CDG provides Free-Range certification in Nashik.

Tips for Free Range Chicken Care

Chickens cannot simply be left alone completely to their own devices, even if they are intended to be a free range flock. Responsible husbandry requires staying alert to the birds’ needs and providing adequate resources for them, and there are several steps that every potential chicken breeder or raiser will need to take to make the most of their free range chickens.

Provide Shelter: Even free range chickens still need shelter at night and protection from poor weather. A sturdy coop should be available to the flock, or several coops can be positioned in different areas for a larger flock or to allow the birds a greater choice.

Maintain the Pasture: If chickens roam through a pasture or garden, the space should be safely maintained. Dangerous or toxic plants should be removed, fencing should be secured to keep out predators, and chemical use should be minimized to prevent contamination.

Provide Supplemental Food: Free range chickens will forage on their own, but providing supplemental feed can ensure good nutrition as well as provide essential vitamins for a healthy flock. Feed can also be used to train and lure chickens to return to the coop at night for safety.

Offer Enrichment: All animals, even free roaming chickens, need some mental stimulation to stay alert and healthy. Providing toys, perches, and different plants throughout the chickens’ space will increase their enrichment for sharp reflexes and better activities.

Offer a Range of Plants: No matter where chickens are ranging, they need access to a variety of suitable plants for foraging. Different flowers, grasses, clovers, trees, and shrubs will provide extra stimulation and a better nutritional base for a healthier flock.

Discourage Predators: Stray dogs, feral cats, and wild predators such as foxes, raccoons, weasels, and other animals can quickly decimate a free range chicken flock. Take steps to protect the birds with secure shelter, strong fences, and other tactics to keep predators at bay.

Protect Chicken-Free Areas: If some parts of the property, such as a delicate herb garden, special flower beds, or young berry bushes, are not meant for chickens, use fencing, wire covers, or other methods to keep the birds safely away to minimize damage from beaks and talons.

Keep Vaccinations Current: Free range chickens are more likely to come into contact with other wildlife, ticks, or insects that might transmit infections. Keeping the birds up-to-date on vaccination and wormers will keep the entire flock healthier.

Interact With the Flock: Because these birds are less confined, they may be less sociable to human presence than more restricted chickens. Make sure the birds can recognize you, as well as your gestures and voice, so they will be familiar and at ease when you are nearby.

Every free range chicken flock is different, and it may take time to determine exactly what works best for your birds. By keeping their best interests in mind and providing a safe, suitable habitat for them to explore, however, your chickens will be free to reach their peak potential even while they’re free to roam.

CDG provides Free-Range certification in Nashik.

Tips for Free Range Chicken Care

Chickens cannot simply be left alone completely to their own devices, even if they are intended to be a free range flock. Responsible husbandry requires staying alert to the birds’ needs and providing adequate resources for them, and there are several steps that every potential chicken breeder or raiser will need to take to make the most of their free range chickens.

Provide Shelter: Even free range chickens still need shelter at night and protection from poor weather. A sturdy coop should be available to the flock, or several coops can be positioned in different areas for a larger flock or to allow the birds a greater choice.

Maintain the Pasture: If chickens roam through a pasture or garden, the space should be safely maintained. Dangerous or toxic plants should be removed, fencing should be secured to keep out predators, and chemical use should be minimized to prevent contamination.

Provide Supplemental Food: Free range chickens will forage on their own, but providing supplemental feed can ensure good nutrition as well as provide essential vitamins for a healthy flock. Feed can also be used to train and lure chickens to return to the coop at night for safety.

Offer Enrichment: All animals, even free roaming chickens, need some mental stimulation to stay alert and healthy. Providing toys, perches, and different plants throughout the chickens’ space will increase their enrichment for sharp reflexes and better activities.

Offer a Range of Plants: No matter where chickens are ranging, they need access to a variety of suitable plants for foraging. Different flowers, grasses, clovers, trees, and shrubs will provide extra stimulation and a better nutritional base for a healthier flock.

Discourage Predators: Stray dogs, feral cats, and wild predators such as foxes, raccoons, weasels, and other animals can quickly decimate a free range chicken flock. Take steps to protect the birds with secure shelter, strong fences, and other tactics to keep predators at bay.

Protect Chicken-Free Areas: If some parts of the property, such as a delicate herb garden, special flower beds, or young berry bushes, are not meant for chickens, use fencing, wire covers, or other methods to keep the birds safely away to minimize damage from beaks and talons.

Keep Vaccinations Current: Free range chickens are more likely to come into contact with other wildlife, ticks, or insects that might transmit infections. Keeping the birds up-to-date on vaccination and wormers will keep the entire flock healthier.

Interact With the Flock: Because these birds are less confined, they may be less sociable to human presence than more restricted chickens. Make sure the birds can recognize you, as well as your gestures and voice, so they will be familiar and at ease when you are nearby.

Every free range chicken flock is different, and it may take time to determine exactly what works best for your birds. By keeping their best interests in mind and providing a safe, suitable habitat for them to explore, however, your chickens will be free to reach their peak potential even while they’re free to roam.