Rearing free-range chickens is becoming popular (and perhaps profitable) as more Americans turn towards homesteading because they do not want to rely on supply chains that could be interrupted anytime. Self-sufficiency is becoming a priority once again, just as it was in the pioneering days.
Free-range chicken has gained wide acceptance because most of us have been led to believe that they are healthier than every other chicken reared differently. While this may be true, I doubt that we know why free-range chicken is superior.
Meaning of Free-range Chicken
“Free-range chicken” is thrown about a lot these days. It may interest you to know that it is simply a term for chickens that are allowed to roam around instead of being holed up in cages.
Having seen the craze for free-range, most companies have set up their “grazing yards,” which could be only 2 inches wide & filled with gravel. This is unfortunate because although this allows them to tag their products as “free-range,” there are no benefits at all.
The best option is to set things up yourself. If not for selling, you’d at least be sure that you are eating the most nutritious meats. Chickens should be allowed to roam free, to cover several acres or miles occasionally, and eat whatever they want. The freedom to eat, hunt, and walk as they please always results in healthier chickens & more nutritious eggs.
What To Know When Rearing Free-range Chickens
Coops Are Still Needed
Yes, your flock has the freedom to walk about every morning, but they have some use for the coop too. For instance, the coop can offer warmth to your chicks if they are exposed to cold. It will also provide a shade to rest.
The coop also protects your flock from predators like weasels, coyotes, foxes, weasels, opossums & Hawks when it’s nighttime. You can also get your chickens to lay eggs in coops; this will save you a lot of searching.
Create Space For Your Flock
Chickens will cause several messes around the home. They will feed on flowers & plants, peck & dig little holes and litter the surroundings with their poop. So, you should have a space for them in your yard. They shouldn’t be allowed to come into some parts of the house.
Design & Maintain A Routine
Chickens can be taught & trained, much like dogs and cats. If there’s a specific time you call them in at dusk, they’ll soon become used to it and instantly come running as soon as it is time. You can do this by luring them with some feeds. Also, be strict with the time they are released in the morning. If your flock is used to roaming & are suddenly not allowed to do so when it’s time, you may have a very loud morning, and some may even fall sick.
Conclusion On Rearing Free-range Chickens
Rearing free-range chickens extend to the breed of chicken being reared. Before selecting a breed, figure out how the type of eggs you want your flock to lay, their ultimate purpose (death?), hour climate, and how it will suit them & their behaviors. Select a breed that matches your expectations and rear.