Poultry types and Chicken Breeds in Kenya

Comprehensive Guide to Poultry Types and Chicken Breeds

Types of Poultry

Poultry refers to domesticated birds that people raise for their meat, eggs, or feathers. Here are the 10 different types of poultry:

1. Chickens: The most common type of poultry, raised for both meat and eggs.
2. Ducks: Raised for their meat, eggs, and down feathers.
3. Turkeys: Primarily raised for their meat, especially in North America.
4. Geese: Known for their meat, eggs, and feathers.
5. Quail: Small birds raised for their meat and eggs.
6. Guinea Fowl: Raised for their meat and sometimes for their eggs.
7. Pigeons (Squab): Raised for meat.
8. Peafowl (Peacocks and Peahens): Raised for ornamental purposes and meat.
9. Ostriches: Raised for their meat, feathers, and leather.
10. Emus: Raised for their meat, oil, and leather.

Types of Chickens and Poultry

1. Broilers: Chickens raised specifically for meat production.
2. Layers: Chickens raised primarily for egg production.
3. Dual-purpose: Breeds good for both meat and eggs.
4. Bantams: Small breeds often raised for ornamental purposes.
5. Game Birds: Birds like pheasants and partridges raised for meat or hunting.
6. Heritage Breeds: Traditional breeds known for their hardiness and slower growth.
7. Exotic Breeds: Unique breeds often raised for ornamental purposes.
8. Hybrid Chickens: Crossbreeds optimized for specific production traits.

Classifications of Chickens

Chickens can be classified based on various factors such as their purpose, size, and origin. Here are the seven classifications:

1. Purpose (e.g., meat, eggs, dual-purpose)
2. Size (e.g., standard, bantam)
3. Origin (e.g., Mediterranean, American, Asiatic)
4. Feathering (e.g., feathered legs, smooth)
5. Comb Type (e.g., single, rose, pea)
6. Temperament (e.g., docile, aggressive)
7. Plumage Color (e.g., white, black, red)

Types of Chickens

1. Broilers: Raised for meat.
2. Layers: Raised for egg production.
3. Dual-purpose: Suitable for both meat and egg production.
4. Bantams: Miniature breeds often kept as pets or for show.

Poultry Breeds and Their Characteristics

Different poultry breeds have distinct characteristics making them suitable for various purposes. Here’s a brief overview:

1. Rhode Island Red: Dual-purpose, hardy, good egg layers.
2. Leghorn: Excellent layers, active, primarily for egg production.
3. Cornish: Popular for meat production, broad-breasted.
4. Sussex: Dual-purpose, friendly, good layers.
5. Orpington: Dual-purpose, docile, good layers.

Poultry Breeds in Kenya

In Kenya, poultry farming includes both indigenous and exotic breeds. Here are some common breeds:

1. Kienyeji: Indigenous, hardy, good for meat and eggs.
2. Broilers: Fast-growing, raised for meat.
3. Layers: Commercial egg production breeds.
4. Sasso: Dual-purpose, hardy.
5. Kuroiler: Dual-purpose, fast-growing.

Types of Poultry Breeds

Poultry breeds are categorized based on their productivity and purpose:

1. Commercial Layers: High egg production (e.g., Leghorn).
2. Commercial Broilers: Rapid growth for meat (e.g., Cornish Cross).
3. Dual-purpose: Suitable for both meat and eggs (e.g., Sussex).
4. Heritage Breeds: Traditional breeds with slower growth rates (e.g., Rhode Island Red).
5. Ornamental Breeds: Kept for their appearance (e.g., Silkie).

Chicken Types in Kenya

In Kenya, the common types of chickens include:

1. Kienyeji (local indigenous breeds)
2. Broilers (meat production)
3. Layers (egg production)
4. Kuroiler (dual-purpose)
5. Sasso (dual-purpose)

Exotic Chicken Breeds in Kenya

Exotic breeds introduced to improve productivity include:

1. Kuroiler: Dual-purpose, high yield.
2. Sasso: Dual-purpose, hardy.
3. Rainbow Rooster: Dual-purpose, resilient.

Types of Chicken Eggs

Chicken eggs can vary in size, color, and purpose:

1. White Eggs: Common in commercial production.
2. Brown Eggs: Preferred by some for perceived quality.
3. Free-range Eggs: From chickens raised with outdoor access.
4. Organic Eggs: From chickens fed organic feed.
5. Pasture-raised Eggs: From chickens raised on pasture.

Types of Poultry Farming in Kenya

Different types of poultry farming practiced in Kenya include:

1. Broiler Farming: Raising chickens for meat.
2. Layer Farming: Raising chickens for egg production.
3. Kienyeji Farming: Rearing indigenous breeds.
4. Dual-purpose Farming: Raising breeds for both meat and eggs.

Types of Poultry Houses in Kenya

Proper housing is crucial for poultry farming:

1. Deep Litter System: Chickens roam on a litter-covered floor.
2. Battery Cage System: Hens kept in cages for egg production.
3. Free-range System: Chickens have access to outdoor space.

