₦airaland Forum

MasExcel19:
Practical Steps to starting your poultry farming business: Part 5
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Hey smart farmers!

I apologise for making this post late. A lot has happened these past few days. I have been busy, had phone issues and sick too but I am happy its all working out for good because I have stumbled on miracles and favours too. Thanks for always following.

I have decided to do 3 things today as a way of giving back to you for all the long break.

Today, we will be discussing the following:

1. How to prepare your brooding room and care for your doc
2. The right way to vaccinate and the various vaccination programmes available for broilers
3. Feed types and age of chicks plus duration

Its going to be a long read so brace up....

Assuming you have been following all my post, you'd notice that our focus has always been on broilers and this is not because we don't have the knowledge about layers but because I believe and have explained that broilers are easy and less cost demanding to start. Also, we can't discus all 2 at once since each is broad, requires a different approach and skills.

If your interest is on layers don't worry, we shall discuss topics on layers broadly just as we have done on broilers.
Our goal is to meet everyone's needs and eradicate or put to an end all form of idleness and begging youths on the streets. If you're wondering why or what has been making us give so much, this is it!

Let's cut to the chase...

1. How to prepare your brooding room and care for your chicks (doc):

- first I want to assume that you already have a cage or a brooding space like a room etc

- if you already have the above then you must clean and sanitise the place at least 2 days before the birds arrive. So that all insecticides and chemicals used must have evaporated and the place air dried.

- you will need to also spread wood shavings on the floor of the room or cage. Pls don't use saw dust. The reason why you shouldn't use that is because the birds can pick them while feeding and it affect their growth eventually since the woods contain toxins. Also, it doesn't collect the droppings of the birds well enough. Most times the saw dust is for free while the wood shavings are sold at a cost. Please, don't use the big wood shavings too. Use something moderate the birds can't feed on but can still feel comfortable matching and sleeping or better still use rice husks.

- the morning to the arrival of your birds, seal up the room or cage as the case may be and put your charcoal stoves. Your charcoal stove however must be raised and the sides covered with blocks to avoid the birds flying or crawling in to the fire. Your birds will be able to fly from 2-3 days. The fire will make the room warm and then you can bring out your birds one by one from the Catton and drop them in the cage house. Make sure water and feed are already placed for the birds. It is also advisable to put an extra light in the room so the birds can be able to see more since their vision is poor at this stage. You should also, count your chicks and take records of transit mortality if any.
*the heaters (heat source) are placed in the brooding area 1-2 hours before the birds are placed inside. This is to ensure the area is warm enough awaiting the chicks.

- the water you put for them should have vitamins, vitamins and antibiotics the next day. There is usually a vaccination and medication schedule to follow.

- please don't go far away from the birds. The first 5 days are the most important in a birds live cycle. At this time they need intensive care. So you will have to check on them like 5 - 10min just after you put them down.

- observe how they are fearing:

*If they gather around the fire source, it means that the fire isn't enough for them. This usually happens during the cold weather

*If they are far apart and sparsely dispersed it means that the fire is too much and u have to ventilate the room. Usually in hot weather conditions you may not even need a heat source.

*If you find them lying down and breathing heavily then ventilate the room

*if you find them playing and feeding then the temperature is okay for them and you only need to check them may be hourly.

* if you see them just clustered and you are sure the temperature is okay for them then you have to space the food and drinkers apart and use your hands(make sure they're clean) to scatter them. If you don't do this they would match on themselves and this can lead to mortality.

- Please be careful how you prepare the fire source if you're using zinc cages; so that the zinc or wood won't get too hot especially if your cage is up and dwn type. If you place the fire under, the heat will affect the ones on top. You can use logic for this though.

2. How to vaccinate and the various vaccination programs available for broilers:

** The simple steps to vaccinate your chicks:

- you have to make sure that your birds are at least 7-10 days old before administering the first vaccine

- the first vaccine you are to give is Lasota. However, some persons would give gumboro first in some cases.

- withdraw all water from your birds early morning of the day. Leave them to only feed for about 2hrs. The idea is to make your birds tasty so they quickly finish the water you will be giving them next

- mix small quantity from a cowbell sachet milk in a 4 litre drinker only if your birds are 50-100. 2 of the 4 litres drinkers if 100-200 birds. 3 of the 4 litres if 200-300 birds and so on. Make sure the water is close to the brim then stir.
*the quantity of water is increased in the next vaccine and done so continuously although the programme. The idea in that is simple, as your birds grows their demand for water increases too.

