The 5 do’s and don’ts of preparing kienyeji feed.

I personally make my own kienyeji chicken feed. Farmers in Kenya today have grown interested in the ability to create their own kienyeji chicken feed. This is great since it gives the farmer a chance to regulate what his chicken consumes. The farmer is able to regulate the cost, quantity, and quality of feed that is given to his or her chicken at any time.

The farmer is also able to determine the source of ingredients for their kienyeji chicken feed. Whether to personally produce these ingredients or outsource them.

Even though making your own homemade mixed feed sounds like a good idea, you must pay attention to the proper practices of making the most appropriate feed for your chicken. Home-made feed is absolutely different from kitchen waste, waste from restaurants, and compost materials. These ingredients may contain harmful organisms that may be harmful to your chicken when stored as feed or mixed with other feed components. Here are some pointers;

1. Do not use spoiled maize

Do not use spoiled maize while preparing homemade feeds for your kienyeji chicken. The chicken themselves may not notice, but what about the moral aspect of the project? It is unfortunate that sometimes mistakes like that happen and one would like to avoid loss as much as possible. Understand that cheap is sometimes very expensive. You may purchase or have spoiled maize and use it while preparing your feed, then lose your whole flock of chicken due to microorganisms present in the spoiled maize.

2. Do not use rotten maize

Rotten maize and spoiled maize is relatively the same thing. Rotten maize may mostly be used as kitchen refuse rather than as an ingredient for preparing kienyeji chicken feed. Do not use rotten maize to feed your chicken. This rotten maize may only be used at a point of preparing compost for your kienyeji chicken to scratch on.

3. Do test trials with your chicken

Feed test trials are very necessary. Coming up with a complete feeding schedule inclusive of feed components will give a farmer the correct idea of what to feed their chicken and at what age. The right way would be to come up with three or so mixes of feed that consist of a ‘balanced diet’ for the chicken and provide it to the chicken for a period of time.

4. Do use quality omena (fishmeal)

Fishmeal is a popular ingredient when making homemade feed. Of all the raw materials that are used to create homemade feed, fish meal has the greatest source of protein and omega 3 which is very important to the growth of the chicken. It is important to source your fishmeal from a reputable source.

5. Do mix micronutrients

Although not necessary, micronutrients in feed play a very important role in the growth of your kienyeji chicken. While mixing your feed appropriately, it will be advised to properly mix your micronutrients before mixing your feed components. Be aware of the right mixing proportions beforehand to avoid wastage.

READ THIS POST ON HOW I STARTED KIENYEJI CHICKEN FARMING.