Free-Range Poultry Farming: Benefits & Challenges Explained

The extensive system of poultry production (commonly known as “free-range”) is based on the practice of allowing the birds access to foraging areas outside the poultry house.

It is the only method of managing birds extensively. The birds are allowed to run over a large area where they are exposed to natural conditions. They are not confined, except perhaps by selecting areas near the farmer's home and along roads or other potential hazards. 

During bad weather, they find shelter under natural covers such as bushes, trees, and fences. On exposed ranges having little or no cover, birds should be given protection from excessive sun, wind, and rain by erecting simple windbreaks and shelters.

They are locked up safely at night in small houses, usually just enough for the birds to rest; a stocking rate of 120 birds per hectare can be successfully used on good quality grasslands.

During favorable weather conditions, such as just after the rainy season, for 2-3 months, 250 birds per hectare can be put on the range provided the normal stocking range is used throughout the year.

Poultry Houses Used In Free-range Systems.

Various houses are used to protect the birds at night. A Sussex night ark can be used. It has a floor made of wooden slats that allow droppings to pass to the ground and serve as perches upon which the birds can comfortably rest throughout the night.

Since the birds spend only the night hours in the house, they require not more than sufficient sleeping space, which is on the slatted floor and is calculated to be 0.1㎡ (square meters) per bird or (1㎡ for 10 birds).

Management Of A Free-range Production System.

This system allows the birds to fulfill many of their needs, such as seeking out tasty food supplements or finding natural shelter from the sun, wind, and rain under trees, bushes, and similar places.

The farmers must ensure that birds have an adequate feed and water supply available, probably near the houses.

Nest boxes should be fixed to house the flocks containing laying pullets or hens.

It must be closed at night.

The farmers should ensure the correct stocking rate and that the houses are evenly spaced so that the entire plot of land will be uniformly utilized.

Advantages of the Free Range System.

1. It is a good system for rearing birds because it enables the birds to be hardy and strong.
2. During seasons when excess grass is available as food, the system is sometimes used for a short time to fall surplus cockerels before their sale as table birds.
3. It involves little labor, and if wisely used, the range maintains itself in good condition.
4. Poultry vices such as cannibalism, feather pecking, egg eating, and broodiness are reduced.
5. If well managed, manure is spread all over the field.
6. Birds keep healthy as a result of having ample exercise and exposure to sunshine.
7. Birds get a proportion of feed in the form of grass, seeds, and insects that enables them to get proteins and vitamins that a farmer may not have provided in their feed rations.
8. Fencing within the range is necessary, and the cost of the houses used is relatively low.

Disadvantages Of the Free Range System.

1. Birds are exposed to predators like kites, foxes, and wild cats, which catch and kill birds on the range.
2. Overcrowding of birds may lead to diseases and worm build-up.
3. It is only used where there is plenty of grassland.
4. It is not suitable for commercial egg production because it encourages too much exercise, which is undesirable for egg-laying birds.
5. Egg collection may involve unpleasant duties, particularly if the units are scattered over the range and the weather is unfavorable.
6.  Eggs are likely to be soiled with mud during rainy seasons.

Conclusion

The free-range poultry production system offers farmers a natural and low-cost way to rear hardy, healthy birds while allowing them to forage and enjoy a more natural lifestyle. When well-managed, it promotes better bird welfare, reduces harmful vices, and provides nutritional benefits from natural food sources.

However, it also requires careful attention to predator control, stocking rates, and land management to avoid health risks and production losses.