Best Poultry Breeds in Kenya

The best poultry breeds in Kenya for productivity and adaptability include:

1. Kienyeji: Indigenous, hardy, dual-purpose.
2. Kuroiler: Fast-growing, dual-purpose.
3. Sasso: Hardy, dual-purpose.
4. Broilers: Rapid growth for meat.
5. Layers: High egg production.

Complete List of Chicken Breeds

For a complete list of chicken breeds with pictures, you can refer to comprehensive resources like poultry breed charts or databases. These resources provide detailed information on various breeds, their characteristics, and purposes.

FAQS

• What breed of chicken is most disease resistant?
  • Answer: Some chicken breeds known for their disease resistance include Rhode Island Reds, Australorps, and Plymouth Rocks. However, proper management and hygiene practices are crucial for preventing diseases in any breed.
• How to pick the right chicken breed for your farm?
  • Answer: Consider factors like climate, purpose (meat, eggs, dual-purpose), temperament, and space availability when selecting a chicken breed for your farm. Researching breed characteristics and consulting with experienced farmers can help make an informed decision.
• What is the most common chicken breed for backyard poultry?
  • Answer: The Rhode Island Red is one of the most common chicken breeds for backyard poultry due to its hardiness, egg-laying ability, and friendly disposition.
• Which chicken breeds are best suited for egg production?
  • Answer: Some of the best chicken breeds for egg production include Leghorns, Rhode Island Reds, and Australorps, known for their high egg-laying rates.
• Are there specific chicken breeds suitable for meat production?
  • Answer: Broiler chicken breeds such as Cornish Cross and Red Rangers are specifically bred for meat production due to their rapid growth rates and large size.
• What are the characteristics of dual-purpose chicken breeds?
  • Answer: Dual-purpose chicken breeds, like Barred Plymouth Rocks and Sussex, are valued for both meat and egg production. They typically have moderate egg-laying abilities and good meat quality.
• How do I identify different types of chicken breeds?
  • Answer: You can identify chicken breeds by their physical characteristics such as plumage color, comb type, size, and body shape. Consulting breed standards and guides can also help with identification.
• Where can I find a complete list of chicken breeds with pictures?
  • Answer: Comprehensive resources like poultry breed charts, books, and online databases provide lists of chicken breeds with detailed descriptions and pictures.
• Are there brown chicken breeds known for their egg-laying abilities?
  • Answer: Yes, breeds like Rhode Island Reds, Orpingtons, and Plymouth Rocks are known for laying brown eggs and are popular choices for egg production.
• Is there an alphabetical list of chicken breeds available in PDF format?
  • Answer: Yes, you can find alphabetical lists of chicken breeds in PDF format online or in poultry farming resources, including breed association websites and agricultural publications.
• What are the three primary types of chicken and their characteristics?
  • Answer: The three primary types of chicken are broilers (raised for meat), layers (raised for egg production), and dual-purpose breeds (suitable for both meat and eggs). Each type has specific characteristics optimized for its intended purpose.
• Which chicken breeds are suitable for free-range farming?
  • Answer: Chicken breeds known for their foraging abilities and adaptability to outdoor environments are suitable for free-range farming. Examples include Rhode Island Reds, Australorps, and Barred Plymouth Rocks.
• Are there specific chicken breeds recommended for small-scale poultry farming?
  • Answer: Yes, smaller breeds like bantams are often recommended for small-scale poultry farming due to their compact size and lower feed requirements. Bantam versions of popular breeds like the Brahma and Cochin are available.
• What are the differences between standard-sized and bantam chicken breeds?
  • Answer: Standard-sized chicken breeds are larger in size, while bantam breeds are smaller and more compact. Bantams also tend to have proportionally larger feathers and shorter legs compared to standard breeds.
• How do I identify heritage chicken breeds and their significance?
  • Answer: Heritage chicken breeds are typically older, traditional breeds that have been raised for generations. They are often valued for their historical significance, genetic diversity, and ability to thrive in outdoor settings.
• Which chicken breeds are known for their unique plumage colors?
  • Answer: Chicken breeds like Silkies, Polish, and Ameraucanas are known for their unique and colorful plumage patterns. Silkies, in particular, have fluffy feathers and distinctive blue-black skin.
• What factors should I consider when selecting a chicken breed for my climate?
  • Answer: Consider the climate conditions of your region, including temperature, humidity, and precipitation levels. Choose chicken breeds that are well-suited to your climate to ensure their health and productivity.
• Are there specific chicken breeds known for their docile temperament?
  • Answer: Yes, breeds like Orpingtons, Brahmas, and Cochins are known for their docile and friendly temperaments, making them suitable choices for backyard flocks and family farms.
• How do I manage and care for different types of chicken breeds?
  • Answer: Proper management and care involve providing adequate housing, nutrition, water, and healthcare. Tailor management practices to the specific needs and characteristics of each chicken breed to ensure their health and well-being.
• Where can I find a comprehensive FAQ document on poultry types and chicken breeds in PDF format?
  • Answer: You can find comprehensive FAQ documents on poultry types and chicken breeds in PDF format from reputable agricultural websites, extension services, and poultry farming resources.