- remove the aluminium seal on the vaccine bottle. Be careful not to allow air into the vaccine

- collect the already mixed water from the drinker into a syringe and transfer it into the vaccine bottle. Be careful not to allow air into the vaccine

- shake bottle to mix properly

- use your syringe and carefully draw out the mixture in the vaccine bottle into the drinker

- stir whole mixture and divide into different drinkers so that it be easy for birds to drink

- put the vaccine water for birds to drink

- remove vaccine water and replace with clean water after 1:30 minutes

Dosages:
50 birds to 50 dose
100 birds-100 dose
200 birds -200 dose and so on
Types of vaccines:

There are 2 types of vaccines- live and oil vaccines. The live vaccines are cheaper, easy to administer and mostly common. However, be sure you get your vaccines from reliable vet shops. Make sure to check for expiry dates and other details. Also, vaccines are to always remain in cold complexes or a refrigerator. So be sure the seller is bringing out the vaccines from the fridge or cold complex. He/she is to also package same in a cold complex for you. If you're buying all vaccines at once, make sure to have a means of storing them in cold complex or refrigerator.

Vaccination programmes:
a. 1:1-1:1 or 2:2
b. 1:1:1:1-1:1 or 4:2
c. 1:1

a. 2:2 means that you administer 2 lasota and 2 gumboro. Starting with lasota on the 8th day, gumboro on the 12th, lasota on the 18th and gumboro on the 22nd day. Some however, follow a 7-10 days gaps between each vaccines

b. 4:2 means that you give 4 lasota in all and 2 gumboro

c. 1:1 means that you give 1 lasota and 1 gumboro

* I usually make my choice depending on number of stock, circumstances surrounding the period of stocking and weight in view.

3. Broiler feed types:

There are mainly 4 types of broiler feeds namely:

a. Pre-starter: this is given to doc till they are 7 days old. It protein content, enzymes and nutritional values are usually very high and of utmost quality. It helps the chick gain all the necessary nutrients that helps it withstand stress and diseases when grown.

b. Starter: this is given to the birds from 7 days to 3 weeks more.

c. Grower: this is fed to the birds from when they are 4 weeks to their 8th week. This feed has more carbohydrates content

d. Finisher: this is fed to the birds from their 8th week to their 12th week. It has a balance ratio of both carbohydrates and protein. However, when the protein ratio is raised a little higher than the carbohydrates, it gives better results.

All the 4 types of feeds comes in 2 texture:

- pelleted : they are more refined. Their grower and finisher feed comes in a granular-like form. Vita feeds is an example.

- mashed : example is the type produced by Livestock, Hybrid, etc

If you have questions please ask in the comment space.

**** I look forward to hearing your testimony just like the screen shots attached to the post.

Live smart!

wisemaster1992:
OK. U will be added soon.

Kdamilola:
You can always calculate any kilogramme u want out of that formula...

Assuming u are intending to produce a 25kg feed, for maize, it'd just be;

Maize- (52/100)*25= 13kg
Fishmeal- (2/100)*25= 0.5kg

That's how you'd do it till you get the value of everything in kg... And if you love to determine for another quantity (say 100kg), you'd just replace the 25 with 100...

Kdamilola:
Drugs and vaccines are not catered for in your analysis sire...

DRUGS AND VACCINE
Kc Vite= #900
Embaceryl = #600
Gumboro 1st and 2nd == #600
LaSota = #600
Total= 2,700

You can use the formula below in lieu of the ready made feed. And white Vitamin C, moringa Oleifera, Ginger can also be added to this formula as it improves the quality of the feed.

Maize --52%
Fishmeal-2%
SBC--20%
GNC--18%
WHEATOFFAL--2%
BONEMEAL--3.5
Limestone /oystershell---1.5%
Lysine ---0.20%
Toxin binder ---0.10%
Methionine ---0.20%
Premix----0.25%
Salt--0.25%

Protein -----23.52%
Energy content-2900

This formula is tested and deemed very good. It's broiler starter though, but cheaper than ready made feed and with high quality. It's estimated cost is around #3400/25 kg which is lower than the #3700 estimation, thereby reducing the cost of production.

Kdamilola:
Drugs and vaccines are not catered for in your analysis sire...

DRUGS AND VACCINE
Kc Vite= #900
Embaceryl = #600
Gumboro 1st and 2nd == #600
LaSota = #600
Total= 2,700

You can use the formula below in lieu of the ready made feed. And white Vitamin C, moringa Oleifera, Ginger can also be added to this formula as it improves the quality of the feed.

