Pastured poultry are happy as they live a natural life under open-range conditions. Confining large numbers of chickens and other fowl became common in the 1950s. It was seen as an acceptable way of managing large numbers. They could be kept warm and dry. Predators were kept at bay. Feeding and watering were easier.
While these ideas were commendable, there were a few problems. The concentration of waste products became a breeding ground for various diseases. The air quality was compromised. This led to respiratory infections. The large barns were expensive to erect leading to the temptation to house too many birds in a restricted space to try to recoup the cost of the building.
Antibiotics were introduced into the birds' feed to combat the risk of disease. Overcrowding led to cannibalism and feather-plucking so the birds were debeaked. Layers were confined to tiny cages. Public opinion began to turn against these inhumane practices. Consumers began to demand open-range chickens, convinced that the meat and eggs obtained from healthy, happy free-range chickens were superior.
Pastured poultry, which needn't be confined to chickens, find much of their own food. Seeds, bugs and grubs are dispensed with quickly and the chickens live a very natural existence. Some producers now process chickens on their premises. Customers come to the farm to get their fresh produce. They are able to meet and chat to the farmer.
The flavor and quality of open-range meat and eggs is well recognized. Consumers are willing to pay top prices for the produce of happy, healthy chickens. Consuming green feed gives the eggs a bright yellow yolk. The albumen is also thicker.
This natural way of feeding chickens results in slower maturation. Bones and organs have a chance to develop fully before a bird begins to gain weight. Meat chickens raised under intensive conditions gain weight so quickly that their immature skeletal systems are unable to cope and the birds become unable to stand.
Predators can be a problem with pastured poultry. Some producers have livestock guard dogs which live with the flocks and keep predators at bay. Breeds like the Maremma, Anatolian Shepherd and Komondor are bred specifically for the purpose of living with livestock as guard dogs.
A rotational system may be followed with chickens following along behind cattle. The cows are moved on every few days and the chickens are then brought in. They spread the manure with their scratching and keep the fly problem under control. There is less disease when poultry are continually moving to fresh, clean pasture. A chicken tractor is a large coop with no floor. Meat birds confined in this way do well as they rarely move far from food and water. The tractor is moved to fresh ground as necessary.
Another method of keeping birds contained is to use a system of electric fencing or electronet. Horizontal wires are supported by vertical poles. Chickens soon learn to respect the boundaries set by the electronet. Pastured poultry need to be enclosed at night. If you supply your chickens with roosts, they will be happy to come home at night. Keeping poultry in this way is natural and humane.
While these ideas were commendable, there were a few problems. The concentration of waste products became a breeding ground for various diseases. The air quality was compromised. This led to respiratory infections. The large barns were expensive to erect leading to the temptation to house too many birds in a restricted space to try to recoup the cost of the building.
Antibiotics were introduced into the birds' feed to combat the risk of disease. Overcrowding led to cannibalism and feather-plucking so the birds were debeaked. Layers were confined to tiny cages. Public opinion began to turn against these inhumane practices. Consumers began to demand open-range chickens, convinced that the meat and eggs obtained from healthy, happy free-range chickens were superior.
Pastured poultry, which needn't be confined to chickens, find much of their own food. Seeds, bugs and grubs are dispensed with quickly and the chickens live a very natural existence. Some producers now process chickens on their premises. Customers come to the farm to get their fresh produce. They are able to meet and chat to the farmer.
The flavor and quality of open-range meat and eggs is well recognized. Consumers are willing to pay top prices for the produce of happy, healthy chickens. Consuming green feed gives the eggs a bright yellow yolk. The albumen is also thicker.
This natural way of feeding chickens results in slower maturation. Bones and organs have a chance to develop fully before a bird begins to gain weight. Meat chickens raised under intensive conditions gain weight so quickly that their immature skeletal systems are unable to cope and the birds become unable to stand.
Predators can be a problem with pastured poultry. Some producers have livestock guard dogs which live with the flocks and keep predators at bay. Breeds like the Maremma, Anatolian Shepherd and Komondor are bred specifically for the purpose of living with livestock as guard dogs.
A rotational system may be followed with chickens following along behind cattle. The cows are moved on every few days and the chickens are then brought in. They spread the manure with their scratching and keep the fly problem under control. There is less disease when poultry are continually moving to fresh, clean pasture. A chicken tractor is a large coop with no floor. Meat birds confined in this way do well as they rarely move far from food and water. The tractor is moved to fresh ground as necessary.
Another method of keeping birds contained is to use a system of electric fencing or electronet. Horizontal wires are supported by vertical poles. Chickens soon learn to respect the boundaries set by the electronet. Pastured poultry need to be enclosed at night. If you supply your chickens with roosts, they will be happy to come home at night. Keeping poultry in this way is natural and humane.
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