Technical Points and Farming Methods Analysis of Free-Range Chicken Raising

As the concept of ecological farming takes root, chicken farmers in the industry have also begun to change their rearing methods. Free-range chicken raising, which makes full use of natural conditions, is favored by many rural farmers. So what techniques are involved in free-range chicken raising? Let us look at the summary from seasoned professionals in the industry:
1. Selecting the grazing site
It is advisable to choose orchards, pollution-free grassy hills and slopes, and preferably land with secondary shrub forest. The terrain slope should not be too steep, and the site should be sheltered from the wind and facing the sun, with a clean and adequate water source (protect the water source during grazing to prevent pollution), plenty of insects, and tender green grass rich in nutrients, far from roads and residential areas.
2. Selection of free-range chickens and arrangement of brooding time
For free-range chickens, it is better to choose dual-purpose meat-and-egg breeds or local farmyard chickens, and male chicks are superior to female chicks, as they grow faster, can shorten the grazing period, and improve economic returns.
Chickens to be raised free-range should only be released after being brooded to a certain size. Generally, the brooding time is best chosen from March to May, when temperatures begin to rise and sunlight is abundant, which is very favorable for chick survival rates and growth and development. At this time, insects have also begun to breed and green grass is sprouting and growing, creating a suitable grazing environment.
3. Preparation of free-range chicken facilities and supplementary feeding
When chicks have grown to more than 250 grams indoors, switch to a combination of short-period grazing training and housing. Because spring weather is changeable, the temporary chicken housing at the grazing site must be kept warm and leak-proof. At this time, the grazing range for the chickens should not be too large, and supplementary feeding should use compound feed. Do not feed chickens raw grain. Feed once in the morning and once in the evening, with less in the morning and more in the evening.
4. Doing a good job of safety precautions
Strengthen protection of the surrounding environment of the free-range chickens and avoid sudden fright or noise disturbing the flock. Protective netting should be set up around the grazing area to prevent the flock from being lost or harmed by hawks, dogs, weasels, and the like, reducing stress and losses.
5. Doing a good job of chicken disease prevention and control
Because free-range chickens come into contact with a wider environment, they are more likely to be threatened by diseases. In addition, free-range chickens have a relatively longer growth period, so vaccination must be carried out thoroughly: prevent disease before it occurs and treat it early once it appears. The growing environment of free-range chickens should be inspected frequently. Sick or dead chickens found should be buried deep promptly and must not be discarded carelessly. Weak and residual chickens should be taken out and fed separately.