Bako poultry farm

01/07/2025

17/04/2025

ORGANIC INGREDIENTS AND THEIR USES IN POULTRY FARMING

1. Natural Antibiotics & Disease Prevention
Garlic – Powerful antibiotic, supports immunity.
Bitter leaf – Treats and prevents coccidiosis & fowl cholera.
Scent leaf – Strong antibiotic properties.
Aloe vera – Helps prevent Newcastle and Gumboro diseases.
Turmeric – Anti-inflammatory, boosts immunity and protects against infections.

2. Digestive Health & Deworming
Pawpaw leaf – Effective natural dewormer.
Pumpkin seeds – Natural remedy for internal parasites.
Neem leaf – Strengthens the immune system.

3. Respiratory Health & Cold Prevention
Cayenne pepper – Helps treat cough, sneezing, and colds.
Ginger – Supports respiratory health and fights infections.

4. Growth & Performance Boosters
Black pepper – Enhances growth and metabolism.
Moringa leaf – A rich nutritional booster for layers and broilers.
Fenugreek – Helps improve digestion, feed efficiency, and egg production.

5. Stress & Overall Well-being
Coconut water – Relieves stress and helps with hydration.
Honey – Supports energy, boosts immunity, and helps with stress relief.



Which one has always worked for you and which do you think we should add to our list?

17/04/2025

15 MISTAKES THAT OFTEN LEAD TO LOSS IN POULTRY EGG PRODUCTION AND LAYERS BREEDING

- Poor biosecurity measures
- Inadequate housing and ventilation
- Overcrowding of birds
- Improper nutrition and feeding
- Lack of clean and fresh water
- Ignoring disease prevention and vaccination
- Poor waste management
- Incorrect lighting schedules
- Stress due to improper handling
- Failure to monitor egg production trends
- Using low-quality or expired feed
- Not maintaining proper hygiene in nesting areas
- Allowing predators access to the coop
- Ignoring signs of illness in birds
- Poor record-keeping and farm management

17/04/2025

BOOSTING EGG PRODUCTION
The Joy of every farmer is to have a great output, if you do these , you will watch your layers egg production grow ;

1. Provide adequate lighting: Chickens need at least 12-14 hours of light daily to maintain consistent egg production. Use artificial lighting during shorter days to supplement natural light.

2. Balanced nutrition: Ensure your chickens have a diet rich in protein, calcium, and essential nutrients. High-quality layer feed and supplements like oyster shells can improve egg quality and quantity.

3. Clean and comfortable environment: Keep the coop clean and well-ventilated. Provide soft bedding in nesting boxes and ensure they are free from pests like mites or lice.

4. Reduce stress: Minimize disturbances and ensure chickens have enough space to move around. Overcrowding and loud noises can negatively impact egg production.

5. Hydration: Always provide fresh, clean water. Dehydration can lead to a drop in egg-laying.

6. Choose productive breeds: Some chicken breeds are naturally better layers. Research and select breeds known for high egg production.

7. Seasonal adjustments: During molting or extreme weather, egg production may decrease. Support your chickens with extra care and nutrition during these times.

17/04/2025

GOAT BREEDING TURNS INTO A LUCRATIVE VENTURE

Goat farming is becoming a profitable business as demand for goat meat grows in Zimbabwe and globally. Many farmers struggle to invest in foreign breeds like Savanna and Boer goats, opting instead for local breeds such as Matabele and Mashona, which are more resistant to drought and disease.

Some farmers, like Mr Honest Dlamini from Umguza, have successfully made a living from goat rearing. He explains that goat farming is affordable and less affected by drought than cattle farming. Many Zimbabweans abroad are investing in breeding rather than selling meat and milk to maximize profits.

Local breeds take longer to mature and sell for around US$50, while Boer, Savanna, and Kalahari goats can reach US$250 in just six months. ZimTrade encourages farmers to scale up production to meet rising export demand, but challenges remain.

Mr Ntando Ndlovu, a Zimbabwean breeder in South Africa, highlights the need to improve carcass weight and reduce mortality rates. Farmers are now learning better breeding techniques through social media. Crossbreeding with exotic goats is helping increase meat quality and growth rates.

More investment is needed in indigenous breeds to preserve their genetics, as not all farmers can afford exotic goats. Establishing more goat auctions could help farmers improve their herds and profits. There is potential for goat meat exports to the UAE, but Halal-certified abattoirs and industry cooperation are needed to access that market.

17/04/2025

10 THINGS THAT WILL SHOCK YOU ABOUT TURKEY (BIRD)

1. Turkeys were almost the U.S. national bird – Benjamin Franklin preferred the turkey over the bald eagle, calling it a “respectable bird” and “a bird of courage.”

2. Wild turkeys can fly – Despite their hefty appearance, wild turkeys can fly at speeds of up to 55 mph in short bursts.

3. Turkeys can change color – The skin on a turkey’s head and neck changes color based on their emotions, shifting between red, blue, and white.

4. They have incredible vision – Turkeys have three times better vision than humans and can see in color.

5. Turkeys sleep in trees – To avoid predators, wild turkeys roost in trees at night, flying up at dusk and down at dawn.

6. Male turkeys are called “toms” – Female turkeys are called “hens,” but males are known as “toms” or “gobblers” because they make the famous gobbling sound.

7. Turkeys were originally bred for their feathers – Before they became a food staple, turkeys were bred for their beautifully colored plumage.

8. Domestic turkeys can’t fly – Unlike their wild counterparts, domestic turkeys have been bred to be much heavier, making flight impossible.

