Chickens & Rabbits for a Kenyan Children's Home

We are excited to share the initial progress for our project at Jemo House Children’s Home. This initiative aims to bolster the home's food security and vocational training opportunities by establishing a robust, sustainable poultry and rabbit rearing program. By transitioning from a small-scale hobbyist approach to a professional setup, we aim to provide consistent protein for the children and a source of potential income for the home.

Current Challenges & Strategic Planning

While we currently maintain a very small chicken coop, our efforts have faced significant hurdles that this project is designed to solve:

• Predation: Our current chickens free-range during the day. However, heavy hawk activity in the area has resulted in a devastatingly low survival rate for young and adolescent chicks.

• Infrastructure Constraints: The existing coop is insufficient for growth and does not provide the protection needed for vulnerable livestock.

Site Development & Solutions

We have identified a new, optimal location on the property for the expanded facility. Our plan includes the construction of a large, secure coop and a substantial enclosed run. This "predator-proof" design will allow the birds to move freely while staying safe from aerial threats.

Addressing Environmental Factors: The selected site offers excellent shade to prevent heat stress, but it presented a drainage challenge. An unofficial channel currently directs greywater from the washroom sinks and showers through this area.

To ensure a hygienic environment for the animals and prevent soil erosion, our immediate next step is the construction of a soak pit. This system will:

1. Redirect and manage the greywater effectively.

2. Keep the livestock area dry and reduce the risk of waterborne diseases.

3. Prepare the ground for the foundation of the new enclosures.

Next Steps

With the site layout finalized, our focus for the coming month is the excavation of the soak pit and the procurement of high-quality timber and wire mesh for the main construction phase. Once the environment is stabilized, we will begin the transition of our current flock and the introduction of our new rabbits.