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Free Range Chicken

What is Organic/non organic chicken its realities,requirements/ how organic chicken are grown

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What is Organic Chicken

We all know about organic fruit and vegetables but did you know that you can now buy organic chicken?

People must have heard about the nasty conditions which broiler chickens – which are bred for their meat – are raised in? These chickens have no more floor space than a sheet of A4 paper. Chickens are over-fed to reach slaughter weight in six weeks, when it would normally take four months.

Modem intensive systems of poultry production have produced cheap meat for the consumer – but at a price. Inside the intensive chicken houses, which are appearing in increasing numbers in the countryside, up to 40,000 birds are crammed, at 2 birds to the square foot, into a single windowless building, with almost continuous low levels of artificial light, they are then given drugs to speed up their rate of growth. Keeping so many animals packed together in such a stressful environment can only contribute to their rates of infection. It seems logical that the Chinese flu infections that we were seeing transmitted to humans comes from this same intensive farming. It isnt necessary to produce food in this way.

Organic farmers do a number of things to ensure that chickens are reared as naturally as possible. For starters, antibiotic growth promoters cannot be used but sick organic birds must be treated with appropriate veterinary medicine, so they can be given antibiotics if theyre very poorly. But they cannot be given drugs on a regular and routine basis, something that almost all non-organic poultry have to endure. Organic poultry is reared on a specially formulated feed containing only cereals, vegetable protein, a small amount of fish meal, and a vitamin/mineral supplement. These chickens are often guaranteed to be fed on feed which is free from genetically modified feedstuffs (GMOs). To be fully organic, chickens must be fed a diet containing grain which has been grown organically, without artificial fertilisers or sprays. Such feed is expensive, and therefore organic chicken is more expensive as well.

Also, on Soil Association registered farms, the number of chickens housed in a single shed is restricted to 1,000. A non-organic intensive chicken farm may have as many as 40,000 in the same shed. Organic birds are kept free-range, having continuous daytime access to clean pasture, except in adverse weather. Non-organic birds are almost always locked up night and day.

In addition, the Soil Association insists on full and clear labeling of processed chicken products. They are able to trace back to the farm all ingredients used in any Soil Association chicken products. Their organic certification standards state that food must undergo as little processing as is practical.

Organic standards are legally binding. All organic businesses must be licensed by law, and are fully inspected at least once a year. So if you want to see for yourself how organic animals are reared, why not visit an organic farm?

Davinos Greeno works for the organic directory This green directory lists 100s of Organic Food and Drink Companies and Eco Jobs and Community Videos

Backyard Chicken, Free Range Chicken

Fundamentals of Pastured Poultry System

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Pasture poultry can be defined as a mechanism or method of raising poultry for the purpose of meat, pastured eggs or just for pleasure by making use of some pasture management system. No matter which form of poultry system you plan to use, you would initially begin by bringing up the chickens making use of the conventional methods and then slowly move to the top three modern pasture systems, details about which would be given below. But before we go to these systems, there are some benefits which should be pondered about the use of the pastured poultry in different settings for raising chicken on pasture or for grass fed chicken.

Benefits

The major benefit of these systems is the low levels of capital investment required for carrying out the job. In other words, most of the people are able to launch such systems with minimum amounts of investment, but for better results it is always better to make use of the advanced modes of raising chickens. Secondly, the production systems initially appears to be small, but if you are able to carry out the production in a more strategic manner, then indeed the business will grow by leaps and bounds. Other benefits include a chance and potential for some extra income, an increase in the fertility levels of the soil and a strong demand from the side of the consumers who would be in search of the conventional as well as modern pastured fed chicken.

benefits of pastured poultry

The Chicken Tractor System

It is the most common system that is used for the purpose of raising pastured chicken. The birds that are brought to use in this system are mostly the ones with the age range of about 3 to 5 weeks. Furthermore, the pens used for this purpose are called chicken tractor. These special floor less pens are moved for once or twice on a daily basis for the sake of giving access to the birds to the fresh vegetation that surrounds them at all times. There are also some high levels of researches and scientific evidences that have pointed out the various advantages and merits of making use of this system.

