Introduction and evaluation of modified hay-box brooder, Fayoumi chicken and layers housing, addressing small-scale semi-intensive poultry farming at Beresa Watershade, Gurage Zone, Ethiopia

Abstract

The study was conducted in two peasant associations at Meskan Woreda of Gurage Zone, Ethiopia. The objective of
the study was to introduce and evaluate Fayoumi chicken, two types of hay-box brooders and small-scale poultry
houses at the farmers condition. Twelve farmers were selected for the study and separated into two groups. One
group undertook chicks rearing using one box brooder (modified hay-box brooder) while the other group two box
brooder type. All households were provided with 20 day old Fayoumi breed chicks and starter ration. It was assigned
that, women should be responsible for the given chicks and in handling them. Small scale layer houses were
constructed to all household using a participatory approach. The study showed that both type of hay-box brooders
(one box brooder or two box brooder type) had similar effect on chicken growth and survival rate, however due to
low cost of purchase and smaller space requirement one box type brooder had a significant benefit for farmers.
Layers housing got best acceptance by farmers and appreciated by concerned stakeholders with its merits of
protection from predators, disease, thefts and easy collection of eggs. On the other hand, due to hardy nature, alert
behavior and above all, their high egg production performance and remarkable adaptive fitness, Fayoumi breed had
got higher acceptance by farmers.