Emily Carter
Building a chicken house in Kenya requires careful planning and attention to detail to ensure the health and productivity of your poultry. The first step is determining the size of the house, which should provide at least 2-3 square feet of space per chicken inside and 4-5 square feet per bird in the open-air space. The house should be oriented east-west to ensure adequate sunshine and lighting, which is important for the feeding habits of the chickens. The structure should be at least 2 metres tall to allow for easy human access and constructed with rot-resistant timber to avoid harmful chemicals. The floor should be made of concrete for ease of cleaning and to prevent dampness, and the roof should provide ventilation to avoid suffocating the birds.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To protect chickens against predators, thieves, bad weather and to provide shelter for egg-laying and broody hens |
| Location | Avoid locations close to existing premises (between farms 500m-1km); use prevailing wind directions to minimise the risk of airborne infection |
| Orientation | East-west to ensure adequate sunshine and lighting |
| Size | 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 |
| Height | Minimum of seven feet from the floor to the roof; the structure should be at least two metres tall to allow for easy access |
| Width | Should not exceed nine metres when only natural ventilation is used |
| Length | Can span as many metres as necessary depending on the number of chickens to be kept and the space available |
| Flooring | Concrete for ease of cleaning and to prevent dampness; raised floors are also an option |
| Wall Covering | Two sides should be covered in wire mesh; the two sides facing east and west should have a solid wall cover |
| Nesting | Nests should be placed inside the chicken house, preferably above the ground in quiet, dark and easily cleanable places |
| Ventilation | An opening for hot air to exit from the top of the house can be created by installing vents close to the top of the walls or creating a gap between the roof overhangs and upper wall sections |
| Feeders | Naivasha chicken long feeders are suitable and economical; round plastic or metal trough feeders are available but may lead to feed wastage |
| Biosecurity | Management practices that reduce the likelihood of introducing or spreading disease-causing organisms |
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What You'll Learn
- Sizing and stocking density: Plan for two to three square feet per chicken inside, and four to five square feet per bird outside
- Materials: Use rot-resistant timber, like redwood or cedar, and cover two sides in wire mesh
- Ventilation: Create an opening for hot air to exit from the top of the house
- Orientation: Face the house east-west for adequate sunshine and lighting
- Nests and feeders: Place nests inside, preferably above the ground, and provide feeders and drinkers
Sizing and stocking density: Plan for two to three square feet per chicken inside, and four to five square feet per bird outside
When building a chicken house in Kenya, sizing and stocking density are important considerations. The amount of space required for each chicken depends on various factors, including the number of chickens, their breed, and size.
As a general rule, plan for two to three square feet of floor space per chicken inside the chicken house. This space allows for adequate movement and helps prevent the spread of disease. For example, if you have four chickens, your coop should ideally provide a minimum of eight to twelve square feet of floor space. Additionally, ensure there is sufficient headroom for chickens to stand upright comfortably, typically with a structure height of at least two meters.
Outside the chicken house, plan for four to five square feet of open-air space per bird. This space is essential for the chickens' exercise, natural behaviours like scratching for bugs, and foraging for food. If you have limited outdoor space, consider raising free-range chickens, as they require less enclosed space since they spend most of their time outdoors.
To enhance ventilation and air circulation, incorporate a door, wire mesh flooring, and openings at the top of the house. This design will ensure fresh air enters from below and hot air exits through the top, keeping the chickens comfortable.
In addition to space considerations, other aspects to keep in mind when building a chicken house in Kenya include nest placement, biosecurity, and providing feed troughs and environmental enrichment to ensure the health and productivity of your flock.
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Materials: Use rot-resistant timber, like redwood or cedar, and cover two sides in wire mesh
When building a chicken house in Kenya, it's important to consider the materials you use. The type of wood you choose is crucial, as artificially treated wood can contain heavy metals that may harm your birds. Therefore, it is recommended to use naturally rot-resistant timber, such as redwood or cedar. These types of wood will help ensure the longevity of your chicken coop while also keeping your chickens safe and healthy.
To provide adequate ventilation and protection, two sides of the chicken house should be covered in wire mesh. This allows for air circulation while keeping predators out. The wire mesh can be covered with chicken wire for added security. The door and a portion of the floor should also be made of wire mesh to allow for air intake from below.
In addition, it is important to create an opening at the top of the house for hot air to escape. This can be achieved by installing vents near the top of the walls or leaving a gap between the roof overhangs and upper wall sections. Proper ventilation is crucial for the comfort and health of your chickens.
When constructing the floor of the chicken house, concrete is recommended. A concrete floor is easy to clean and helps prevent dampness, which is crucial in preventing diseases from entering the poultry house. The height of the floor from the ground should be around 3 feet (1 metre), while the height from the floor to the roof should be a minimum of 7 feet.
Lastly, don't forget to include nesting boxes inside the chicken house, preferably raised above the ground. These nesting boxes should be placed in quiet, dark areas to provide a peaceful environment for the hens.
