Poultry Production Basics

27/03/2026

👉 Pasty Butt in Chicks? Causes & Simple Natural Fix

What is Pasty Butt?

Pasty butt is when droppings stick and dry around a chick’s vent, blocking it. If not treated quickly, it can become life-threatening.

Common Causes

* Stress from transport (especially day-old chicks)
* Temperature issues (too cold or too hot brooder)
* Dehydration
* Poor-quality feed
* Digestive imbalance

Natural Treatment (Safe & Effective)

1. Warm Water Cleaning

* Gently soak the chick’s back end in
* lukewarm water
* Carefully loosen and remove the dried p**p
* Do NOT pull hard to avoid injury

2. Dry Properly

* Pat dry with a soft cloth
* Keep the chick warm to prevent chilling

3. Apply Natural Oil

* Rub a tiny amount of:

* Coconut oil OR
* Olive oil
* Helps prevent droppings from sticking again

4. Boost Hydration

* Add glucose or sugar to drinking water (quick energy boost)

5. Add Natural Gut Support

* Small amount of:

* Garlic water
* Apple cider vinegar (very little, properly diluted)

Prevention Tips

* Maintain correct brooder temperature
* Always provide clean water
* Use quality starter feed
* Avoid overcrowding
* Check chicks daily (especially first 7 days)

When to Worry

* Chick stops eating
* Weak or inactive
* Vent completely blocked

16/03/2026

Fowl Pox: Symptoms and Organic Treatment Options

Fowl pox is a common viral disease in chickens, usually spread by mosquitoes or direct contact with infected birds. It can affect both young and adult chickens, and if not managed early, it can slow growth and reduce egg production.

Common Symptoms of Fowl Pox

1. Scabby sores on the comb and wattles
Dark brown or black scabs appear on the comb, face, eyelids, or wattles.

2. Lesions around the eyes and beak**
Swelling or crusts may make it hard for chickens to see or eat.

3. White patches in the mouth or throat (wet pox)
In severe cases, white or yellow patches can appear inside the mouth and throat, causing breathing or swallowing difficulty.

4. Loss of appetite
Chickens may eat less and become weak.

5. Drop in egg production
Layers may stop laying eggs temporarily.

6. Slow growth in young birds
Chicks may become weak and grow slowly.

Organic Treatment Options

1. Garlic Water (for drinking)
Use this for the whole flock.

Crush 3–4 garlic cloves in 1 liter of water.

Give it as drinking water once daily for 3–5 days.

2. Turmeric + Oil (for the sores)

Mix turmeric powder with a little coconut oil or palm oil.

Apply once daily on the scabs to help dry them and prevent infection.

3. Neem Leaf Water (optional)
If you have neem leaves, you can give instead of garlic water.

Boil the leaves, cool it, and give as drinking water for 3–5 days.

Most chickens with dry fowl pox recover in 2–4 weeks.

18/11/2024

*POULTRY PRODUCTION BASICS*
*BROODING*
Part 1.
Brooding refers to the period
immediately after hatch of a poultry bird
when special care and attention must be
given to ensure its health and survival.
It involves placing chicks in specially
designed housing to keep them warm
because anewly hatched bird does not
have a fully developed thermo-regulatory
mechanism and it takes few weeks to
develop this mechanism and
homeostasis.
Therefore, it cannot maintain the body
temperature properly for the first few weeks of
life and may be subjected to chilling if not
properly taking care of.

18/11/2024

*POULTRY PRODUCTION BASICS*
*ALOE VERA ON* *POULTRY*
(GAVAKAVA)
*Aloe Vera juice is mixed with water and
given to birds to ensure gut health.*
It is rich in
vitamins, minerals
and enzymes that
promote overall
good health in
chickens.
Vitamins A, B1, B2,
B3, B5, B6, B12, C,
and E are found in
Aloe Vera.
Add the juice to
water to prevent
*coccidiosis* in the
flock, using 3
teaspoons to a
gallon of water.
Aloe Vera is also
used to boost
productivity as it
promotes growth in
broilers.
Broilers given Aloe
Vera extract at the
rate of 4 teaspoons
to 1 gallon of
drinking grow
bigger and faster
than those broilers
who had not been
fed the extract.
Aloe Vera also
contains calcium,
chromium, copper,
iron, magnesium,
manganese.
potassium,
phosphorus, sodium
and zinc, which are
important for the
health of the birds.
Aloe Vera can
treat bumblefoot
and scaly leg.
This is done by
mixing the chopped
leaves with water,
coconut oil then
blending the
mixture to form a
paste,that can be
easily applied
topically.

