Mortality in broiler farming directly cuts into your profitability. A 5% mortality rate on 1,000 birds at KES 500/bird means KES 25,000 lost before you even reach market. Here are the ten strategies used by e-Poultry's top-performing farmers.
1. Maintain Ideal Brooding Temperature
Day-old chicks need 32–35°C in the brooding zone. Drops below 28°C cause huddling, stress, and respiratory disease. Use a reliable thermometer and check twice daily.
2. Ensure Clean, Fresh Water at All Times
Dehydration is a leading cause of early mortality. Flush drinkers daily, especially in hot weather. Chicks should never go more than 6 hours without water.
3. Vaccinate on Schedule
Newcastle Disease and Gumboro (IBD) are the top two killers in Kenya. Follow the recommended schedule: ND at day 7 (eye-drop), Gumboro at day 14, booster at day 21.
4. Control Ventilation Without Creating Drafts
Poor ventilation causes ammonia build-up, which burns airways and suppresses immunity. Open vents at the top of the house, not at bird level.
5. Use Quality, Age-Appropriate Feed
Starter (22%+ protein) for weeks 1–3, grower (19–20%) for weeks 3–6. Low-quality feed leads to poor immunity and slow weight gain that forces extended house time.
6. Monitor and Record Daily
Use the e-Poultry app to log daily mortality count and cause. Spotting a spike on day 2 vs. day 14 points to completely different root causes.
7. Practice All-In, All-Out Biosecurity
Never introduce new birds mid-cycle. Clean and disinfect thoroughly between flocks with a minimum 2-week downtime.
8. Control Rodents and Wild Birds
Rodents carry Salmonella; wild birds carry Newcastle. Seal entry points, use rodenticide bait stations, and net openings.
9. Address Coccidiosis Early
Wet litter + bloody droppings = coccidiosis. Use anticoccidial-treated starter feed or Amprolium in water at first sign.
10. Work With a Certified Extension Officer
Early detection beats treatment. An e-Poultry extension officer can identify symptoms before they become an outbreak. Book a farm visit through the app.