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Ventilation: Create an opening for hot air to exit from the top of the house
When building a chicken house in Kenya, ventilation is a key consideration. Ventilation supplies fresh air, which is essential for the chickens' health and wellbeing. It also helps to reduce temperature extremes, humidity, and air contamination. In hot climates, such as Kenya, it is important to create an opening for hot air to exit from the top of the chicken house. This can be achieved in several ways.
Firstly, you can create a gap between the roof overhangs and the upper wall sections. This method allows for natural airflow and ventilation. It is important to cover the gap with chicken wire or mesh to keep predators out while still allowing for airflow.
Another option is to install vents near the top of the walls. These vents should be covered with chicken wire for protection. This method allows for controlled ventilation while still providing an escape route for hot air.
The width of the chicken house is also an important factor in ventilation. When only natural ventilation is used, it is recommended that the width of the house does not exceed 9 metres to avoid suffocating the birds. The length can be adjusted according to the number of chickens and available space.
In addition to the structural design, you can utilise fans to improve ventilation. Place fans near the ceiling, down the centre of the house, and at the extreme ends to circulate and mix the air effectively, preventing warm air from accumulating near the ceiling.
Finally, consider the prevailing wind direction and building orientation. Ventilated shelters should be exposed to the wind, so it is recommended to build the chicken house on a high site. Orienting the house in an east-west direction can also optimise airflow.
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Orientation: Face the house east-west for adequate sunshine and lighting
When building a chicken house in Kenya, it is important to consider the orientation of the structure. The ideal orientation for a chicken house is an east-west direction. This orientation ensures that the house receives an adequate amount of sunshine. Sunshine is essential for keeping the chickens warm and also plays a role in preventing diseases.
By facing the house towards the east and west, you can maximize the amount of sunlight entering the house throughout the day. This is especially beneficial in the morning and evening when the sun is lower in the sky. Additionally, this orientation helps to minimize the amount of direct sunlight entering the house during the hottest parts of the day, providing a more comfortable environment for the chickens.
Proper lighting is also crucial for chicken health and productivity. The light intensity inside the chicken house should be sufficient for a person to read a newspaper in the center of the house. Adequate lighting encourages optimal feeding as chickens feed well when there is plenty of light, and they can easily spot their feeders and drinkers.
To further enhance the lighting in the chicken house, consider installing transparent roofing sheets, especially if the house is crowded. However, it is important to note that excessive lighting may lead to issues such as cannibalism. Therefore, providing a balanced lighting environment is crucial for the overall health and well-being of your chickens.
In summary, when building a chicken house in Kenya, orienting the structure in an east-west direction is essential for maximizing sunlight and providing adequate lighting. This simple yet crucial step will help create a comfortable and healthy environment for your chickens, contributing to their overall productivity and well-being.
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Nests and feeders: Place nests inside, preferably above the ground, and provide feeders and drinkers
When building a chicken house in Kenya, it is important to consider the placement of nests and feeders. Nests should be placed inside the chicken house and preferably above the ground. This is to protect the eggs from predators and thieves. Additionally, it is important to place nests in quiet, dark, and easily accessible places for cleaning. Each nest should be one square foot in size, and you should have one nest box for every three hens.
Regarding feeders and drinkers, it is important to provide adequate floor space for these items and to ensure they are easily accessible to the chickens. Naivasha chicken long feeders are a suitable and economical option for feeding chickens. These feeders are typically made from plastic or metal and are designed to be placed in a trough. It is recommended to fill these feeders to about half to two-thirds full. Round plastic or metal trough feeders are also available, but they may lead to feed wastage.
When providing drinkers for chickens, it is important to consider the relative humidity and ventilation to ensure optimum comfort for the chicks. Additionally, it is recommended to use a disinfectant to maintain hygiene in the chicken house. Foot baths at the entrance with lime powder or any other disinfectant can help maintain hygiene and prevent the spread of diseases.
Perches are another important feature to consider when building a chicken house. They provide chickens with a place to roost at night and during the day, and they also help to reduce boredom, which can lead to pecking and fighting. Perches should be made from rounded sticks that match the size of the birds' feet, and each one-meter perch can accommodate up to five adult birds.
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Frequently asked questions
For layers, the ideal stocking density is 2 square feet for each bird. For broilers or kienyeji chickens, it is 1 square foot per bird. In addition, each chicken will need 4-5 square feet of open-air space.
It is recommended to use naturally rot-resistant timber, such as redwood or cedar, instead of artificially treated wood, which may contain harmful heavy metals. The floor should be made of concrete to prevent dampness and for ease of cleaning. Two sides of the chicken house should be covered in wire mesh, while the other two sides should have solid walls.
The house should be oriented in an east-west direction to ensure it gets adequate sunshine and lighting.
The structure should be at least 2 metres tall to allow for easy access. You should also provide adequate ventilation to prevent suffocating the birds. This can be done by creating a gap between the roof overhangs and the upper wall sections or by installing vents close to the top of the walls.
Nests should be placed inside the chicken house, preferably above the ground. Feed troughs should also be provided and placed in a location with lots of light so that the chickens can easily spot them.
