#best roofing sheets kenya

[wego-group]

Decra Tiles Kenya

We provide wide range of decra tiles for your roofing needs at WeGo Group. Quality, durability, and style in one place. Partner with us on your Residential or Commercial Project.

[roofingmabati]

Considerable Benefits of Using Iron Sheets in Kenya

When it comes to constructing or renovating buildings in Kenya, one of the most important decisions to make is the choice of roofing material. In recent years, iron sheets have gained significant popularity as a preferred roofing option due to their numerous advantages. The durability, affordability, and versatility of iron sheets have made them a sought-after choice among homeowners, contractors, and builders alike. In this write-up, we will explore the considerable benefits of using iron sheets in Kenya, including their competitive pricing, availability in various gauges, and the overall cost-effectiveness they offer.

Competitive Pricing

One of the primary reasons why iron sheets have become so popular in Kenya is their competitive pricing. Compared to other roofing materials like clay tiles or concrete, cost of iron sheets in Kenya are generally more affordable, making them a cost-effective option for many individuals and businesses. The 28 gauge and 30 gauge iron sheet in Kenya, which are commonly used for roofing purposes, are comparatively lower than other alternatives. This affordability allows homeowners and builders to save on construction costs while still ensuring a reliable and durable roof.

Versatility in Profiles

Iron sheets in Kenya are available in a range of gauges, providing users with flexibility in choosing the thickness that best suits their needs. The gauge of an iron sheet refers to its thickness, with a lower gauge indicating a thicker sheet. For instance, the 28 gauge iron sheets are thicker and more robust compared to the 30 gauge ones. This versatility in gauges allows individuals to select the appropriate iron sheets based on the specific requirements of their construction project. Additionally, iron sheets come in different profiles, such as box profile, corrugated, and tile profile, offering diverse aesthetic options for various architectural designs due to which the iron sheets prices in Kenya is worthy.

Durability

Another significant advantage of using iron sheets for roofing in Kenya is their durability and longevity. Iron sheets are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, including heavy rain, strong winds, and intense sunlight. Their high resistance to corrosion and impact makes them an excellent choice for regions with variable climates. When properly installed and maintained, iron sheets can last for several decades, providing long-term protection for buildings. This durability factor contributes to the cost-effectiveness of iron sheets, as they require minimal repairs and replacements over their lifespan.

Wide Availability

Iron sheets are widely available throughout Kenya, making them easily accessible to homeowners and builders across the country. Numerous manufacturers and suppliers offer iron sheets in various sizes, profiles, and gauges to cater to different project requirements. This wide availability ensures that individuals can find suitable iron sheets for their specific needs without extensive searching or delays. Moreover, the accessibility of iron sheets in local markets promotes healthy competition, which helps keep the prices competitive and affordable.

Conclusion

The use of iron sheets in Kenya for roofing purposes brings about considerable benefits for homeowners, contractors, and builders alike. The durability and longevity of iron sheets ensure long-lasting protection for buildings. Also, minimized maintenance and replacement costs can have a significant impact on the iron sheets prices in Kenya in 2023. Considering all these advantages, it's clear why iron sheets have become increasingly popular in the Kenyan market. For top-quality roofing materials, including iron sheets and more, Roofing Mabati Kenya offers a wide range of options to suit your needs. Visit Roofing Mabati today and discover the perfect roofing solution for your project.

[timbersuppliernairobi]

Nairobi Kenya Timber Sale & Prices. Pine, Bluegum, Cypress Price,Roofing, Nairobi Timber Supplier.Roofing Wood, Etc Welcome.

Nairobi Kenya Timber Sale & Prices. Pine, Bluegum, Cypress Price,Roofing, Nairobi Timber Supplier.Roofing Wood, Etc Welcome.

Timber For Sale In Nairobi Kenya

2022 Call/WhatsApp 0704 188 044

Other Wood Types Price List:

Gravelia: 6*1@21, 3*2@21

Cypress: 6*2@80, 4*2@52, 3*2@38, 2*2@27

Pine: 6*2@70, 4*2@45, 3*2@35, 2*2@25

Bluegum: 4*2@35, 3*2@25, 2*2@17

Welcome. Call 0704 188 044.

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[wego-group]

Box Profile 914 Charcoal Grey Gloss

Superior Quality Roofing, Guttering, Roof Vent, and Roof Insulation Materials Suppliers in Kenya, ensuring long life and tailor-made for you. For more details visit: https://www.wegogroup.co.ke/

[wego-group]

Box Profile Mabati Prices In Nakuru

Superior Quality Roofing, Guttering, Roof Vent, and Roof Insulation Materials Suppliers in Kenya, ensuring long life and tailor-made for you. For more details visit: https://www.wegogroup.co.ke/

[tknewskenya]

Best iron sheets in Kenya

Best iron sheets in Kenya

Best iron sheets in Kenya Roofing in Kenya has become popular as most people are trying to adapt to the modern way of life. Traditional roofing methods that include materials like clay, slate and wood have been repalced by modern roofing of which comprises of the best iron sheets in kenya that include asbestos, tin, copper and aluminium roofing sheets. Best iron sheets in Kenya Iron sheet…

[universalblogs]

WHAT ARE Z PURLINS?

Z purlins or zed purlins are horizontal beams that are designed to form the roof and wall joists of a building shell structure. They sit between the roofing sheets and the building, acting as a support for the sheet to ensure it is firmly attached and safely in place.

BHD Z purlins are most commonly used in agricultural and industrial buildings due to their extremely versatile and lightweight properties which make them easily adapted for use in a variety of different sized buildings.

BEST Z PURLINS ARE AVAILABLE IN BURHANI HARDWARE DEALERS IN KENYA

[thephoenixlimited]

What Are The Common & Practical Uses Of MDF Boards?

When it comes to choosing the best material for your home or office, MDF boards tend to stand out from the crowd. The reason behind its popularity is quite simple - affordable nature, high durability, extreme strength and high consistency. Made with the breaking of residues of hardwood and softwood into fine particles, the material is combined with wax or resin. After going through the extreme temperatures, it is pressed into sheets that can be bought from the Top Quality MDF Board Suppliers in Kenya. Due to its extremely affordable nature, these boards are used in an array of applications. These include:

●        You can use these boards to make furniture as they can be easily cut or drilled using any equipment.

●        MDF boards are the best choice when it comes to building the cabinets in the kitchen. Shelving units, doors, mouldings and even more are a few other applications of MDF boards.

●        Due to its fire resistant capabilities, MDF boards are quite popular among the home manufacturers. The flooring and even the specific areas use MDF boards to minimize the spread of fire.

●        When you Buy MDF Board Suppliers in Kenya, you can enjoy the benefits for roofing too. Many home manufacturers prefer using the boards for roof shingles as well as wall sheathing.

