Paddock & Pasture Rotation
A field is often regarded as a permanent and unchanging entity. In one sense this is correct, but if the grass is regarded as a crop, it is obvious that it is temporary and must be managed properly on a seasonal basis.
Fencing is also required to control the birds’ access to pasture, so it is appropriate to regard fencing in two ways:
- external or perimeter fencing to keep out predators
- internal or pasture control fencing to restrict the movement of chickens to certain areas
As referred to earlier, chickens cannot be allowed to range on the same piece of land indefinitely; otherwise the grass will deteriorate, there will be a gradual increase in the incidence of pests and parasites, and the flock will succumb to health problems.
ADAS recommends that chickens should generally be moved to a new area of vegetation every 4 to 6 weeks, if a system of paddock grazing is used.
With a moveable house this poses no great problem; it is simply a matter of transporting it by hand or tractor, depending on its size, and re-erecting the pasture control fence of electric netting around the new area.
Rotation Small Numbers of Birds
Where only a small number of birds are kept in a house with combined run, it may be more appropriate to move it every day or every few days. If the flock is ranging in numbers well below the official limit and has a considerable expanse of pasture at its disposal, it may not be necessary to move it as frequently.
For example, a house may have a field on either side of it, with these two areas being used alternately. It is a question of relative scale, stock density and common sense, but with a commercial unit, the ADAS recommendation is a good general guide.
Rotation with Fixed Poultry House
Where fixed houses are used, the birds’ access to new grazing is more difficult to arrange, but a portable electric netting fence is an effective means of controlling the flock”s ranging once it is outside.
Extract from Free Range Poultry by Katie Thear
Widely recognised as the definitive guide to modern free-range poultry management, Free Range Poultry is a practical and comprehensive guide that is up to date with legislation and research findings. These articles on land management in free-range poultry systems are extracted from the book.
Further Articles on Free Range Poultry
- Fencing for Free Range Poultry – Free Range Poultry Fencing
- Flock Density Regulations for Free Range Poultry
- Free Range Poultry Land Management
- Nature of the Land for Free Range Poultry
- Paddock & Pasture Rotation for Free Range Poultry
- Paddock Management for Free Range Poultry
- Sheltered Areas for Free Range Poultry – Free Range Poultry Shelter