WhatsApp+27787010595. Dave

18/11/2024

18/11/2024

Differences between Broilers and Layer Farming

Broilers and layers are two types of chickens that are raised for different purposes. Here are the differences between broiler and layer farming:

1. Purpose: Broilers are raised for meat production, while layers are raised for egg production.

2. Breeds: Broiler chickens are typically meat breeds, while layer chickens are egg-laying breeds.

3. Growth rate: Broilers grow at a faster rate than layers, reaching market weight in 6–8 weeks, while layers reach maturity at around 20 weeks.

4. Feed requirements: Broilers require a high-protein diet to promote muscle growth, while layers require a balanced diet that includes calcium for eggshell production.

5. Housing: Broilers are typically housed in large open floor spaces or in cages, while layers are often housed in battery cages or free-range systems.

6. Lighting: Broilers are typically raised with 24 hours of light to promote growth, while layers require a specific amount of light to encourage egg production.

7. Space requirements: Broilers require less space per bird compared to layers, as they are usually raised for a shorter period of time.

8. Mortality rate: Broilers have a higher mortality rate compared to layers as they are raised at higher densities and are prone to health issues due to rapid growth.

9. Market value: Broilers have a higher market value per bird compared to layers as they are sold for meat production.

10. Lifespan: Broilers have a shorter lifespan compared to layers, as they are typically raised for a period of 6–8 weeks, while layers can produce eggs for up to 2 years.

11. Egg production: Broilers do not produce eggs, while layers are specifically bred for high egg production.

12. Temperament: Broilers are typically more docile and less active compared to layers, which are more active and can be territorial.

13. Vaccination: Broilers and layers require different vaccination protocols as they are raised for different purposes.

17/09/2024

How to reap the most from the layers

As a layer farmer, one has to understand all the variables that may affect egg production.

Breed
The decision of what breed to rear is taken by the farmer and then the hatchery supplies chicks from birds bred for optimum egg production with known potentials.

Flock management determines when and if your hens reach their egg-laying potential.

Management also determines whether the flock production curve fluctuates erratically or follows the established pattern.

Pullet management

It is important to manage pullets correctly particularly in the areas of nutrition, light management and disease control.

At the point of lay, a pullet may weigh about 1.5kg. Birds that start laying before attaining the correct size may be prone to prolapses of the cloaca.

Deworm monthly after 8 weeks. De-beak between 8 and 12 weeks.

De-beaking should be done by qualified personnel. The lower beak should be longer to enable the hen ‘scoop’ feeds.

Success or failure of the layer enterprise will depend, to a large extent, on the management of the pullets.

Light management

Unknown to many poultry farmers, light is much more important for the hens than just for sight. Light plays a significant role in poultry reproduction, growth and behaviour.

Light controls sexual maturity in birds. Layers should be given 24 hours of light for the first four weeks. Increasing day-length (light) leads to faster sexual maturity hence earlier lay.

Pullets stimulated to lay before week 17 or 18 may never achieve their lifetime productivity potential. For maximum egg production, 16 hours of light is required at peak lay.

At no time should photoperiod be reduced during lay. A word of caution though: too much light in a layers’ house may lead to vices such as cannibalism, aggression and even egg eating.

This informs the cardinal rule of building a chicken house in an east-west orientation.

Nutrition
Laying hens require balanced feed to sustain maximum egg product

27/06/2024

Commonly Asked Questions in Indigenous Chicken Farming And it's Answers

1.What is indigenous chicken farming?

Indigenous chicken farming refers to the practice of rearing native chicken breeds in a particular region or country.

2. What are the benefits of indigenous chicken farming?

Indigenous chicken breeds are adapted to local environments, and they are hardy, resistant to diseases, and can survive in harsh conditions. They also produce high-quality meat and eggs, which are in high demand.