chicken tractor

Day Ranging System

In this system, the birds are settled in yards for the time being only and by making use of a semi-permanent pen. In order to offer them with an opportunity to roam in the surroundings they are opened once or two times per week. Moreover, some of the easiest electro netting mechanisms and systems are brought to use here. The netting is manufactured by different companies for the purpose of offering the pasturing chickens with some electrification around them which can come in handy in terms of safety for the animals and for a number of different reasons.

day ranging system

Free Ranging System

Here we have another system that allows the birds to move around freely in quite an open environment. But in the evening there is a place where the birds are retuned regularly. The system is high common in terms of being used for the egg type chickens and birds. You would be easily able to make this system on your own. For example, you can make use of some old cotton vehicle or wagon for the purpose of converting it into a coop so that the birds may return to it for laying eggs and during the evening time.

FreeRangeChickens

Pen Designs

In almost all of the system, a number of pen designs are used. You can make use of different designs that are now widely available in the pasture poultry markets. But at the time of selecting a specific design you should consider a number of factors and dimensions which include:

  • Mobility: Always select the design that is easy to be moved from time to time.
  • Durability: The pen design you select must be able to endure all forms of weather changes that take place from time to time, as it is vital for the health of the animals.
  • Access: Always ensure that the design offers the maximum levels of access to you at times when you need to carry out different chores.
  • Cost/Construction: You can find some inexpensive materials in order to put the pen together.
  • Protection: The prime disadvantage of the chicken pasture system is the threat that the predators and other animals pose to the chickens, for which it is best that you go with a design that is strong and efficient in offering some resistance to such attacks.

pen designs

Breeds of Chicken

The breeds of the birds and chickens also help you in knowing about the pasture poultry system that would come to be of the most use. For example if you are in the process of raising chickens for the sake of meat, then the commercial and related types of meat strains would be the best. Other breeds like Rhode Island Reds and some others can be used at the smaller farms. So, it is always best to use the system that is best suited for the type of pastured raise chicken you plan to accommodate.

pastured breeds of chicken

Backyard Chicken

When Hen Starts Laying Egg,Peak Time,Factors Affects Egg Production

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When does the hen produces egg?
If you have a group of little champs, I mean hens in your backyard, then you must have the desire to get eggs from them. Truly, its an ideal breakfast mode but more than that, it can help you generate money for extra expenses or may be savings. However, this is frequently inquired question that when would the hen start laying eggs? Especially flock keepers seem to be interested in knowing about the egg production for the pullets (young hens). They also want to know do all hen lay eggs? This excerpt in detail discusses various types of breeds and types of hen’s egg production – continue reading in order to know more:
Age of the hen which lying eggs:
How old chickens have to be to lay? Normally or you can say in most of the cases, the hen lays eggs at the age of 6 months or 25th week of age. This is a generalized statement irrespective of the type of breed (the earlier age may be 18 or 20 weeks).Young and healthy hens are more reliable or heavier egg production(the oprimum or peak production on an average is 2 years) than those, which are at maturity. They tend to develop virus and infections, which ultimately reduce or stops the egg laying capacity.
Best egg laying breeds:

Rhode Island Red:

This type of breed remains popular amongst the small dwellers and lays average amount of eggs. Due to a high tendency to bear both hot and cold temperatures, the hen remain in the best behavior in all types of weather. In fact, this aggressive breed is ideal for both meat and eggs, so if you want to cater this need in the simplest way, make sure you have them in the flock.
rhode island red hen

Buff Orpington:

If you want big brown eggs, you must have this breed in your backyard – however, the egg production would be moderate. They are known as excellent chickens because they bear varying temperature conditions. Also, this type of chicken is an amazing brooder as well a great mother.
buff oprington chicken breed

Leghorn:

If you want great white eggs, you must have this breed as necessary – it can produce up to 300 eggs in a year. Not only this but you can use this chicken for meat too.
Leghorn

Ameraucana:

