Thread by @agribusinesszw

THE POULTRY FARM SET UP (A Thread)
bit.ly/MagOct2020

Accessibility
The poultry farm should be easily accessible and well protected. The location of the poultry units should take into account prevailing winds. Excessive winds may introduce drafts, which are not desirable.

The terrain also should be such that it will not adversely interfere with the construction of houses. Other points to take note are described below. The poultry farm/site must be reachable at all times.

Feeds and chicks will need to be delivered at various times during the year while finished products such as eggs and birds for slaughter will be taken off farm.

It is therefore important that an all weather road should serve the farm

Electricity
Many poultry operations require electricity for are lighting, artificial ventilation and refrigeration.

Large scale operations will need to use automated feeding systems, these require electrical power. Thus, a power supply is quite critical. It may be necessary that a step down transformer be on the farm or somewhere close to it.

Bio security and disease control
Wheel and foot dips must be provided at the entrance to the farm. Vehicles and people coming to the farm from outside may be carrying some germs. These need to be eliminated at the entrance.

An allin–all- out system is strongly recommended as it minimises the risk of disease carry over and cross infections of flocks.

Location in relation to other poultry farms/units
The farm or unit must be far away from other poultry farms.

The minimum distance from the nearest farm should be 3 km for layers. However, for single age units or broiler units, the minimum distance between farms could as low as 1 km.

Thus avoid multi-age sites or units in order to minimise the risk of cross infections from neighbouring farms or units.

Water supply
There should be a reliable water source on any poultry farm. The water could be from a borehole, dam or river.

These sources must be able to provide water all year round. When using water from a river or dam, it must be treated (e.g., with Annulyte or Chlorine pills) before being offered to the chickens. The average water usage in adult birds may be up to 350ml per day.