Chicken feeding troughs are essential equipment for poultry farmers. While plastic feeders are common, bamboo troughs are cheaper, durable, and easy to make, especially for small-scale farmers.

In many rural markets in Kenya, a 3-foot bamboo chicken feeding trough sells for around KSh 300–350, making it a profitable bamboo craft product.

Typical Length of a Bamboo Stem

A mature bamboo pole commonly grows:

• 9 – 15 metres long
• That is about 30 – 50 feet

For feeding trough production, the most usable straight sections are usually 25 – 40 feet.

For calculation purposes, we will assume: 

Average usable bamboo pole: 36 feet

How Many Chicken Troughs Can One Bamboo Pole Produce?

If one trough is 3 feet long:36 feet ÷ 3 feet = 12 troughs

However, after allowing for cutting waste and trimming:

Realistic production: 10–11 troughs per bamboo pole

Tools Needed

You only need simple tools for this bamboo project.

Basic tools include:

• Hand saw or hacksaw
• Sharp knife or machete
• Chisel
• Hammer
• Measuring tape
• Sandpaper
• Hand drill (optional)

Optional materials:

• Wood screws or nails
• Small wooden legs or bamboo stands
• Varnish or linseed oil

Step-by-Step Process for Making a Bamboo Chicken Feeding Trough

Step 1: Select a Mature Bamboo Pole

Choose bamboo that is:

• 3–5 years old
• Thick-walled
• Free from cracks and insect holes

Mature bamboo is stronger and lasts longer.

Step 2: Cut the Bamboo Into Sections

Measure and cut the bamboo into 3-foot sections.

Each section will become one feeding trough.

Use a saw to make clean cuts.

Step 3: Split the Bamboo

Each bamboo section is split lengthwise into two halves.

This creates a natural curved channel that holds chicken feed.

One 3-foot bamboo piece can produce two trough halves.

You can either:

• Use one half as a trough
• Or make two smaller troughs

Most farmers prefer a deeper half-bamboo trough.

Step 4: Remove Internal Nodes

Inside bamboo there are solid partitions called nodes.

Use a chisel or knife to:

• Remove the node barriers
• Smooth the inside

This allows feed to flow evenly along the trough.

Step 5: Smooth the Edges

Sand the edges to:

• Remove sharp points
• Prevent injury to chickens
• Improve appearance

This step also makes the product look more professional.

Step 6: Add Support Legs

To prevent the trough from tipping over, attach two small stands or legs.

Options include:

Option 1: Bamboo stands

• Attach two short bamboo pieces at both ends.

Option 2: Wooden supports

• Use small wooden blocks.

This raises the trough slightly above the ground and stabilizes it.

Step 7: Apply Protective Finish (Optional)

For longer durability:

Apply:

• Linseed oil
• Wood varnish
• Natural oil

Benefits:

• Protects bamboo from moisture
• Prevents cracking
• Improves appearance

Production Cost Example (Per Bamboo Pole)

Typical bamboo pole price: KSh 200

Other materials:

• Nails / screws: KSh 100
• Sandpaper and oil: KSh 100

Total production cost per pole: KSh 400

Revenue From One Bamboo Pole

Number of troughs produced:10 troughs

Average selling price: KSh 350 per trough

Total revenue:10 × 350 = KSh 3,500

Profit Calculation

Total revenue: KSh 3,500

Total cost: KSh 400

Estimated profit:KSh 3,100 per bamboo pole

Even after accounting for labour and transport, a bamboo entrepreneur can comfortably earn over KSh 2,500 profit per pole.

Why Bamboo Chicken Troughs Sell Well

Several factors make them attractive to farmers.

They are:

• Cheaper than plastic feeders
• Easy to repair
• Natural and eco-friendly
• Locally available
• Durable when treated properly

Many small poultry farmers prefer bamboo troughs because they are affordable and practical.

Where to Sell Bamboo Chicken Troughs

Good markets include:

• Local agricultural markets
• Agrovet shops
• Poultry farmers
• Rural markets
• Facebook farming groups

You can also sell directly to poultry farmers who keep indigenous chickens.

Final Insight

Bamboo poultry equipment is one of the simplest bamboo businesses in Kenya. With one bamboo pole costing only KSh 100–300, an entrepreneur can produce multiple feeding troughs and earn over KSh 2,000 profit.

For rural entrepreneurs or farmers looking for a low-capital cottage industry, bamboo poultry equipment can become a steady and profitable side business.