●        MDF boards are quite versatile so you can use it for both interior and exterior home uses.

Finishing Up

If you're considering purchasing MDF boards from the best MDF suppliers in Kenya, make sure you choose a trusted and reputable company. Buying MDF boards comes with plenty of perks as they are cost effective so that you won't burn a hole in your pocket and they have a smooth surface for perfect finish. Feel free to contact one of the best MDF suppliers in Kenya and buy the best quality MDF boards today!

[notchblogs]

Price of Corrugated Iron Sheet in Kenya

It is commonly said that Corrugated Iron has been enjoying a meteoric rise in the global property market in recent times. However, it is perhaps for the better interest of everyone that we take a brief look at the basic elements of this amazing metal and its effects on the construction industry as a whole. One cannot simply ignore the contribution of this material to the building of modern day buildings. For, not only do Corrugated Iron sheets make for good roofing materials, they also provide the necessary strength to construct strong poles, frames, cladding and trusses.

As is evident from the earlier discussion, Corrugated Iron sheets make for great roofing materials. But, what makes them stand apart from other common materials such as timber and wood? Basically, they provide greater tensile strength which results in longer lasting roofing structures. As a result, the price of corrugated metal pipe sheets is predicted to witness a steady yet stable increase in the years ahead. So, what are the factors which make this substance for a significant asset in the construction industry?

Price of Corrugated Iron Sheets: The price of corrugated sheet metal sheets is quite high, but that should not put one off from purchasing these. While they are expensive, they are definitely worth the price giá tôn cà mau. While purchasing the iron pipes, roofing sheets and the pipe fittings one must ask around at various metal suppliers to get the best possible deal.

With regard to the demand in Kenya, there is no denying that this is the major industry of Kenya with regards to manufacturing iron sheets. Hence, there are several metal suppliers available across the country, with all of them dealing in corrugated iron sheets. However, price is of crucial importance with regard to the selection of a particular company. It is advisable to choose a company that has a good reputation in the market, as they would be able to offer the best possible prices for the same quality products. Therefore, it is advisable to purchase these from an established company so as to get the best value for the money.

One of the main advantages of purchasing these corrugated iron sheets from an established company is that the products would be of the highest quality. This means that you can ensure that your roofing materials would last long. For instance, when you were to make the purchase of roofing materials for your house, make sure that they are made out of durable materials, like asphalt shingles, steel, corrugated fiberglass, etc. If you were to purchase low quality materials, they will no doubt break and this would not only cost you a lot of time and money but also compromise on the safety of your home.

Price of Corrugated Iron sheets in Kenya is quite cheap, compared to many countries in Africa. Therefore, if you are looking to invest in some corrugated iron sheets for your home, there is no need for you to look further than Kenya. However, there are several things that you should consider before you purchase the said materials. For example, where will you buy them from? It is advisable to buy from a company that has been in the business for a long time, as this ensures that they have a good track record and therefore there is nothing to be afraid of.

[rexeroofing-blog]

Roofing Material For Your House In Kenya

There are various factors that determine which kind of roof to use for your house.

CLIMATE

In hot desert-like climates where rainfall is low, flat roofs are very common. Areas such as North-Africa have a lot of these roofs.

A flat roof is not exactly 'flat'. It usually slopes at an angle of 5 to 10 degrees. This angle can not be noticed easily and helps to drain water during cleaning or after rainy weather. go to website Roofing tiles in Kenya

In traditional African societies, communities living in Arid areas of Kenya such as Maasai, Samburu had their shelters made of flat roofs. This is because rain is not common in these areas.

In rainy climates, the roof becomes steep. In snowy regions such as Northern Europe, the roof is very steep [over 45 degrees] so as to drain away snow. In traditional African societies which live in rainy regions such as Kisii, Mount Kenya and Coast, the thatch roof is very steep [over 60 degrees] so as to increase the surface runoff of rain water.

COST

Roofing materials vary depending on the budget.

In Kenya, thatch roof is the cheapest at KES 180 per square meter.

It is followed by Iron sheets. The thinnest grade in the market at the moment is Gauge 32 which costs about KES 210 per square meter. Gauge 30 costs about KES 240 per square meter and Gauge 28 pre-painted costs approximately kes 500 per square meter.

Concrete roofing tiles cost around KES 400 per square meter.

Clay roofing tiles cost around KES 630 per square meter at Mombasa. These have the advantage of being light-weight and since they are made of natural clay with no added paint, their rain-water runoff can be consumed without any health issues as compared to the others which have paint. Paint contains Lead which is harmful to the human body.

Stone coated steel roofing tiles such as Harvey, Decra are in the range of the most expensive and cost approximately KES 1500 per square meter. These are usually gauge 26 in thickness and hence give a lifetime guarantee. Their light weight also gives savings to the timber supporting trusses which will be less than when supporting heavier concrete tiles.

THEME DESIGN AND SHAPE OF THE ROOF

Curved and cylindrical roofs require special types of materials such as copper and bituminous felts. These felts can take the shape of the roof easily.

Copper felt is expensive. This is usually copper in colour when new and turns greenish as it ages.

Hipped roofs are best laid using tiles since with tiles, there will be less cutting and hence less wastage. Some steel roofing suppliers in Kenya can supply curved roofs. Gable roofs can be done using any type of roofing products.

Some buildings such as Highlands restaurant at Afya Centre, Nairobi have glass roofs. These give nice views but are expensive to put up. A square meter of 10mm structural glass costs approximately kes 2,800.

The steepness of the roof can also be used to control cost. The more steep the roof, the more the surface area and hence the more the cost. Some roofing tiles such as Mangalore design require steep roofs to make sure that the rain water surface runoff is fast and hence no leakages.

Recreational facilities such as tourist lodges which require rustic natural finishes will opt for the thatch roofs which can be patterned to various designs.

[buildmatt]

Innovative Steel Fabrication & Aluminium Works Turnkey Projects by Build Matt Ltd

INTRODUCTION

Any process of cutting, shaping, or molding a metal material into a final product is called metal fabrication. The process of fabrication depends upon the beginning, metal materials and the desired product.

COMPANY PROFILE

Build Matt Ltd does turnkey projects of Glass aluminum works and warehouses. It is a company with a working experience of 20 years in the field Steel fabrication & aluminum works. This company has clients from various firms in and around the East Africa region like Uganda, S.Sudan, Rwanda, Burundi, Congo& Kenya, etc. This company is equipped with skilled and experienced staff, works independently to provide fabrication solutions as per the requirements of customers.

STEEL FABRICATION WORKS FOR FUEL STATIONS

Some important things for steel fabrication are Sheet Metal (needed for every steel industry), Stainless steel and Aluminium (needed for fabrication), Racking and Storage, etc. This fabrication is important for gas industries also. Fabrication can also be used for pipelines or gathering lines and installed to deliver to refineries. For monitoring the pressure and flow rate after metal fabrication inspection gauges and compression stations must be put in place. That is needed for ensuring the materials are functioning without any issue.