3. What are some common indigenous chicken breeds?

Some common indigenous chicken breeds include Kuroiler, Kenbro, Rainbow Rooster, and Sasso.

4. How do you select healthy chickens for breeding?

Select chickens that are healthy, have good body conformation, and are free from deformities, injuries, and diseases.

5. What is the ideal temperature range for indigenous chicken farming?

The ideal temperature range for indigenous chicken farming is between 15°C and 30°C.

6. What is the recommended space per chicken in a chicken house?

The recommended space per chicken in a chicken house is 0.2-0.3 square meters.

7. What is the recommended lighting for indigenous chicken farming?

Indigenous chickens require at least 12-14 hours of light per day.

8. How often should you clean the chicken house?

The chicken house should be cleaned at least once a week.

9. How do you prevent diseases in indigenous chicken farming?

You can prevent diseases by ensuring that the chicken house is clean, providing clean water and feed, and vaccinating the chickens.

10. What is the recommended vaccination schedule for indigenous chickens?

The recommended vaccination schedule for indigenous chickens varies depending on the country and region, but it typically includes vaccinations against Newcastle disease, infectious bronchitis, and fowl pox.

11. How often should you feed indigenous chickens?

Indigenous chickens should be fed twice a day.

27/06/2024

Common mistakes farmers make in the brooder.
(POULTRY FARMING)

1. In most cases, the brooder is either too large or too small. If the brooder is too large the heat gets lost. If too small, the air circulation is compromised and they start pecking.

2. The brooder has a draft. Ensure it’s insulated but without a draft.

3. Allowing wet wood shavings to remain in the brooder. If left behind the place gets dunky and ammonia is formed which in turn leads to CRD. Wet floors also mean the chicks (coughing)which leads to coccidiosis. (Chicks drop so fast and you can lose an entire flock).

4. Giving feed too fast when the chicks just arrived. (add chick start, liquid parafin)Offer a high-quality chick starter feed with at least 18% protein one hour after and ensure access to clean water at all times.

4. Not giving enough heat or too much heat. Chicks need a heat source to maintain their body temperature. A heat lamp or brooder plate is commonly used. The temperature should be around 95°F (35°C) for the first week and reduced by 5°F (2.8°C) each week until they are fully feathered. Invest in a thermometer

6. Lighting: Maintain a regular light-dark cycle. Chicks need about 18 hours of light per day initially. A simple timer can help regulate this.

8. Not Monitoring: Regularly check on the chicks to ensure they are eating, drinking, and behaving normally. Be observant for any ailments then isolate.

26/06/2024

Differences between Broilers and Layer Farming

Broilers and layers are two types of chickens that are raised for different purposes. Here are the differences between broiler and layer farming:

1. Purpose: Broilers are raised for meat production, while layers are raised for egg production.

2. Breeds: Broiler chickens are typically meat breeds, while layer chickens are egg-laying breeds.

3. Growth rate: Broilers grow at a faster rate than layers, reaching market weight in 6–8 weeks, while layers reach maturity at around 20 weeks.

4. Feed requirements: Broilers require a high-protein diet to promote muscle growth, while layers require a balanced diet that includes calcium for eggshell production.

5. Housing: Broilers are typically housed in large open floor spaces or in cages, while layers are often housed in battery cages or free-range systems.

6. Lighting: Broilers are typically raised with 24 hours of light to promote growth, while layers require a specific amount of light to encourage egg production.

7. Space requirements: Broilers require less space per bird compared to layers, as they are usually raised for a shorter period of time.

8. Mortality rate: Broilers have a higher mortality rate compared to layers as they are raised at higher densities and are prone to health issues due to rapid growth.

9. Market value: Broilers have a higher market value per bird compared to layers as they are sold for meat production.

10. Lifespan: Broilers have a shorter lifespan compared to layers, as they are typically raised for a period of 6–8 weeks, while layers can produce eggs for up to 2 years.

11. Egg production: Broilers do not produce eggs, while layers are specifically bred for high egg production.

12. Temperament: Broilers are typically more docile and less active compared to layers, which are more active and can be territorial.

13. Vaccination: Broilers and layers require different vaccination protocols as they are raised for different purposes and have