Orchard Ecological Chicken Farming Techniques
With the promotion of green agriculture, many regions have adopted the practice of raising chickens in orchards. This not only helps prevent pests and diseases in fruit trees but also removes weeds under the trees. Let's explore the techniques of orchard ecological chicken farming.
Orchard Selection
Choose a quiet, peaceful orchard with no noise or pollution, natural water sources, sandy loam soil, fruit trees over three years old, and tall tree shapes. The orchard should be wind-sheltered, sunny, well-lit, with a gentle slope, preferably in a hilly area. There should be a clean water source nearby to ensure the chickens' water needs.
Chicken Coop Construction
Build the chicken coop in a dry, sunny, well-ventilated, flat area close to a water source, facing south. Generally, use a brick-wood structure to build a house about 3 meters high, with a cement floor for easy cleaning. Dig drainage ditches around the coop to prevent flooding. The size of the coop depends on the number of chickens, typically housing 15-20 chickens per square meter, accommodating 400-500 chickens per coop.
Chick Rearing Time
Ecological free-range chickens are seasonal, generally introduced from March to April. Chick rearing typically uses ground or online flat rearing methods. Strictly control the temperature and humidity, as suitable temperatures are key to successful chick rearing. Ensure proper ventilation to keep the air fresh in the chick rearing room.
Free-Range Time
Chickens are generally free-ranged at 45-50 days of age, from early April to the end of October each year. From November to March of the following year, due to the scarcity of ecological feed in orchards, chickens are mainly kept in coops and occasionally allowed to graze in the orchard. The free-range time is all day, with chickens often resting under trees, in bushes, tall grass, or temporary shaded shelters during midday heat or rainy days.
Free-Range Density
Generally, 50-70 chickens per mu, sometimes 150-200 chickens per mu, with 500-1000 chickens per flock being ideal, not exceeding 1500 chickens at most.
Timely Feather Cutting
Free-range chickens have strong foraging abilities, wide activity ranges, and like to perch high, which can seriously affect fruit tree growth and fruit quality. Cutting the primary feathers on the wings from the root reduces their flying ability, preventing them from perching on trees, making management easier and protecting the fruit.
Supplementary Feeding
Supplement the feed at 70%-75% of the amount fed to caged chickens, leaving 25%-30% for the chickens to forage for insects and grass in the environment. Feed twice a day, in the morning and evening, with free grazing in the orchard during other times.
Precautions
Pesticides are highly toxic, and any slight negligence can lead to pesticide poisoning in the flock. When fertilizing or spraying the orchard, it's best to keep the chickens in the coop and release them at least three days after spraying. Additionally, avoid using herbicides, and consider rotational grazing to maintain healthy chicken farming in the orchard.
The above is an introduction to orchard ecological chicken farming techniques.