Steel fabrication is important for roof trusses in fuel stations, like a petrol station. This remains as one of the most cost effective one. Mostly fabricated tube beam for upper roof and metal sheet for roof sheet are the two types of steel metal used.

Again, choosing a steel fabricator is the most important thing, and we can be most reliable for steel fabrication works for fuel stations with some highly considerable parameters like – experience, industries served, resources, production type, stock materials, etc, which you are looking for.

ALUMINIUM AND GLASS WORK FOR FACTORIES

Steel and Aluminium are the two best metals used for fabrication mainly. There are various types of fabrication like – casting, cutting, folding, forging, extrusion, punching, welding, etc. Those products that are used in industries are already subjected to some most critical environmental conditions known, which means that they can be replaced or changed frequently.

Fab shop is the name of this fabrication shop where all the aluminium and glass works are undertaken. Jobs bidding of metal fabricators are done by submitting drawings, and after getting awarded they construct the projects.

POLYCARBONATE HOLLOW SHEET INSTALLATIONS AND APPLICATIONS

Polycarbonate hollow sheet installations can be extremely cost-effective because of its durability and long-lasting phenomenon. Hollow sheet installations remain one of the most used sheds in factories. A variety of techniques is used in the modern metal fabrication process for quality returns. For executing various types of hollow sheet installations, Build Matt has a wide space for storage purposes and machining. Spacious welding department, Electrical-drilling machine, Generators, Vibrating Roller, Compressors, Grinder and cutting machines, etc. are the modern machinery, and services indulged for this purpose.

[wego-group]

How to Choose the Right Roofing Material for Your Needs

Selecting the perfect roofing material is a critical decision when building or renovating your home. Your choice impacts not only the aesthetic appeal but also the durability, energy efficiency, and cost of your home. With numerous options available in Kenya, including corrugated roof tiles, stone coated metal roof tiles, and box profile sheets, finding the right fit for your needs can be overwhelming. At WeGo Group, we aim to simplify this decision by providing quality products and expert guidance tailored to East African homes.

Consider Your Climate

Kenya’s diverse climate regions demand roofing solutions suited to specific weather conditions. For instance:

Corrugated roof tiles are an excellent choice for areas prone to heavy rains. Their design ensures efficient water runoff, preventing leaks and damage.

Stone coated metal roof tiles provide exceptional durability against harsh sun exposure, offering protection in hot and dry regions.

If you’re in a cooler region, insulated roofing materials, such as certain box profile roofing sheets, can help maintain indoor temperatures and reduce energy bills.

Choosing a roofing material that aligns with your local climate ensures longevity and functionality.

Evaluate Durability

The lifespan of your roof depends on the material's quality and resilience. Stone coated metal roof tiles, for example, are known for their robustness and resistance to corrosion, making them a popular choice across Kenya. They combine the strength of metal with a protective coating, ensuring long-term reliability even in extreme conditions.

On the other hand, corrugated roof tiles offer cost-effective durability for those seeking reliable roofing on a budget. These tiles are lightweight yet strong, making installation easier and reducing structural stress.

Budget and Pricing

Cost plays a crucial role in determining your choice of roofing material. Understanding the market rates is essential to make an informed decision. At WeGo Group, we offer competitive box profile roofing sheets prices in Kenya without compromising on quality. These sheets are not only affordable but also versatile, suiting both residential and commercial applications.

Before committing, weigh the initial investment against long-term benefits like maintenance costs and durability. While some materials may have a higher upfront cost, they could save you money in the long run due to minimal repairs or replacements.

Aesthetic Appeal

Your roof significantly influences the overall appearance of your home. Stone coated metal roof tiles are available in a variety of colors and finishes, adding a touch of elegance to modern homes. If you prefer a traditional look, corrugated roof tiles can provide a classic yet practical solution.

For a sleek, contemporary style, box profile roofing sheets offer clean lines and a polished finish, perfect for modern architectural designs.

Partner with WeGo Group for Your Roofing Needs

At WeGo Group, we specialize in providing high-quality roofing solutions tailored to your unique needs. Whether you’re considering corrugated roof tiles, stone coated metal roof tiles, or are exploring the best box profile roofing sheets prices in Kenya, our expert team is here to assist you every step of the way.

Our commitment to quality, affordability, and customer satisfaction has made us a trusted name in East Africa. Let us help you turn your house into a home with roofing materials that combine functionality, durability, and style.

Conclusion

Choosing the right roofing material doesn’t have to be daunting. By considering factors like climate, durability, cost, and aesthetics, you can make an informed decision. Explore our range of premium roofing solutions at WeGo Group and ensure your home is protected and visually appealing for years to come. Contact us today to learn more about our offerings and pricing options.

[erinoguzer-blog]

Dear friends of Governors’, High season is right around the corner and we have been working tirelessly over the last few months to pull off an exciting array of new projects, upgrades and latest additions including a Cessna Grand Caravan, 5 Landcruisers (straight out of the showroom), 3 Landrovers that have been expertly modified into photographic safari vehicles, 8 brand new tents at Private Camp, 8 brand new family units at Governors’ Camp, 1 new balloon basket and 3 new balloon envelopes. Let’s not forget our northern Kenya property, Mugie House, which is coming along beautifully and will open its doors to our first guests by the end of the year! Rome was certainly not built in a day, but we do feel as though we have achieved something pretty miraculous here. We have a wonderful ‘cast of characters’ at Governors’, which includes an incredibly dedicated team that has made it all happen. Its been a race against time – lots of pressure, lots of fun and most of all – a huge sense of pride that we have managed to meet all the deadlines and ultimately, we can continue to offer a diverse set of experiences, designed to excite and inspire our valued guests.  In keeping with all the new additions, we have welcomed back Will Fortescue as our resident photographer for the next four months over high season. He has just returned from a two week stay at our community-owned lodge in Rwanda, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, with the most stunning collection of images including the gorillas (as used in this newsletter), Golden Monkeys and our supported community and cultural projects. Please follow our social media pages (links are at the bottom of this newsletter) to see more of Will’s photography.

Wishing you all the best,

Governors’ Camp Collection

WHAT’S NEW AT GOVERNORS’ CAMP COLLECTION

Governors’ Aviation: In May we welcomed the latest addition to our fleet: a (new to us) Cessna Grand Caravan that made a five day journey all the way from Ohio, across the Atlantic and over to the Azores and then Egypt, before touching down on Kenyan soil at Wilson Airport. All paperwork and maintenance checks aside, we expect her to be up in the air in time for high season, over which we will be operating a total of four aircraft – all Cessna Grand Caravans – the best in the business!