Maize --52%
Fishmeal-2%
SBC--20%
GNC--18%
WHEATOFFAL--2%
BONEMEAL--3.5
Limestone /oystershell---1.5%
Lysine ---0.20%
Toxin binder ---0.10%
Methionine ---0.20%
Premix----0.25%
Salt--0.25%

Protein -----23.52%
Energy content-2900


This formula is tested and deemed very good. It's broiler starter though, but cheaper than ready made feed and with high quality. It's estimated cost is around #3400/25 kg which is lower than the #3700 estimation, thereby reducing the cost of production.

EMMAACHILE:
You can use the following in place of drugs
Probotics or
Herbs like bitter leaf, pawpaw leaf, ginger, mango leaves, etc

gkutez:
more pics

gkutez:
more pics

vicky3:
thanks for the input I intend using herbs inplace of chemicals

MasExcel19:
How to beat recession with Poultry Farming secrets: starting up your farm with less than 100k – Part 5
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Hey guys!

I trust you have been having a great time on this journey. Well, I have. When I first started this whole madness about getting people from their idleness to start farming, I didn’t think it would go this far. Every day, the situation of this country gets worse and youth get frustrated in their attempt to look for a job or start one. While we know that the situation of this country is bad enough, we also know that excuses are the major root of the idle state of our youths. Everyone wants everything done for them. Everyone wants the government to at least create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive. The bad news is this ‘no one gives a danm about you!’ while you’re there complaining there are many people who are starting up businesses and succeeding. While you’re there feeling sorry for how many times you have failed and how hard you have tried, there are many who have failed in numbers you can’t ever imagine, have tried so hard both secretly and openly and yet NEVER GAVE UP! If you ever want to succeed, quitting is not an option!

The first time I started farming, I lost all 50 broilers. The second time a 100 and then I almost gave up. I was encouraged by Mum to go back in and stick to it till I succeed.

Today, we control a 700 broiler capacity farm and though a lot have been happening as regarding our plans of expanding to at least 1500 broiler farm capacity by the end of this year we have no doubt that it is possible.

I can’t promise that the road will be all rosy and sweet. I can’t promise that you won’t face defeat. A wise man once said ‘you will face many defeat but don’t let yourself to be defeated.’ In less than 3 weeks alone I have seen about 4 poultry farms on sale. While many are closing up every day, many are starting out. Just today, Osita Chiemeke, shared a link( https://www.nairaland.com/3994366/natnudo-foods-targets-1m-jobs) with me where I read about a particular farm that distribute 2.844 million broilers every 3 weeks. I mean these people are in the same recess country we are in and don’t tell me that “it’s because they are Big, that’s why they are succeeding.”

You see there will never be a good time for you to start. If you are going to start, just start anyway!

Let me also set the ‘gender syndrome’ straight… according to facebook, there are more women who are either interested or already into farming than men. I have seen many women right here in the North where I am who are into all kinds of businesses and mostly farming. These last 2 Saturdays I have seen them in the market bringing farm produce to sale most of which were farmed by them or the people they paid to do the job. A male or female, you have no excuse.

My failures when I started were largely because I had little or no knowledge about poultry. The only thing I wanted to do then was create an alternative source of income. Having failed severally and being in this business for over 2 years now I know most of the challenges you will face as a newbie. I also know some secrets you can use so that you make progress even faster than I ever did. In this series alone, I have given you many already.

The first time I wrote a post stating that, you only need 49k to start a farm, I got so many rejections. Some people in their opinion thought I was misleading people. Others must have thought “this guy is a scam…what is he even saying?” I mean is not wise that you start a business from the TOP. All businesses are first started from the bottom up. Start small. Learn the ropes then go BIG!

The past few weeks alone, I have heard testimonies from my students who went out in search of a space to use for farming and got lucky to have them free. Some got both land and the housing free. I mean they weren’t asked to pay rents. You too can be lucky if you but ask. If you don’t get lucky, start right at your backyard. Source for materials from construction sites (please, don’t steal), get a carpenter friend in your area and construct a 2 step medium sized housing.

If you also stop wasting, you will save a lot while farming. You will then discover what magic a 100k can produce. I will be showing you how to curtail waste, apply some dangerous secrets and increase your profiting but that would come in the series “Poultry farming secrets that guarantees systemic flow of income of over 50% profits.“

In the next series, we will be focusing on the practical aspects of poultry.

Thanks for following this series to the end. See you in the next series.

00Chymes00:
I'm based in Port-Harcourt and yes my feed is 25kg with price at #3300 for broiler finisher and #3000 for layers mash. For guidance on the organic approach I'd like to add you to our whatsapp group if you are interested. There you would meet other experienced practitioners.