Another name for this breed is  Easter Eggers – they are known to produce alluring eggs in colors of cream, green and blue. The eggs are medium sized and this type of hen produces almost moderate to high eggs in a year. This type of hen is mostly adored in families with kids because they love collection these kind of colorful eggs.
Ameraucana

Black Star:

A hen of this breed starts to lay eggs only at the age of 5 months – it is basically a cross breed of Rhode Island Red roosters and Barred Rock hens. They have a calm nature and tend to produce an average amount of eggs which are medium sized.
Black Star hen
What age does hen start laying eggs?
If you talk about juvenile hens or pullets basically, they start laying eggs at the age of 6 months – however, it may depend upon the type of breed. For example, heavyweight chicken breeds tend to produce eggs a little later – it includes breeds like Orpingtons and Wyandottes. In contrast, lightweight breeds like Black stars, Leghorns and Australops produce eggs quickly, relatively.
How to identify cokerals from pullets?
This is one of the most bothering query because many fail to understand the major difference between a cockerel and a pullet. A cockeral would be slightly taller with a large wattle and a tail. Over the time you would be able to see a comb growing at the top of the head.
cokeral
Factors affecting quality and production of eggs:
Firstly, if the feed is not healthy enough, the egg production would be low, and the quality of the egg would also be affected. The major reasons for fall in egg production may be:
Poor intake of water
Decreased intake of daily feed
Poor calcium intake
Low salt intake
Diseases that effect the egg production include:

Egg drop syndrome – An infection affects the reproductive organs of the healthy chicken.

Molting – molting in chicken also affects the egg production because it is a killer infection. There are many small farmers who experience that hen’s stop their egg production when they are about to molt and that is during winter or fall specially. However, as soon as the molting stage is over, the egg production is resumed. The best part is that a pullet will not molt until it is one year of age.

Epidemic tremor – it is a kind of viral infection

What conditions chickens like?
There is a lot that must be considered in order to provide a cozy and comfortable environment to the hens so that they produce quality eggs. Firstly, commercial feed is essential for of pullet, which ages between 18 weeks – this is the way through which, it will produce quality eggs; and the rate of production would depend upon the quality feed. The supply of fresh water and organic feed is also very essential. In fact, the homemade complete nutritious feed is an excellent option.
Another important factor is lighting, as it remains an essential factor for egg production. Mostly, the chickens start to lay eggs during 25th week, this is during summers. However, in winters, if 14 hours of lighting is provided, than even egg production remains consistent.
Do hens secretly lay eggs?(what are the signs
 the hen shows when she is ready for laying eggs)
During the hot summer seasons the hens usually lay eggs in the coop or any other place that they usually adore. However, the scenario completely changes when winters are around – people worry about the eggs because they don’t find them in the coop areas. Many times hens don’t use the nest boxes for laying eggs because maybe they just want to bother or tease you. You really need to train pullets to lay an egg in her nesting box because they are very naughty – they lay eggs wherever they feel like, and leave rest to you.
hen hiding egg
The sings that the hen shows before 2 or 3 weeks of egg laying are; they get noisy and their comb really get redish.You must simply use the training technique to teach the pullets regarding the egg laying habits. You can either restrict them into coops only so that they learn to do so, or make the nesting boxes cozy and comfortable so that they simply lay eggs in them. It would reduce your time and energy of finding the eggs in darker backyard corners.
Articles, Geese

An insight of Geese

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The geese which are used for the poultry related purposes are known as domestic geese. They are used in the poultry industry for the purpose of eggs, meat and for their down feathers. Since the olden days, they have been used for a number of purposes. Some people used to keep as pets while others made use of them for their delicious meat. In the present times, the poultry industry does make use of the meat and eggs derived from this domesticated animal.Below are some facts about geese which will come to be useful for those who are planning to raise them at the farms or as pets