Governors’ Camp Collection:

Photographic safari vehicles: all our Mara camps are set in the heart of the best wildlife viewing areas, amongst some of East Africa’s most spectacular scenery. It’s therefore no surprise, that we attract film crews from landmark series such as BBC Earth’s Dynasties and Animal Planet’s Big Cat Tales, as well as both professional and amateur photographers from all corners of the world. Attention like this from the world of film and photography enthusiasts can only mean one thing …. bring on the photographic safari vehicles! Specially modified to include same level seating throughout, cut out side panels in the middle row (can be closed over with canvas sheeting), high roofs and fully folding windscreens – features that were specifically recommended to us by our professional photographic safari guides. We have converted 3 refurbished Landrovers into a photographer’s dream!

Private Camp: the camp offering an exclusive taste of the Governors’ experience. We have really gone all out here and replaced the original eight dark green canvas tents with completely new beige tents which are higher, wider and have huge floor-to-roof windows, offering more space and air flow. Pretty touches include brass lamps in the bedroom units and in the bathrooms, as well as the addition of Kitengela’s recycled glassware which replaces plastic bottled water (this completes our whole collection of camps in being plastic water bottle free – hurrah!) We have kept the original wooden decking of each tent’s private verandah – the perfect place to sit back and enjoy the activities of the Mara River below you.

Governors’ Camp: we have replaced the previous 6 family units with 8 brand new family tents which have been beautifully crafted out of beige ripstop. They are one meter longer, and slightly wider and higher than the previous units. The windows are much bigger than before, allowing in more light. The bathrooms now feature double sinks, stone tile floors and ‘Lamu finish’ grey coloured walls, all in keeping with the natural and muted colours of the camp’s surroundings.

Governors’ Balloon Safaris: as pioneers of the Classic African Safari, it was only fitting that we should add hot air balloon flights to the collection, more than FORTY YEARS ago! Offering the most scenic flight path in the Masai Mara, we continue to be the top choice for this bucket-list experience, and so we receive a new basket and 3 new ‘envelopes’ (or ‘balloons’) in just a few days time! In other exciting news, our Mara guides are currently receiving further training, specifically in Ornithology, by bird expert Dave Richards. Not only has Dave been providing relief management across our camps and lodges since the early days, but he is also a professional safari guide, author and photographer, who has written a number of published books on travel and wildlife in Kenya and East Africa.

UPDATE ON GOVERNOR’S MUGIE HOUSE

For those of you who don’t know, Mugie House is our latest addition to Governors’ Camp Collection – a luxury camp up north which will combine perfectly with the rest of our property portfolio. We expect to be open towards the end of the year!

Meanwhile, hard work continues up in Laikipia as the property comes together beautifully. Aside from the actual rebuild and renovations, there are many other ongoing developments such as ‘bush cookery’ training by Antonia Stogdale, Safari Chef and Founder of ‘Antonia’s Kitchen’. We have two chefs taking the course, David and Mungai, and as you can see there are all sorts of delicious and colourful preparations underway, as well as a home-grown vegetable garden which will allow us to supply only the freshest of ingredients!

GOVERNORS’ CAMP COLLECTION BLOGS – MASAI MARA GAME REPORT

Pastel sunrises have opened the days for the month of May, while rainfall has been quite scattered. There has been plenty of mating between the Marsh Pride lionesses, specifically Yaya and her adult daughters, Pamoja and Nusu Mkia, with some of the Marsh males; we are hoping for tiny cubs by about mid August which will clearly delight our high season guests. Serval cat sightings have been frequent as well as leopard and cheetah.

Loldia House: May 2019

Hot weather and little rain in May encouraged wildlife right into the Loldia House surrounds for the green grass and complimentary hay and molasses mixture we have been leaving out in the evenings. Night game drives are becoming more exciting than ever with the use of red filters on our car’s spotlights; May sightings included an aardvark! Thank you to two special guests who got involved in our community & conservation project.

Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge: May 2019

May was a mixed month of heavy rain and just a few sunny days. The lodge was full almost nightly and many friendships were made over gorilla talk by the fire in our cosy sitting room – it was truly heartwarming! The highlight of the month was the arrival of photographer Will Fortescue. We had the pleasure of his company for two weeks while he captured all aspects of the lodge including the community & cultural activities.

PHOTOGRAPHIC SAFARI – 2020 DATES RELEASED!!

Following the success of our photo safari hosted by Paul Joynson-Hicks MBE in green season this year, we are hosting two photo safaris in 2020! A renowned African wildlife photographer, Paul’s passion started as a photographer’s assistant many moons ago in London and developed into an obsession through the last 25 years living and working in Africa. He is a widely published wildlife photographer, with several coffee table books and exhibitions. Amongst the social enterprises he has been involved in, Paul is the founder of the world acclaimed Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards, created in partnership with The Born Free Foundation, and receiving global coverage including BBC and Sky News. Dates: 23rd – 29th March and 6th – 12th June 2020. Each safari is limited to six places only!

Community Revenue Earned from Governors’ Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge

Community Revenue Earned from Governors’ Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge Surpasses US$3.25 Million

Governors’ Camp’s Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge in Rwanda is a uniquely community-owned lodge, with revenue received by the surrounding SACOLA Community. In August, we reached an incredible milestone when revenue earned by the community surpassed $3.25 Million.

On 7th September, 2018 Rwanda celebrated Kwita Izina, the annual national celebration where new baby gorillas are named in an event attended by heads of state, world conservation figures, and celebrities. The loud and clear message throughout the week of celebrations is that in order to protect gorillas, you must look after communities. Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge’s revenue-sharing model has allowed a community of over 5000 households who live at the edge of Volcanoes National Park to benefit directly from gorilla tourism.

Opened officially in 2008 by President Paul Kagame, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge is uniquely community-owned, the only such lodge in Rwanda. The Lodge was designed, built and is managed by Governors’ Camp, with revenue streams in the form of lease fees and levies from each guest stay going directly to the community.

Revenue from Sabyinyo Lodge is invested in socio-economic development projects, as determined by the SACOLA community through an elected board, that uplift the lives of the community members.

To date, some of the projects that have been achieved with the revenue stream from Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge include:

Connecting 5800 households to electricity

Construction of 65 classrooms in 6 schools, including two computer labs

Purchase of 40 acres of land to build Nyarubande School – one of the six schools

Donation 60 computers to 2 schools

Equipping schools with desks

Payment of school fees for children from the poorest families

Building of 40 houses for donation to survivors of the genocide, ex-poachers and the communities most vulnerable people. All houses are fully plumbed, electrified and provided fully furnished

The construction of two villages (34 houses) which house 126 formerly destitute farmers on the fringes of Parc National des Volcans in Rwanda who subsisted from the park. The village provides houses, water tanks and plots of land to people living close to the edge of the national park who are being resettled within the framework of the park extension project.

