Commercial Poultry Production and Hatchery Management

FREE RANGE SYSTEM

• This system is adopted only when adequate land is available to ensure desired stocking density by avoiding overcrowding.
• We can rear about 250 adult birds per hectare.
• A range provides shelter, greens, feed, water and shade.
• Foraging is the major source of feeding for birds. Shelter is usually provided by temporary roofing supported by ordinary poles.
• The fields are generally used on rotational basis after harvesting of crops by moving of birds from one field to another depending on cropping programme.
• All categories of birds can be reared in this system. This system is most preferred for organic egg production.

Advantages

• Less capital investment
• Cost of housing is least.
• Feed requirements are less since birds can consume fairly good amount of feed from grass land.
• Fertility of soil can be maintained.

Disadvantages

• The scientific management practices can not be adopted.
• Eggs are lost when laid inside the dense grasses unless special nests are provided.
• Losses due to predatory animals are more.
• Wild birds may induce diseases unless proper care is taken.