Kufuga Kuroiler "kama Kienyeji" (i.e. using local feeds such as maize grits, boiled tuber peels, leafy greens, etc.) is possible and can produce birds that look and taste like traditional local chickens — but it requires planning to meet their protein, mineral and energy needs. 1) Understanding Kuroiler behaviour Kuroiler is a modern hybrid designed to grow fast and lay many eggs. They require adequate protein, minerals (particularly calcium) and energy. If undernourished for long periods: - Growth may drop by 30–50% - Egg production will fall - Birds may weaken (legs, feathers, immunity) But with a well-planned improved-local feed system they can thrive similarly to local birds. 2) What you can feed (improved local system) Base feed options: - Maize grits / pumba (energy) - Cooked & dried tuber peels (potato/cassava/yams) - Leafy greens (mchicha, sukuma, banana leaves occasionally) - Protein sources: fish meal, soybean cake, maggot meal, kitchen leftovers with meat - Mineral/calcium: crushed eggshells, limestone, bone meal - Fresh clean water at all times Easy small-scale farm recipe (per 10 kg): - Maize pumba 6 kg - Cooked tuber 2 kg - Protein (fish/soya) 1 kg - Leafy greens (slightly dried) 1 kg - Calcium/minerals 100 g 3) Feeding schedule - Weeks 1–4: 4× day, starter with high protein - Weeks 5–10: 3× day, grower mix with balanced protein - Weeks 11–18: 2× day, finisher for weight gain and calcium for layers - After week 18: 2× day plus free-range for forage 4) Expected performance - Growth to slaughter on commercial feed: 12–14 weeks; with local feed: 18–20 weeks - Slaughter weight: commercial 3.0–3.5 kg; local-feed birds 2.0–2.5 kg - Egg production: commercial ~200–250/yr; local-feed ~130–180/yr 5) Practical tips - Always provide clean water - Add calcium daily (eggshell ash, limestone) - Add protein supplement (fish/soya) at least 3× weekly - Allow daytime foraging (free-range) when possible - Provide grit (small stones) to aid digestion 6) Safety - Never give raw potato peels (cook first) - Avoid mouldy feeds; store dry and ventilated - Quarantine new birds for 2 weeks before mixing The tool below implements these guidelines, gives quantitative formulas, and helps you calculate ingredient needs and protein targets for any kuku size and stage.