Candling Eggs: Teaching Pupils to Appreciate Farming Skills Early

Farm visits are more than just a day out; they offer pupils a hands-on experience that nurtures curiosity and appreciation for farming. One fascinating activity during these visits is candling eggs, a simple yet effective way to observe life developing inside an egg and understand poultry farming from the ground up.

Pupils on a farm excursion

Maximizing Profits in Poultry Farming

For poultry farmers, efficiency and planning are key. The production of broilers typically takes six to eight weeks, depending on the desired market weight. For instance, producing a broiler over eight weeks costs approximately Sh174 per bird.

To maximize profits:

Determine your target market weight before starting the production cycle.
Shorten the production period to six weeks for faster turnover.
Feed strategy: Provide high-protein feeds in the first three weeks and high-energy feeds in the last three weeks. This approach encourages rapid growth while maintaining good body weight, helping you get the best returns in a shorter time.

Candling Eggs: A Step-by-Step Guide

Candling is the process of shining a light through an egg to observe embryo development. Here are some practical tips for beginners:

When to Candle:

Day 7 of incubation:
- Clear eggs → Unfertilized.
- Red blood vessels (like tree branches) → Fertile and developing.
- Red or black rings → Early embryo death.
Day 14 of incubation:
- Three-quarters dark from the narrow end, clear at the broad end (air sac) → Healthy embryo developing.
- Dark outline with poorly defined features → Late embryo death.

Important Tips:

Avoid candling after day 16, as eggs should not be disturbed just before hatching.
Candling lights are compact, battery-powered, or plug-in devices, often available from incubator suppliers.

Candling eggs not only teaches pupils about life cycles and animal husbandry but also develops early agricultural literacy, encouraging responsible farming practices from a young age.

Whether you are a farmer looking to improve profits or an educator aiming to spark curiosity in children, candling eggs is a rewarding and educational practice that combines science, skill, and the magic of life in the making.

Kienyeji Chicks Vaccination Schedule in Kenya: Complete Guide for Healthy Flocks

Vaccination plays a vital role in protecting poultry against deadly diseases — and Kienyeji chickens are no exception. While Kienyeji chickens are naturally hardier and more disease-resistant compared to exotic breeds, they still face threats from common poultry diseases such as Newcastle Disease and Gumboro (Infectious Bursal Disease) . Chicken vaccination schedule To ensure your flock stays healthy, productive, and profitable, a consistent vaccination program is essential. Below is a simple yet effective vaccination schedule and important health management tips for your Kienyeji chicks.

Farming in Kinangop: Exploring Profitable Crops for a Cold Climate

Kinangop is known for its cold and high-altitude climate , which makes it one of Kenya’s most unique farming regions. Most farmers here traditionally grow potatoes, carrots, cabbage, and peas —all well-adapted to the cool weather. However, many farmers today are asking an important question: “Apart from the usual crops, what else can we grow profitably in Kinangop’s cold conditions?” Let’s explore the possibilities.

Sukuma Wiki (Kale) Farming Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Scientific Name: Brassica oleracea var. acephala Sukuma siku hybrid kales Sukuma wiki—commonly known as kale—is one of Kenya’s most important leafy vegetables. Belonging to the cabbage family, this hardy crop is widely appreciated for its nutritional value, adaptability, and role in improving food security and livelihoods.

Greenfarm Organics

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