Origins and the Regions of Geese

It is widely accepted that the geese, which belong to the family of Anatidae and to the genus named as Anser, were indeed one of the first animals in the world that were used for the domestication purposes. The domestication had probably started nearly 3000 years ago in Egypt. Some of the researchers are of the view that it all had started much before that, but there is a general consensus among them in terms of Egypt. Despite of their ancient origins, they have never been used on a large commercial scale like the ducks and chickens have been used.

geese origin 

Features and Characteristics

The geese are found all over the world. In terms of their physiological makeup, they are well suited for all seasons. In other words, they are able to adapt themselves to warm as well as cold climates. Moreover, they also come in a number of different colors and sizes. In comparison to their wild ancestors, the domestic geese happen to be quite larger in size. The same applies to their egg laying capacity which is higher in comparison to the other breeds. In addition to having varying levels of feathers on their bodies, the male goose also happens to have a very strong neck. It is also said that these animals are quite hardy i.e. they are immune to a number of diseases due to which they fall sick less often. All the geese have a sharp edged beak in addition to having a pointy tongue. Their digestion mechanisms are also quite agile due to which they are able to digest their food in a matter of 20 to 30 minutes. The domestic geese can be of any color ranging from white to gray. The domestic geese are termed to be the descendants of the wild geese. Moreover, they also happen to have short legs and beaks. The desired features for which they had been bred was to obtain a number of features including heavier weight, white plumage, body posture, more egg laying capacity and much more.There is a lot of other information about geese which you should prefer to have, if you plan to raise them in a more effective manner.

characteristics of geese`

Production and Consumption of Geese

The production and the success in the domain of goose poultry rearing depend largely on the amount of attention that the young birds are given at the time of brooding. A slight decrease has been seen in the geese production since the year 2002. More of the geese are being raised in the major poultry production companies, but few of them are being sold. In the year 2007, nearly 339,000 geese had been raised in USA only. Geese production has also been rapid in Poland, Hungary and Eastern European regions. Moreover, in Asia the goose production is on the rise which makes it the only continent which is in the lead in terms of geese production and consumption. The total goose meat production had been nearly 2.5 million tons in the world as of the year 2010. In terms of the consumption, there is no substantial data which can offer a clear picture, but it is believed that the consumption is about 0.4 KG per person on an annual basis.

goose production

Geese Products and Marketing

The goose products are available in Europe, Asia, and in the United States. A number of goose products like the ones made from the legs and thighsoffer a complete presentation of the exports.The Geese feathers are one of the first feature which can help distinguish them.Some other special goose products include goose pelts, stripped skin of goose, goose tongue, goose fattened liver and many more. The costs for other poultry products have been increasing, but at the same time, the prices of the goose products have been seen to be showing a regressive tendency. It is a fact that these products have not been marketed on a large scale relative to the marketing of chicken and duck products. The countries which happen to be in the lead in terms of the geese farming and marketing include USA, Hungary, Poland, Canada, China and in many other countries.

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Pakistan Poultry, Poultry Farming

Pre-Feasibility Study Environmentally Controlled Poultry Farm (30,000 Birds) in Pakistan

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The poultry farm is one of the most crucial components of the livestock sector. On a daily basis, millions of day old chicks are feed on high diet proteins all over the country. Furthermore, there are a number of reasons for which the white meat is now being preferred over the red meat. In addition to being comparatively cheaper to the red meat, the consumption of this form of meat is also increasing, the prime reason for which can be based on health consciousness in the people. The broiler birds raised on these farms are sold to the whole sellers and retailers all over the country, who sale it on specified rates.

Growing Modes of Opportunity-The Growth Rationale

The poultry meat consumption in the country seems to be growing on a rapid pace of 4 % yearly according to the most recent agricultural statistics. But much needs to be done for the development of the sector, so that the people might be able to increase their daily protein consumption patterns which now seem to be much less than the required amounts.

pre feasibility report

Project Cost

So, when it comes to starting a poultry farm, you might need to get hold of a poultry guide. If not, thenit is best that you make use of this article. For undergoing a poultry shed construction with a capacity of 30,000 birds, you would be required to make use of a number of different strategies and mechanisms. For rearing these large numbers of birds, you would need to make an investment of around 10.5 million PKR including the cost of the machinery and the required pre-requisites.

project cost

Proposed Capacity

All the specified calculations mentioned in this one of a kind feasibility study are based on the flock size of 30,000 birds. Control shed poultry farming in Pakistan can indeed be a profitable business for you if you are able to follow some set guidelines with a great deal of innovation. There are a large numbers of poultry farms in Pakistan that are now able to generate a great deal of revenue, all because of the use of advanced farming measures.

