An extract from
Alternative Poultry
Production Systems and Outdoor Access
A fixed
house and yard may work in very dry climates, such as parts of the western
U.S., where biological activity is low and pathogens do not survive, or with a
low density of birds. (Young pullets or broilers are more susceptible to
pathogens than older birds like layers.) Otherwise, it is critical to rest or
rotate pastures to prevent these problems. If the house is fixed, a rotation
should be used to rest the pasture.
One way
to help rest or rotate pasture is “double yarding”—subdividing the yard in two
with a fence and rotating the flock between the yards. The Soil Association
recommends dividing the yard into at least four paddocks and planting trees or
using shelters at least 30 to 60 feet away to draw birds from the area around
the house, which is the most heavily used. (2) In the Soil Association
program, the pasture must be rested for nine months after every laying flock (2); for meat chickens, the pasture
should be rested at least two months per year, plus one year in every three
years. (1) A layer of mulch or gravel
around the house helps reduce mud outside the popholes and keeps birds from
tracking mud into the house. Slats on either side of the popholes also help
clean feet. Fencing may be permanent or temporary. Temporary fencing such as
electronet fencing can be used and is easily moved to provide more yards.
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