9. Turkeys have thousands of feathers – An adult turkey has between 5,000 to 6,000 feathers covering its body.

10. Presidential turkey pardons – Since 1989, U.S. presidents have officially pardoned a turkey before Thanksgiving, sparing it from becoming dinner.

17/04/2025

WAYS TO IDENTIFY THE S*X OF CHICKS: PRACTICAL AND EFFECTIVE METHODS

🟩 FEATHER S*XING
- Females’ primary wing feathers are longer than their covert feathers.
- Males’ primary and covert feathers tend to be of similar length.
- This method is breed-specific and works best with particular breeds.
- Observing wing feather growth over time aids identification.
- This simple, non-invasive technique is ideal for beginners.

Accuracy Level: 70-85%, depending on the breed.

🟩 COMB OBSERVATION
- Males usually have larger, redder combs compared to females.
- Females' combs are paler and smoother.
- Differences in comb size and texture become clearer as chicks grow.

Accuracy Level: 70-80%, varies among breeds and developmental stages.

🟩 BEHAVIORAL RESPONSE TO HANDLING
- Neck hold: Females spread wings, tense posture; males remain relatively calm.
- Upside down hold: Females curl up compactly; males stretch their legs.

Accuracy Level: 60-75%, requires careful observation and handling.

🟩 VENT S*XING
- A method conducted by professionals to observe internal s*x organs.
- Requires experience and precision for accurate identification.

Accuracy Level: Over 95%, making it the most accurate but invasive option.

🟩 DNA TESTING
- DNA analysis provides conclusive results for chick s*x identification.
- This method is 100% accurate and applicable to all breeds.

Accuracy Level: 100%, but involves costs and specialized services.

Sexing chicks accurately helps farmers in planning their flocks effectively. By combining these methods, even non-professionals can gain valuable insights into chick gender, paving the way for smarter and sustainable poultry practices.

*xing *xing *xing *xing

17/04/2025

10 REASONS WHY GOAT FARMING IS BEST FOR EVERYONE FOR HUGE RETURNS

1. Low Investment Costs: Starting a goat farm requires minimal investment.
2. Quick Breeding Cycle: Goats breed quickly, leading to fast growth of the herd.
3. Multiple Revenue Streams: Income from milk, meat, fiber, and skins.
4. High Market Demand: Continuous demand for goat products in both local and international markets.
5. Efficient Feed Conversion: Goats convert feed into milk and meat efficiently.
6. Low Operational Costs: Lower feeding and maintenance costs compared to other livestock.
7. Adaptability: Goats can adapt to various climates and farming systems.
8. Healthy Market Prices: Goat products generally command good prices.
9. Low Disease Incidence: Fewer health issues compared to other livestock.
10. Sustainable and Eco-Friendly: Goat farming is beneficial for the environment and can be integrated into sustainable farming practices.

17/04/2025

Kamori goats are a unique breed from Pakistan, famous for their long ears and large body. They are mainly raised for milk but also valued for meat. Due to their rarity, hybrids like Pateri are bred for affordability.

17/04/2025

HOW PEOPLE ARE MAKING MILLIONS THROUGH SNAIL SHELL POWDER

Uses of Snail Shell Powder
1. Anti-aging Products: Snail shell powder is rich in calcium and other minerals, making it a popular ingredient in anti-aging creams and serums.
2. Cosmetics: It is used in face powders and other cosmetic products due to its fine texture and mineral content.
3. Skin Treatment: The powder is known for its exfoliating properties and is used in various skin treatment products.
4. Wastewater Treatment: Snail shell powder is effective in purifying water and treating wastewater.
5. Industrial Applications: It is used as a filler in the paper industry and as a reinforcement material in the production of composites for automotive parts.

Processing Snail Shell Powder
1. Collection: Gather snail shells from restaurants, eateries, or snail sellers.
2. Cleaning: Thoroughly clean the shells to remove any organic matter.
3. Drying: Dry the shells in the sun or using a dehydrator.
4. Grinding: Use a grinder to crush the shells into a fine powder.
5. Sieving: Sieve the powder to ensure uniform particle size.

Finding a Market
1. Local Markets: Start by selling to local cosmetic manufacturers, skincare product companies, and industrial users.
2. Online Platforms: Utilize e-commerce platforms like Jiji.ng to reach a broader audience.
3. Export: Explore international markets where snail shell powder is in demand for various applications.
4. Networking: Attend trade fairs and industry conferences to connect with potential buyers and partners.
5. Marketing: Highlight the unique benefits and applications of snail shell powder in your marketing materials.

Cost Price
The cost of snail shell powder can vary based on factors like quality and quantity. On average, it can range from ₦10,000 to ₦50,000 per 10kg.

17/04/2025

LAYERS SUDDENLY STOP LAYING: COMMON REASONS AND FIXES

Layers may suddenly stop laying due to various factors, but most can be addressed with proper care. Here are key reasons and solutions:

Shorter daylight hours – Provide 16 hours of light daily

Poor diet – Ensure balanced feed with protein and calcium

Dehydration – Keep fresh, clean water available

Molting period – Offer high-protein feed for faster recovery

Stress and environment – Keep their surroundings calm and secure

Parasites or illness – Conduct regular health checks and treatment

Aging hens – Rotate younger birds into the flock

17/04/2025

GREAT EGGER CHICKEN BREEDS

If you're looking for reliable egg layers with unique characteristics, these chicken breeds are great choices. They offer a mix of beauty, personality, and excellent egg production.

🟦 Rhode Island Red
🟦 Plymouth Barred Rock
🟦 Easter Egger
🟦 Wyandotte
🟦 Buff Orpington
🟦 Suss*x
🟦 Leghorn
🟦 Australorp
🟦 Brahma
🟦 Marans

Which is your favorite?