Current Dynamics and Poultry Structure

The importance of production and birth line in poultry farming is something you should keep in mind at the time of setting up a control shed in Pakistan. For those who have limited information in this regard, the famers first pursue the hatchers for getting hold on some day old chicks which they would be able to rear. These hatcheries get hold of the eggs from the breeder farms which in return charge them with a set amount. The feed mix mechanism used in poultry farming is determined the poultry feed mills, which also happen to be the key player in the sector. These feeds include a number of ingredients rich in protein and other necessary nutrients like blood meal, soya bean, grains and gluten. Now here, the feed cost accounts for the total production cost.

pre feasibility report broiler population

Contribution to the economy of Pakistan

The poultry sector is now on the second number, especially when it comes to the economy of the country. The investment which has been made in the sector has been estimated to be nearly 70 million PKR. The sector is made up of

  • 280 hatcheries
  • 139 feeding mills
  • 20000 layers, breeding and other broiler farms
  • Millions of chickens and chicks

On an annual basis, the poultry industry is importing more than 100,000 grandparents from countries like Holland, USA, China and Germany. These grandparents in return contribute towards the production 500 million commercial broilers. These broilers in return are providing 450,000 metric tons of the poultry meat. Now this shows the importance of the poultry meat in the provision of animal protein for the whole country. But there are a number of other factors that have undermined its growth. These factors include:

  • Extreme changes in the weather
  • Poor farming and management practices
  • Rise in the mortality rate
  • Economical downfall
  • Lack of investment
  • Various outbreaks that result from time to time

Commercial chicken houses and controlled sheds can provide the solution to this hazardous situation. The commercial poultry houses should also be due attention towards the wellbeing and health of the birds and other domesticated farms. All of the key players in poultry must work in collaboration with each other, so that the current dynamics and changes can be pacified and brought to be more balanced state. The heat stress is one of the most dangerous factors that have put the life of millions of people related to the sector at stake. As Pakistan is a tropical land, so the heat might reach to some intense temperatures in times of summer. The poultry business is effectuated negatively in times of the extreme weather whether summer or winter. With an increased in the mortality rate during these times, a number of other health related changes and exposures are also witnessed in the poultry broiler house.

Comparative Analysis

A comparison between the levels of efficiency of environmentally controlled house (ECH) and the usual Open sided Houses and farms shows the former has an edge over all other modes of farming. It is due to the use of some advanced ventilation and heating systems, that the animals are better able to grow and evolve, leading to the enhancement of the production. Below are some of most appealing advantages of making use of prototype chicken broiler house.

  • By making use of the ECH, the temperature can be maintained from 10 to 15C in comparison to the conventional farms.
  • Managing the temperature fluctuations in a more effective way.
  • Due to the rise in the temperatures the fluctuations might reduce the production of the broiler flocks which are nearly 4 to 5 in the conventional houses. On the other hand, 7 marketed flocks can be produced in making use of the ECH.
  • Mortality rate is also 2 to 3 % lower in comparison to the COH.
  • Usage of advanced feeding, drinking and ventilation systems has provided the solution to all the poor management practices.
  • Consequently, a much more developed and a safer chicken poultry house.
  • The production cost also tends to be around 35 PKR per kg in comparison to 40 PKR which is cost per kg in the conventional farms.

In the end it is recommended that you make use of a suitable land, developed electricity and water supply systems in order to get most out of your investment.

