It is very important that food troughs should not be overfilled and neither should the tube feeders be too widely opened, the construction of the food trough is also important and there exist types that reduce spillage and so reduce food wastage by up to 20 percent. Food wastage can turn a profitable enterprise into one making a considerable loss.
Table: Floor space and trough space requirement per 100 chicks
| Age (weeks) | Floor space (m2) | Trough space (m) |
| 0-4 | 4 | 1.5 |
| 5-8 | 9 | 3.0 |
| 9-20 | 12 | 6.0 |
Read Also: Extensive System/Free Range Poultry Production System
For drinkers and food troughs the requirements are
It should be impossible to tilt over.
It should have adequate size and depth.
It should discourage scratching out of contents.
It must not cause injury to the bird.
It should be cheap and can be constructed locally.
It should allow the bird full access and not limit food intake.
Maintenance of Poultry Equipment
Proper maintenance includes the following:
Cleaning of feeders and drinkers and emptying them every day in case of deep litter system;
Complete cleaning using soap and water and if possible disinfectants. This should be followed by complete drying and disinfection in direct sunlight;
In conclusion, poultry has proved to be particularly versatile domestic bird that is adapted to almost all environments and system of production.
Poultry production makes it an open choice for the farmer to decide which system of production he is interested based on his capital, skills, and needs.
In a tropical environment the design and construction of poultry houses must take into consideration the climatic and weather conditions of the environment.
The guiding principle is to keep poultry productive throughout their producing life. This involves the provision of optimum conditions of temperature, humidity, ventilation and light.
Another important principle relates to cost and durability. Poultry house should be structurally strong, durable, and cheap.
It is very important that food troughs should not be overfilled and neither should the tube feeders be too widely opened. The construction of the food trough is also important and there exist types that reduce spillage and so reduce food wastage by up to 20 percent.
Food wastage can turn a profitable enterprise into one making a considerable loss.
Read Also: Reasons and Guidelines for Providing Suitable Housing for Poultry