The construction and maintenance of 12 kms of local roads. Construction of bridges over waterways

Purchase of land to build a new technical school, aimed at upskilling members of the community with marketable skills

Donation of water tanks to community members for household water storage

Repair of damaged houses for community members

Provision of healthcare insurance for 7000 of the poorest community members

Construction of a health centre

Construction of piping and water collection points servicing over 10s of thousands of community members

The establishment and support of a local pig project.

The establishment and support of a local sheep project

Provision of capital to create a poultry business run by a coop of widows of the genocide

Ongoing support of livestock business with a SACOLA financed vet.

Financing of the construction of 2 SACCOS (community banks)

Initiating a one family one cow program which provides cows to poor people in the local community, with over 250 cows donated

 Every guest staying at Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge is making a direct contribution to the uplifting of lives of the people living alongside the Volcanoes National Park, thus ensuring the future of Rwanda’s Mountain Gorillas.

Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge

The post Governors’ Camp Collection – June 2019 Newsletter appeared first on Africa Adventure Company& Blog.

[dougdigby-blog]

How to Get the Best Hotel Deals for Jumia Travel Black Friday

Jumia Travel Black Friday is coming! This is the annual premier league of hotel deals and off the roof discounts. As such it can get very confusing to know which link to click, which destination to choose and when to book.

However, not to worry, we got your back with this Jumia Travel Black Friday cheat sheet!

When to Shop

Resist the urge to book for your holiday before the Jumia Travel Black Friday on the 2nd of November. This year, all the 3 East African countries will synchronize their watches to start on the same day.

Thursday evening – bookmark all the hotel deals that you’d be interested in booking. The more the merrier so as to avoid disappointment in the case where one gets fully booked.

Friday all day – book your hotel stay and flight as early as 5am. Be on the look out for treasure hunts and vouchers on our social media platforms.

Saturday morning – double check your hotel stay is still available as well as the flight requirements.

Sunday evening – do research on top things to do at your destination on Jumia Travel’s  free online travel guide. The key to enjoying your vacation is creating anticipation.

Monday – buy all your travel equipment on Jumia and have them delivered to your home or office or home. The best way to save on shipping cost is to buy Jumia Express items.

Where to Stay

The gold deals for Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda will be in the top 4 destinations in each country. Whether you’re looking for a laid back holiday on the beach, or adventure packed vacation, you’ll be spoiled for choice during Jumia Travel Black Friday.

Jumia Travel Black Friday Hacks

Signup for the Newsletter so that you’re first to be in the know of the hotel deals and the cheapest flights

Join Smart Travel Program by signing in to get an additional 10% discount on selected hotels

Make different itineraries based on the activities you wish to enjoy before Jumia Travel Black Friday begins. Be sure to bookmark all hotels of interest.

Since hotels get fully booked fast, book your stay for off-peak season.

No need to compare prices as this will waste precious time that you could use to hunt the treasure. Jumia Travel guarantees best price.

And even more discounts for Black Friday in Kenya and Black Friday in Nigeria on Jumia!

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Jumia Travel Blog.

[emunenen]

Makao Bora

New Post has been published on http://www.makaobora.co.ke/?p=14131

How to choose the best roofing for your house and how much it costs

As times evolve, so do roofing styles in Kenya. From the thatched (makuti) roofing materials that defined our past, today’s home owners have a variety of options when building their houses to suit each individual style and function.

The style one settles on relies on a variety of factors. First, the climate and weather of the location of your home should be considered. If it is prone to harsh weather conditions, this may affect the longevity and durability of your roof. This may lead to leaking if the design does not allow for adequate drainage, or the development of mould, which could corrode the roof’s structure.

Second, the interior of your home should have adequate ventilation and insulation to maintain the roof’s structure from the inside out. Lack of ventilation can cause a build-up of warm, moist air that could encourage the growth of mildew and mould, which could result in the rotting of the roof.

Third, ensure that the professionals installing the roof are thorough and well-established in their craft. Even with the best roofing materials, improper installation could affect their durability. With all these factors considered, what is left is for the homeowner to settle on a roofing style and durable materials with which to construct the roof. Popular roofing styles include:

Gable style

  This is the most common style in Kenya. The design involves two sides of a roof coming together at the peak to form a ridge. It is identifiable by the triangular or ‘A’ shapes formed, visible on the sides of the roof. They are preferred because they are the cheapest and easiest to install. This is because there is minimal cutting and fitting of shapes required, as the shingles that make up the roof can just be placed in long rows.

They are suitable for areas with cold weather as they can easily shed water during the rainy season. However, they can prove to be unstable in windy conditions if the frames lack adequate support, leading to the peeling off of the roof’s materials. They are suitable for home owners who want more headroom in their house for loft conversion, as well as adequate ventilation in the attic area of the house.

There are different variations of this roof style, including the box gable, front gable, cross gable, Dutch gable and gable with shed roof addition. Each is suitable for different aesthetic qualities, but the cross gable and gable with shed roof addition are most suitable for complex home structures and home owners looking to extend their space respectively.

Hipped roof

Another common style is the hipped roof. It has slopes on four sides of the roof that come together at the peak to form a ridge. This type is preferred because unlike the gable roof, it is more stable due to the inward slope of all four sides that make it far more durable. They can also offer additional living space in the home, in the form of a room called a dormer.

Though they are also economical, installing a hipped roof is more expensive than installing a gable one as it is more complex to build. For instance, the trusses that make the roof more stable tend to be more difficult to put together.

The additional seams in the design also affect the durability of the roof if not adequately secured and maintained, as they could form valleys that make it easier for water to leak through the roof. That said, installation is paramount to the longevity of this roof style.

Types of hipped roofs include: simple hip, cross-hipped and half-hipped. Like the cross-gable roof, the cross-hipped style is suitable for homes with different wings.

Flat roof

The style is fast becoming as popular in residential areas as it was mostly common in commercial and industrial building styles. This is as a result of modern architectural advancements.

The roof is flat above the structure, with a slight pitch to allow for water shedding and drainage purposes. It also provides extra outdoor living space, which comes in handy for townhouses with limited backyard space.

For homes that are energy-efficient, a flat roof provides space to keep solar panels out of sight. They are also cheaper to construct than pitched roofs, as they often follow the natural structure of the home.

However, they tend to be more expensive to maintain due to the costs attached to roof repair and replacement. They are also easily susceptible to leakages and are unsuitable for areas with heavy rainfall. This can be, however, be countered by ensuring the roof is waterproof.

Another great plus for this roofing style is the rise of the “green roof”, where one can place plants on the roof to combat insulation in urban areas due to their cooling effect. The roof is layered using beneficial plant life, soil, drainage and a waterproofing membrane to prevent leaks.

