed well when there is plenty of light, and they are able to easily spot feeders and drinkers.

In addition to natural light, artificial lighting can be installed to ensure the chickens' lighting needs are met, particularly during periods of reduced daylight.

Location and security

When it comes to building a chicken house in Kenya, location and security are key considerations. Here are some detailed guidelines to help you choose the right location and secure your poultry investment:

Location:

• Drainage and Shelter: Choose a well-drained site that is sheltered from strong winds. This will help prevent waterlogging and ensure the chickens are comfortable, reducing the risk of illness.
• Orientation: The ideal orientation for the chicken house is east-west. This ensures adequate sunshine and prevents direct sunlight from reaching the birds, providing optimal lighting conditions.
• Space and Size: Consider the amount of space you have available and the number of chickens you plan to keep. As a general rule, allow for 2-3 square feet per chicken inside the house and 4-5 square feet per bird in the open-air space. This will influence the size and layout of your chicken house.
• Distance from Other Farms: Avoid building your chicken house too close to existing farms or premises. Maintain a distance of at least 500 meters to 1 kilometer between farms to minimize the risk of airborne infections and the spread of diseases.
• Natural Shade: If possible, build the chicken house under a large tree to provide natural shade during the daytime. This will help regulate the temperature and create a comfortable environment for the chickens.

Security:

• Ventilation and Airflow: Ensure your chicken house has proper ventilation to maintain fresh air and comfortable temperatures. Include openings on both sides for cross-ventilation, and consider adding a hole or ridge on the roof for airflow and natural light.
• Predator and Theft Protection: Secure your chicken house against predators and thieves. Use chicken wire or mesh to cover openings and windows, preventing animals from entering while still allowing for ventilation.
• Biosecurity Measures: Implement biosecurity practices to reduce the risk of introducing or spreading diseases. This includes regular cleaning and disinfection, as well as isolating brooding houses from other areas to prevent the spread of illness between older and younger birds.
• Rodent-Proof Storage: Use rodent-proof storage containers for poultry feed. Rodents and wild birds can carry and transmit diseases to your chickens, so secure feed storage is essential.

By carefully considering these location and security factors, you can create a healthy and safe environment for your poultry, which is crucial for their well-being and productivity.

Nests and feeders

Nests should be placed inside the chicken house, preferably above the ground. Brooding nests should be individual nests and should be placed in quiet, dark places where they can be easily removed for cleaning. For every three hens, you will need one nest box (one square foot).

When it comes to feeders, it's important to have adequate space for feeding and drinking. Round plastic or metal trough feeders are available and good but may lead to feed wastage. Naivasha chicken long feeders have proved suitable and economical. Efficient storage for poultry feed that is rodent-proof is also essential. Rodents and wild birds can pass some diseases to your chickens.

The chicken coop size depends on the number of birds to be raised. As a general rule, you should allow a minimum of two to three square feet per chicken inside the house and four to five square feet per bird in the open-air space. For layers, the ideal stocking density is two square feet for the bird. The ideal stocking density for broilers or kienyeji chickens is one square foot per bird.

The chicken coop should be well-ventilated, with openings on either side for ventilation. A hole or ridge on the roof will ensure proper ventilation and give light. The roof should have a reflective surface or slope with overlaps for optimal natural ventilation. The semi-intensive poultry housing system in tropical countries should be no wider than 6-7 meters to allow for adequate central ventilation.

Frequently asked questions