This is an abstract from smeda broiler farm pre feasibility study report for complete report

click here to view online pdf report

Backyard Chicken

Tips for keeping coyote away from your chicken or livestock

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Coyotes belong to a class of animals which are considered to be very smart, innovative and opportunistic. Their smartness can be analyzed from the fact that they can drop the lunch boxes to the school children by chasing them. Number of coyotes are increasing day by day that is why they are becoming brave and courageous. They are also getting used to the human environment now. So in order to save the humans and coyotes from any mishaps, we have to stop them from going to the places where human activities are taking place or retraining them far in the forest. The following article will explain some steps of how to protect chicken from predators  like coyotes or keep coyotes away from your other livestock.

The steps are:

 1)      Fences:

 Usage of fences can really reduce the risk of getting any harm from coyotes.  As the coyotes are wise enough to jump and dig, so the fence should be approximately 1.8 meters (6 ft) high and 30 cm (I ft)under the ground. Moreover the spacing between the fences should be less than 4 inches. These fences should be a necessary part of farms having livestock as a hungry  livestock or chicken predator cannot resist the temptation of food inside the farm. The following steps if taken can also prevent coyotes from digging and jumping.

  • Pointed wire placed at the ground can stop the coyotes from digging.
  • Electric fencing can also serve the purpose especially for saving the livestock.
  • Some guard animals can also be used for the livestock. These guard animals include donkeys and llamas. Choose those donkeys and llamas that do not mingle with other donkeys.

fence for coyotes

      

2)       Noise:

Noisy sound can affect the harmful activities of stray coyotes. The sounds explained in the following points can surely protect your livestock from any sort of danger by coyotes.

  • If you find any coyote nearby, make noise by yelling and shouting.
  • To scare the coyote who is trying to enter the farm, make noise by banging any sort of tin or can lids.
  • Sensors or activated alarms can also be used. These sensors sense the presence of the danger up to some distance. The alarm sound will not only scare the coyote but will also make you alert.
  • Another important noise maker is the propane exploder.
  • Children’s toys can also be used to make noise such as jingles, bangs and whirrs.
3)       If you come across a coyote, be surprised:

In addition of making noise while encountering a coyote, use some scary tactics as well. Coyotes can easily get scare off the frightening expressions made by humans. So never make an eye contact with them and turn your back towards them and play a chase and attack game by running away. Some other tactics are explained below.

  • Make yourself terrifying through your body movements. Kick the legs and wave the arms. This will give them a feeling to stay away from you.
  • A motion activated light can also prevent coyotes and is rather a good way of how to safe chickens.

hazing coyotes

4)       Remove the food loved by coyotes:

Coyotes are greatly tempted to the food they like and even eat anything which will come in their way. So keep all the favorites’ of coyotes like rodents, flesh food away. Never feed the coyotes for the purpose of taming them. They will never be tamed rather will come back for more food.  Some ways are described in the points below for eradicating the food sources from your yard.

  • Use coyote proof boxes or garbage bins for the purpose of disposing your garbage off.  This will keep the coyotes away as it will be secured and difficult to open.
  • Never leave the wasted food lying around. Always dispose it off properly in a secure container both in homes and at farms.
  • Empty up your tree from the ripe fruits as soon as possible and pick all the fruit lying nearby on the ground.

food liked by coyotes

  5)  No pets:

Keep all of your pets away from the coyotes. Coyotes are tempted to dogs, cats and free range chicken for attacking purpose. So if you are living in an area where there is a risk of encountering coyotes, follow these steps

  • Neuter the pet male dogs and spraying the female pet dog so their urine smell don’t attract coyotes.
  • Make sure that the fish ponds are covered.
  • Pet food should be kept inside.
  • Birdseed should not be scattered around.
   6)  Make your area junk free:

Preys liked by coyotes can live and breed in the junk piles lying around. Moreover, these junk piles can also be used by the coyotes for hiding purpose.

    7) Use wolf urine:

The odor of wolf’s urine can keep the coyotes away as the population of coyote decreases in the areas where the wolves are more in number.

    8)  Otherwise call a professional:

If the above mentioned solutions do not work, then take help from expertise to avoid predators of chicken, sheep, cats, dogs  or other livestock from harming them.