Skillion roof

It is also referred to as a shed roof. The design is essentially a single-sloping roof attached to a taller wall. It looks like half of a gable roof, or a flat roof with a more pronounced slope.

This design is common in modern architectural designs, though it has historically been used for home additions such as servant quarters or car sheds. In modern homes, this style performs double the work by being both aesthetically useful and allows for easy water shedding. This makes it a great choice for houses in high rainfall areas.

However, in windy areas, it can be quite unstable. The pronounced slope of the roof could also mean lower ceilings in one part of the house.

As for roofing materials, Kenyans have many options in terms of concrete tiles, wooden tiles, shingles and corrugated iron sheets. Engineered materials have become more preferred as natural materials become more expensive and inaccessible.

In an article on the Construction Kenya website in June 2019, corrugated iron sheets are the most affordable at Sh300 per square metre for the thinnest grade, with high quality pre-painted sheets going for up to Sh700 per square metre.

Clay roofing tiles will set the homeowner back Sh600 per square metre, while concrete roofing tiles will cost around Sh800 for the same. Slate stone tiles cost Sh1,500, wooden tiles Sh1,800, and stone coated steel tiles sell at Sh2,000 per square metre respectively.

Roofing shingles made of asphalt are gaining popularity among Kenyan homeowners for their attractiveness as well. They cost Sh2,000 per square metre. Copper felt tiles and transparent insulated roofs are other available options, with the latter costing Sh5,000 per metre.

When it comes to durability, slate roofs reign supreme, lasting about 85 years. A shingle roof could last about 15 years. 

[inforboit]

CHICKEN POULTRY FARMING 

There are many types of poultry farming in Kenya where one can earn a decent living. Embarking on chicken farming is a good profitable idea This article will talk more about poultry farming in Kenya. Broiler and layer poultry are used for commercial meat and egg production respectively. However, there are numerous world-famous meat and egg-producing poultry breeds available. It is important to select proper breeds according to your desired production. For commercial egg production choose highly productive layer breeds that are suitable for farming in the Kenyan environment. In the case of meat production select highly meat producing broiler poultry breeds.

Housing

The ideal house should provide the birds with a comfortable environment and protect them from the extremities of the prevailing climate (rain, wind, sunshine, etc). the house should provide adequate space for the flock to be kept in the house. The ideal stocking density is two square feet per bird (2 foot²/bird).

In the tropics, the ideal house is open-sided to allow natural ventilation and have an east-west orientation to minimize the amount of sunlight entering the house directly. It is important that the house be rectangular in shape and have walls not higher than three feet on the longer side. The wall can be made from off-cuts, iron sheets, silver boards, or bricks. The rest of the side to the wall should have a wire mesh. The roof of the house should have a reflecting surface and be pitched with overlaps. All these factors aid in ensuring that the house is comfortable and well ventilated.

Cement floors are the best finish as they are easier to clean. There should be a foot-bath at the entrance to the house for those entering the house to disinfect their footwear.

To reduce the risk of rodents gaining entrance into the flock house, clear all the vegetation in an area 3-4 meters around the flock house. The feed store should also be separate from the house.

Hygiene and Sanitation

In commercial layers farms, an all-in all-out system is the best management practice as it prevents the build-up of disease-causing organisms and disease outbreaks. In cases where farmers want to keep flocks of different ages, then each flock MUST be housed in its own house, and have a distance of 10m between the units.

The flock house should be constructed in isolated areas to decrease the risk of contamination. The house should be fenced to exclude stray animals and visitors. The door should always be locked.

  Poultry Farming in Kenya – Layers House With Dimensions For 500 Layers

  The wire mesh on the sides of the house should be of a small gauge ½” mesh, to prevent the entry of wild birds, cats, dogs, and rodents.

Only essential personnel should enter the flock house. Poultry workers should always wear clean, disinfected foot ware and clothing. When visiting birds of different ages, start with the youngest flock and always visit sick flocks last, irrespective of their age.

  Take measures to control all rodents, wild birds, and insects as they are known vectors of poultry diseases. Such measures can be mechanical, biological, or chemical.

Do not permit the introduction of materials and/or equipment into the poultry house without thorough cleaning and disinfection as these items can be carriers of disease-causing organisms.

Preparing the House

As soon as the spent flock has been depopulated, the layer house and equipment must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.

  It is important to allow the house to remain empty for at least 2 weeks (after the manure has been removed) before the next flock is placed. This allows time to reduce the build-up of disease-causing organisms and to prepare the house effectively for the next flock.

After the birds have been removed from the house, remove all the equipment from the house and dampen the ceiling, walls, and litter with water. This helps to minimize dust during litter removal.

Remove all old litter and dispose of it at least 1.5 km from the farm. Do not store it on, or spread it near the farm as it can re-contaminate the clean house when the wind might blow it back into the house, or via owners’ boots if they walk over it on their way to the house.

All unused feed in the feeders should be disposed of and not stored for the next flock to minimize chances of disease transmission. Only feed in bags stored in a store separated from the house can be kept for the next flock.

Wash the house with water and soap starting with the roof followed by the walls and finally the floor. Allow the house to dry before spraying the whole house with a disinfectant solution again starting from the roof. Simultaneously, wash and disinfect all the equipment from the house. Repair and maintenance to the house and/or equipment should be done during this time.

Once the house is dry, place four inches of litter material and put back all the clean and disinfected equipment into the house. Common types of litter are wood-shavings, straw, rice husks, and coffee husks. Good litter should insulate the floor and absorb moisture from the chicken droppings.

Prepare the brooder area at least 24 hours before the chicks arrive.

  Depending on the climatic conditions, the brooders MUST be turned on at least 6 hours prior to the arrival of the chicks. This ensures that the house environment, water, and feed are at the right temperature when the chicks arrive.

Chick Arrival and Brooding

On collecting the chicks, ensure that you have the correct number and that the chicks are uniform, alert, active, and free of any obvious deformities, unhealed navels, or signs of infection.

Chicks should be transported in a well-ventilated but not windy vehicle without direct exposure to sunlight or rain. The chick boxes should be loaded so that the air circulation is not impeded nor are the lower boxes squashed. The transport should go straight from the source (hatchery/sales office) to the farm without any unnecessary stops.

On arrival at the farm carefully remove the chick boxes from the transport vehicle into the flock house. Carefully remove the chicks from the boxes into the brooder ring.

Ideally, chicks should be placed under the brooder hovers 6 to 12 hours after hatching. The longer the time between the hatch and placement, the more the chicks become adversely affected.

  Once the chicks are in the brooder, they should be provided with wholesome drinking and feed. It is advisable to add Glucose (or Sugar), Vitamins and liquid paraffin (not kerosene) to this water. This provides the birds with a ready source of energy and helps in overcoming stress caused by traveling while the liquid paraffin assists in the passage of feces.

