 |
Alternative Poultry Systems
|
 |
|
Paul Ehrhardt manuevers
a flock across pasture at his Sun Prairie, Wis., farm as part
of the diverse Community Supported Agriculture enterprise he
runs with his wife, Kay Jensen.
– Photo by Wolfgang Hoffmann |
 |
Pastured Poultry Pens – Encloses birds in
floorless portable pens that are moved daily to fresh pasture. Birds
feed on grass or other forages, worms and insects, and supplemental
grain-based feed. They work their manure into the soil by scratching.
“Net” Range (or “Day Range”)
– Contains birds in movable housing, with electric poultry
netting defining a series of paddocks surrounding the house, (often
a hoop-like structure). Producers move flocks through paddocks,
shifting them as the condition of the pasture dictates. With access
to the shelter for feeding, rest and shade, birds can escape from
both predators and inclement weather. Birds feed on grass or other
forages such as vegetable or grain crops, worms and insects, and
supplemental grain-based feed. Birds remain vulnerable to predation
– especially avian predation – but may be better protected
from the more common nocturnal predation because the housing units
are usually more resistant than field pens to raccoons, foxes and
skunks.
Yarding – Keeps birds in stationary housing,
but allows them access to yard or pasture during daylight. This
model has been a popular way for some confinement poultry producers
to tap into the growing market for “free range” poultry,
including the new USDA certified organic program. They can use the
same houses designed for the industrial confinement model, modifying
the practice simply by fencing a yard or pasture surrounding the
house and allowing flocks to range on it. Without taking care to
subdivide the area into paddocks, however, farmers using this method
risk concentrating birds, which can denude the soil, deplete nutritious
forages and concentrate pathogens. Again, because birds are not
contained in pens, they are more open to predation, at least during
daylight hours.
“Chicken Tractor” – Contains
poultry in small pens to help prepare the soil for garden plots.
Birds feed on weeds, garden plants, insects and grubs, and supplemental
grain-based feed – while “tilling” and “fertilizing”
the soil. Andy Lee, a Virginia farmer and researcher, wrote a book
about this system, claiming the birds can do wonders in weed suppression
and soil revitalization.
Free Range – Allows birds to range freely
across pastures, gardens, and/or cropland, and to return at night
or in inclement weather to portable housing. Skids or “eggmobiles”
are moved regularly to encourage grazing of particular areas. Birds
are vulnerable to predation.
The comparative value of the various poultry systems depends on
the vision you have for your operation. Seek experienced advice
and make use of the wealth of information listed in “Resources”.
Page: 1
| 2 | 3
Next section
 Top
|
