The reason free-range chicken tastes so good is they are raised outside on pasture rather than in crowded poultry houses. They have constant access to a natural diet and enjoy plenty of fresh air and sunshine. It does not use artificial growth promotants; does not feed meat or bone meal; and does not use antibiotics.
Alternative poultry production involves specialty systems such as a cagefree environment or other access to the outdoors as alternatives to conventional poultry housing and cages. Alternative poultry production may be large-scale but is often small-scale and integrated into a diversified farm. Alternative poultry production is an important part of sustainable agriculture to boost farm income while protecting the environment and addressing consumer concerns.
Outdoor access is an important feature of most alternative poultry production and allows the birds to express natural behaviors such as foraging and dustbathing. It allows “extensive” production in which the birds have access to ample space, sunlight, and fresh air – a healthy environment that reduces stress. The birds have access to comfortable indoor housing as well as the outdoors and can choose an environment, to maximize welfare. “Extensive production” is in contrast to “intensive production,” where birds are permanently housed at a high stocking density.
Free-Range Systems
Free-range systems vary widely, from large fixed houses with yards to small portable houses that are moved regularly. The main free-range production systems are:
- Fixed houses
- Portable houses
- Pasture pens
- Integrated systems
Fixed Houses
Advantages to a fixed house include the relative ease to provide electricity to power automated equipment. The house can also be large in size because it is not moved. Fixed houses open to yards to provide outdoor access, and birds are usually closed in the house at night. This type of production is done by most large free-range poultry companies in the U.S. and is sometimes called “semi-intensive.” On a small scale, it is the familiar chicken coop and yard.
A major disadvantage of this system is that unless the birds are rotated from one yard to another, access to the same ground is continual. When birds stay on the same ground, they damage the vegetation and turn the yard into dirt or mud. Turf damage may be especially bad right around the house, and birds may track mud into the house and dirty the eggs. Excessive pathogens and nutrients can build up in the yard, contributing to disease and pollution.
Pasture Pens
Pasture pens are small floorless pens that are moved daily, usually by hand, to fresh pasture. These inexpensive shelters are set in a pasture, on a lawn, or in a garden. They are a favorite of small-scale producers due to their low cost and flexibility.
Other sources
- For full article with photos and illustrations, visit this site.
- If you want to interact and ask questions with raisers and suppliers, visit this active forum.
- For sunshine chicks supply, materials and advice, check this site.
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when to free range chickens after brooding stage? and what specific time?
hi. i am interested to buy chicks to be raised in Mangaldan, Pangasinan. How can I buy? thanks.
@ lito chen, we assist in marketing in terms that we advertise and market a lot. We build consumer awareness and in turn, tend users seek out where to buy. But bottomline will be, you should have a marketing team/plan. Best to start with the consumers around you :)
I want to start raising a Sunshine free range chicken, maybe a several hundreds heads, but my problem is, when it comes to marketing, meron bang mga buyers na ready to buy in a bulk? kasi nagtry na kami dati, naglakihan na lang yung mga chicken namin ng hindi naibenta. just in case, matutulungan ba kami ng Solraya to arrange buyers when disposal time comes? and how much is the present regular/common LW price in selling in a bulk?
@ cora espigue At present, we are always fully booked for day old chicks, so we don’t have 35day Sunshine Chicks available. We are presently brooding for a Department of Agriculture order. We may brood for bulk orders, PHP120 head
How much do you sell for a 35-day F-1 sunshine range chicken
htachgrey, depending on the weight requirements of your market, they may be harvested at 49 days onwards. At 49days, they are about 1.4 kilos liveweight. If your market prefers a larger chicken, you will have to extend to about 60-90days.
art, we can send to you at php3800 per 100 chicks.
solraya: im interested to buy 1OO chicks for php3,8OO. how do we do this? pls. text or email tnx!
O917-9932544
feedyourbody@hotmail.com
are they marketable by 38 or 45 days like the broilers?
where we can buy chicks. we are residing here in san juan ilocos sur. how much per chicks.
many thanx
art
Rommel , you may order thru the nearest Pacifica Agrivet branch, or we may send to you directly by air
Where can we buy the said chicken at a near place? We are currently residing here in Gingoog City.
Thanks,
Rommel
Hi Nick, You will find in our blog link to pictures (on the left side of the site).
Thank you….may you have a Sunshine filled Christmas buffet table :)
sandy
Sorry typing error, its 2008 Agrilink.
nick
May I ask for the pictures and measurements of your portable pen.
I have 10 chicks bought from your booth last 2009 Agrilinkas a starter.
My email add: nmsanico_0917@yahoo.com.ph
Thank you po.
Nick