During the first 48 hours spread feed on a paper placed on the litter or placed in trays or feeder lids that are evenly distributed in the brooder area. This makes the feed more accessible to the chicks for a better start.

During brooding, it is important to maintain the proper temperature in the brooder. Below are the guidelines of the temperatures to be maintained:

  Temperatures

  Temperatures should be monitored by installing maximum-minimum thermometers in the brooder area at the height of the chicks. Observing the chicks’ behavior is also a good guide of the ambient temperature (see diagram).

  Chick Behavior Under Different Brooding Conditions

  Excessive chick noise during brooding is an indication that the chicks are uncomfortable. This is commonly due to improper temperatures and symptoms include:-

Chilled chicks

  Chicks huddle together, especially under the brooder.

Watery intestinal and cecal contents leading to watery/wet, droppings leading to wet pasted vents.

Overheated Chicks

Chicks lie prostrate with their heads and necks stretched out on the floor.

Chicks pant.

Increased water consumption by the chicks, leading to distention of the crop and intestines by the extra water.

Chicks move away from the heat source and seek cooler parts of the house. Sometimes crowed around the drinkers.

It is essential to maintain the proper temperature during brooding as chicks which are chilled in the first days of life will be stressed, have increased mortality, dehydration, retarded growth, poor uniformity and a higher incidence of ascites. While overheated chicks will be dehydrated, resulting in high mortality, runting / stunting syndrome, and poor flock uniformity.

The brooding area should be enlarged progressively to avoid overcrowding. The birds should be allowed to occupy the whole house by the time they are three (3) weeks of age.

During brooding it is essential to maintain proper ventilation regardless of the cost of maintaining the brooder temperatures. Ventilation is important in removing the ammonia from the house and ensuring that the litter is dry thereby reducing disease challenge. Layers also require fresh air to grow and produce eggs.

Lighting Programs

An appropriate lighting program is important but not critical. In the absence of electricity alternatives such as kerosene lamps can be utilized.

Layers are sensitive to change in the period of illumination, and these influence the age of sexual maturity and feed consumption.

  During rearing these programs encourage growth and control the bird’s sexual maturity while in production the objectives is to encourage feed intake hence increased lay.

Long day-lengths throughout the rearing allow the birds to increase their feed intake and hence growth. Hence it is advisable to use slowly decreasing light program for the first 7 weeks before leaving the birds on natural day length. The long day-length allows the birds to eat during the cooler parts of the day.

In the absence of photo-stimulation, the age at the start of production is determined by body weights. Weight varies depending on climatic conditions and the day-length experienced during rearing. Once photo-stimulation has started, age at the point of lay is no longer influenced by the pullet’s weight. It is therefore important not to start light stimulation until the pullets have achieved the target weights.

It is important to achieve the target weights as low body weight at sexual maturity not only reduces the mean egg weight but can also lower the overall performance (egg per hen housed, egg-shell quality, and livability) of the flock.

Irrespective of the production system and the location of the farm, three rules that MUST be observed are:

  NEVER increase the day-length during the growing stage (8-14 .weeks)

NEVER increase the day-length when the flock’s average body weight is below 1250 grams

NEVER decrease day-length after the start of lay.

Water

Distribute drinkers evenly throughout the whole house, alternating them with the feeders so that they are easily accessible to all birds. No bird should walk more than 1.5m to get to either feed or drink.

Provide one chick fount for 50 chicks during the first week and gradually replace them with the regular drinkers allowing space as indicated below:

Poultry Farming in Kenya – Water

Wash and disinfect chick drinkers daily. Ensure the drinkers are filled with fresh water after washing. Ensure that birds have access to wholesome drinking water at all times and NEVER allow the drinkers to go dry. During vaccinations do not disinfect the drinkers after washing, if the drinkers will be used for vaccination.

The actual consumption depends on ambient temperature and humidity. Above 20%, consumption increase to enable the bird to maintain body temperature by respiratory evaporation.

In hot periods it is essential to provide the flock with cool water as this will improve productivity. It is therefore extremely important to protect the water tanks from direct sunlight or ensure they have a reflective surface.

Always adjust the drinkers and feeders levels as the birds grow to ensure that the equipment is always slightly above the level of the birds’ back. This minimizes spillage.

Use a reliable water sanitizer (like chlorine) to control disease-producing organisms in the water.

Feeding

The feed is the greatest expense in commercial layer establishments, therefore it is important to purchase feed from a reputable miller who can assure consistency in the quality and performance of the feed.

Variations in the nutrient composition and quality of feed ingredients result in variations in feed composition and texture. These are due to variations in raw feed ingredients from season to season and even shipment to shipment.

  It is important to avoid mixing feeds from several millers, adding other protein sources (fish meal, etc) and minerals salts (DCP) as this changes the balance in the feed thereby affecting performance. Excess of some of these products also negatively affects the final products e.g. fishy taint in eggs due to more than 5% fish meal in the feed.

To start a flock, feeder lids or plastic feeder trays (one per 50 chicks) should be used. The feed should also be spread on paper placed over the litter, covering 40% of the floor.

Gradually remove the feeder lids or trays, replacing them with the adult feeders. By the time the birds are two weeks (14) days old, all the lids and trays should have been removed.

Raise the feeders gradually as the birds grow. Always ensure that the top lip of the feeder is at the same level as the birds’ backs.

   Chick and Duck Mash should be fed in the first eight weeks of life followed by Growers Mashup to two (2) weeks before the expected point of lay. The flock is then put on Layers Mash until the end of production. During the changes of the rations, mix the two rations so that the change is gradual. An abrupt change is stressful to the bird and can affect performance. Vitamins can be provided during this time to reduce stress. The average feed consumption expected with the corresponding weights of the birds are indicated below.

  Equipment outlay for a layer house housing 500 layers

  6 nest boxes each with 20 slots on 2 levels @ 1 Slot for 4 birds

Ventilation can be described as the circulation of fresh air through the flock house. This is achieved by the air passing from one side of the house and exhausting through the opposite side.

  Ventilation of layer houses serves several functions including:-

Removing excess heat and moisture

Providing oxygen while removing harmful gases

Reducing dust hence improving the air quality

In the tropics, where houses are open-sided, ventilation is managed by opening the curtains when it gets warm. This lets air from outside into the house. When it gets cold, curtains are closed to restrict the flow of air.

Curtains are normally made from used, clean and disinfected feed sacks stitched together, or canvas material. The curtains should be fastened to the side-wall at the bottom and open from the top. This will minimize wind or drafts blowing directly on the birds.

To ensure effective ventilation, every effort should be made to open the curtains on both sides of the building to the same level unless the wind is consistently from one side of the flock house then the curtain on this side should be opened less than the other side.

House should be constructed to take advantage of the prevailing winds to improve the efficiency of natural ventilation. Narrow houses (10 meters [33 feet] or less) with high pitched roofs provide more natural air movement. An east-west orientation of the house on its long axis reduces the solar heat level in the house.

