If you are thinking of raising chicken in your backyard, these tips will help you and put you through on how you can go about it.
Why free range chicken farming over traditional chicken farming?
There are several reasons why people go for free range chicken farming these days.
1. High-quality meat food
Free range chickens give you an unlimited quantity of high-grade meat. Since these chickens are raised in a natural environment and not fed unwanted chemicals, the eggs laid by them are rich in nutrition, and their meat is also very healthy.
2. Les s space requirement
Since backyard chickens wander in the open during most of the day, they do not require large spaces . An individual living in an apartment can also purchase small chicken coop and raise free-range chickens. All you need to do is take them out in the open for food and water.
3. Low cost maintenance.
Backyard chickens depend on natural vegetation for food and hence their maintenance cost is very low. No chemicals or chicken feed is required to raise them, resulting in limited spending and cost.
4. Reduced spreads of diseases
Since the chickens are not caged together or held in a coop, there are minimal chances of them getting a transmitted disease.
HELPFUL TIPS FOR FREE RANGE CHICKEN FARMING
If you are planning to go raise free range chicken farming , here are some helpful tips for you:
1. Make sure you buy high-quality chickens from a certified dealer or farm.
The first and the most important step in free-range poultry farming is purchasing chickens from a certified dealer. Carefully examine the breed you want to raise and ensure that it is free of any disease.
2. Take good care of the chickens until they are mature
Keep the chicks inside a brooder till they have reached a growth period where they are ready to be brought out into the open.
3. Build a fence around their roaming area
Design a fenced area where the chickens may wander freely. Ensure that you keep it reasonably high to prevent the entrance of domestic hunters like cats. It does not have to be big space, but make sure that it is sufficient for the numbers of chicks that you are raising.
4. Built a coop on the fenced area
Remember to build a coop in the fenced-in area for basic shelter for the chickens. During the rainy climate, the chickens may be forced to house themselves to stay warm. Also, always keep some feed in the coop even if the birds are being motivated to gather food on their own.
5 Keep them safe from chicken predators
Assess the area thoroughly before your chickens set out on their journey out in the open. Ensure that the area is free from native predators like cats and dogs