MasExcel19:
You can gt a complete ebook guide on how to make feed plus some feed formula to start with but its not free. The guide teaches u how to formulate feeds of layers, broilers and Turkey in their various feed types (starter, grower etc). If u would want that please chat me up on 09071827982

MasExcel19:
On Poultry Feeds...

If u ever try making feeds you'd never buy feeds again. The difference is so clear and the gap too big.
It is easy to do but you have to know how so your chickens don't suffer from malnutrition or over weight so that they die early or later at harvest. Chickens need to be heavy but wen de get too heavy with more of fats instead of meat the suffer from heart disease and die easily wen exposed to stress.
Your customers also want more meat and less oil. Unless you have that specific order you have to meet that demand
To make feed requires you know the proper demands on chicken dieting. This is indicated as Digestible Crude Protein (DCPs) on all feed ingredients. The combination of which forms the CPs requirements for Starter, Grower, Finisher plus any other feed category for any type of bird. Whether it is broiler, layers, turkey, quail etc.
To do all these means you need the adequate knowledge plus consistency after knowing how.
Improved methods saves you 15%-30% cost on feeds. This means more profits for you and big smile on the faces of your customers since they will be getting good chickens or eggs.
There is no magic around it! Just knowledge!

I haven't forgotten. We still need to finish our discussion on "poultry farmers worst nightmares!'

Brace up! Something Big is coming!

freelancer10:
Where's ur Location Sir...? better still, just send them a message. beckron2007@gmail.com..
They will direct u...

MasExcel19:
Every business comes with it great demand in hardwork in terms of energy, time and resources. Also, we find challenges as part of the gains of all genuine businesses. As I have always said, the problem is the opportunity.
Like any business, poultry farming have some pronlems associated with it. These problems has closed many farms and left several others either losing money or just managing pea nuts as profit. I am bringing this up not to scare u but to make sure when you start farming u don't suffer like I did when I started. So in addition to the 49k you need adequate knowledge. Including, the various challenges faced in the business and all the skills you need to be able to succeed running the business. I have always said that, if you consider your business worth while you'd be serious with it from day one. The business that grows from #1,000 cash flow to #1,000,000 weekly cash flow wasn't achieved in carelessness or guess work. So if u must succeed at this business, you need to clearly define your goals and promise yourself never to look back until they are achieved. The miracle in this business is in your painstaking times of hardwork and not wishes or dreams. You must enjoy the fresh smell of chickens droppings in the morning and be glad going rounds of feeding and cleaning your chicken Pen.

There are lots of challenges associated with poultry. I have found these to be Paramount for Broiler farmers:
1. Disease out break- high mortality rates
2. Uneven growth and too many wrongs among your stalk
3. The consistent increase in the prices of feeds
4. Marketing and sales
5. Credit buying

I will stop here. Please add your own challenges/problems encountered. We shall discuss them one by one. We will explain what each means and how u can solve them.

My name is Salami Excel Oluwafemi I am determined to take you off your sorry state of idleness and make you a farmer

freelancer10:
Why are Nairalanders so quick to rubbish people. Mr Anderson is not a Scammer. Infact, i was thrilled with the result i got from the herbal feed additive(DONNAY GROWTHBOOSTER) he gave to me. I followed all his instructions to the later and got an excellent result i have never gotten in my 10years of farming. Donnay truly works.

EMMAACHILE:
Its a disinfectant
BENEFITS:
Protect your birds from spread of infection diseases like fowl cholera, CRD, Colibacilosis, fowl coryea ,salmonellosis, aspergilosis etc.

zickyshey:
I replied your email.

EMMAACHILE:
I advise you give admacine or gumbocine and add polidine. Possibly after a day with clean water, give EST mix

Vaccination schedule can be various. I normally give antibiotics ( a good one) every two week eg
Day 3-7
Day 17-21
Day 31-35 etc

zickyshey:
I sent you a PM already!

EMMAACHILE:
Next time, get a broad spectrum antibiotics like est mix and administer. The one you are using is weak

From the pix, the bird looks healthy and the eyes seem normal.

EMMAACHILE:
Caution: expose under early morning sun oh! Which antibiotics are you using? Can you get a snapshot of the bird here?

EMMAACHILE:
Caution: expose under early morning sun oh! Which antibiotics are you using? Can you get a snapshot of the bird here?

jjbest123:
That's one of the signs of chronic respiratory diseases, have you treated them?

EMMAACHILE:
It could be a hatchery defect

On some chicks with similar problem, I expose them to sunlight. It will help in recovery.

EMMAACHILE:
How old? And what other symptom?
Normally I will treat with a general antibiotic first and see what happens after then.