  Disease Control and Prevention

Infectious diseases are the greatest risk to a commercial layer operation and attempts must be made to control and prevent disease. In most instances, the cost of treating clinical outbreaks of disease is enormous.

Sub-clinical, mild or chronic disease also leads to losses due to poor performance of the affected flocks.

To detect disease in their early stages, it is important for the flock attendants to be aware of the daily status of the birds. They should judge this by the behavior of the birds, droppings, feed intake, mortality rates, etc.

Any signs of ill health should be reported immediately to a veterinarian who can make the correct diagnosis and prescribe the appropriate treatment. Since most poultry diseases have very similar manifestations diagnosis by the farmers is strongly discouraged.

A vaccination program to meet both area and individual farm needs is essential for flock health management. Vaccination programs need to be reviewed periodically and any changes approved by an experienced veterinarian.

  It is important to follow the manufacturer’s directions on the storage and administration of vaccines. Generally, vaccines must be stored between 2 and 8 degrees centigrade, and transported in a cool box and should not be exposed to direct sunlight.

When vaccinating through the drinking water, the water supply system should be completely free of chlorine, medication, and/or other chemical agents for 48 hours prior to and for 24 hours after the vaccination. Depending on the ambient temperature, water should be withheld for 2-3 hours prior to the vaccination. The vaccine should be mixed with water which the birds will consume within two hours of being mixed.

Vaccinations should be done during the cooler part of the day either early morning or late evening. Before vaccinating always ensure that, there are sufficient vaccine doses to cover the flock and the birds are healthy. Also, ensure that the vaccines have not expired.

In eastern Africa, layers should be vaccinated against Mareks Disease, Infectious Bronchitis (IB), Newcastle Disease (NCD), Infectious Bursal Disease (IBD/ Gumboro Disease), Fowl pox, Fowl Typhoid and Fowl Cholera.

Below is a suggested vaccination program for layers

    Poultry Farming in Kenya – Vaccination

Fowl Cholera Sub Cutaneous

Due to the high maternal antibodies in the chicks obtained from Kenchic, it is important that the first Gumboro vaccination is not done before 10 days of age as the maternal antibodies neutralize the vaccine, leaving the chicks unprotected.

It is important to purchase your chicks from a hatchery where the vaccination history of the parents is available as this determines the level of protection the chicks have acquired from their parents and the vaccination program to follow.

Such hatcheries would also ensure that the appropriate day-old vaccinations are done effectively.

It is also important that vaccines are purchased from reputable vaccine manufactures or their appointed outlets (pharmacies, agro vet shops, etc)

  Such outlets are capable of ensuring that the vaccine cold chain is maintained and normally offer professional advice on various aspects of vaccinations.

Beak Trimming

Beak Trimming is done for two main reasons: To prevent feather pecking, cannibalism, and to reduce feed wastage. The operation is delicate and should be performed by specially trained personnel only. Poor beak trimming often leads to the unevenness of the beaks and in some birds causes difficulties in feeding and drinking thus low body weight.

In commercial laying flocks beak trimming should be done twice. A light trimming at 10 days and the second operation between 8 and 10 weeks of age. This is because trimming only at around 10 days will not prevent pecking entirely while if done too severely at that age will lead to a reduction in growth rate and uniformity.

Before Beak Trimming

Ensure that the birds are healthy and have not been vaccinated recently

Add vitamins (especially vitamin K) to the drinking water to prevent hemorrhages.

Ensure that the temperature of the trimming blade is high enough to prevent hemorrhages but not so high as to burn the birds.

Beak trimming at about 10 days

Hold the chick in one hand with the thumb behind the head

Hold the head firmly in position resting on the thumb

Cauterize or cut the beak tip and the lateral edges at least 2mm from the nostrils.

Beak trimming at 8 to 10 weeks

It is necessary to cut the beak perpendicularly at a right angle to its long axis so that after cauterization, about half of the beak between the tip and the nostrils is left.

To beak trim correctly at 10 weeks, insert a finger between the 2 mandibles and then beak trim and cauterize each mandible. For day 10 debeaking, put both mandibles through the middle hole of the machine. The blade should be at the right temperature. Cauterize with care, particularly at the side of the beak to ensure that the sides are rounded off to avoid lateral re-growths.

It is advisable to check the state of the beak trimming just before the point of lay and, if necessary do a re-trim of the overgrown beaks.

  After beak trimming

Make it easier for the birds to drink and eat by increasing the level of water in the drinkers and providing an adequate depth of feed in the feeders.

Parasites Control

Deworming– Layers are susceptible to infestation with a variety of species of worms, especially if raised on a deep litter system. These parasites reduce feed conversion efficiency causing a reduction in weight gain during the growing period and a drop in egg production in the production period.

The most common drugs for deworming layers flocks are Piperazine or Levamisole based and should be used according to the manufacturer’s instructions. These drugs cause production drops if used during production and should only be used on a veterinarian’s advice.

Layer flocks are routinely de-wormed at around 8 weeks of age and again at around 18-20 weeks of age, just before production commences. The flocks are not de-wormed again until after peak production unless there is a serious worm infestation. This is because de-worming during this time would lead to the flock NOT attaining peak production. Subsequently, the flock is de-wormed every 2-3 months or when worms are detected or identified.

External parasites-  Layer flocks are at times infected with red mites and fleas which suck blood and affect the performance. The birds should be dusted with an approved poultry insecticide and also the nest boxes and perches. After depleting the flock use an insecticide in the final disinfection.

Poultry Farming Business Plan and Record-Keeping

Keep complete and accurate records of daily feed intake, mortality, culls, and egg production. These will help you determine the level of profit or loss the system is making. Samples of record cards are attached at the end of the manual. It is also important to weigh the flock every week during its growing period. It is important that the weighing is done on the same day and time each week. This gives the farmer an idea of the growth rate of the flock and an indication of when the first egg is expected. Vaccination and medication records are also important. This should include the age of flock when vaccinated/medicated, vaccine/drug type used, method of administration, batch numbers, expiry dates, and who has given the medication. These are important in a disease situation as it guides the veterinarian to the probable source of the problem and the best management protocol.

General Management Tips

The following factors may predispose layers to disease or poor productivity

Over-crowding or over-stocking

High environmental temperatures

Poor ventilation and sanitation

Inadequate drinkers and/or feeders

Poor feed quality or inadequate feed

Changes in feed texture

Disease outbreaks in the surrounding areas

Improper lighting system / program

Some medications or vaccinations during production

Stress due to sudden noise

Stress due to poor handling of birds

Changes in climatic condition

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Get it right and be the next egg merchant CHICKEN POULTRY FARMING  There are many types of poultry farming in Kenya where one can earn a decent living.