Types of Chicken you can put on a free-range system,

• Layers.

Layers can be put on a free-ranging system as long as their timeline is strictly monitored. As a farmer, you may decide to semi-free-range your layers by providing them with feed half-day and then free-ranging them for the rest of the day. In this case, having quite a number of birds under the free-range system such as layers requires that you be keen to section out your free-ranging area by using an electric fence; to keep the birds in, and predators out.

• Broilers.

Broilers are quite delicate, but can still be kept on a semi-free-range business. Some may say, not in Kenya😂. Organic broiler farming is a good example of free-ranging broilers. On the downside, broilers kept in a free-range system will take way longer to mature than broilers kept in a deep litter system. It all, however, depends on your preference as a poultry farmer.

• Indigenous (Kienyeji Chicken)

Kienyeji chickens have been known to be the kings and queens of the free-range system. They eat literally anything that can keep their crops full! Having kienyeji chicken on free-range is best done in the upcountry highland areas of Kenya where there is an abundance of organic material due to more farming practices.

How to Free Range Kienyeji Chicken?

• have a fence

An electric fence is by far the safest method of keeping chicken in a free-range system. It doesn’t have to be electric, but firm enough to keep predators out of your free-range area.

• give them a little supplement food

For those farmers who will still be skeptical about where the chicken will get its feed, you can choose to leave just a little supplement food for the chicken to peck as they enjoy their freedom. You will realize that most of the time, they will not even bother with that feed, but instead, they will be either eating grass or scratching the ground for some insects.

• provide lots of freshwaters

Water is life, even for chicken😂. Whether it is hot or not, it is advised that you put out fresh water for your chicken at all times. Water aids in digestion, proper growth, and even effective egg formation!

advantages of free-ranging chicken

1. better eggs and tasting meat
2. sharper nails
3. exercise for chicken
4. reduce the cost of feeding
5. increased manure on the outside

disadvantages of free-ranging chicken

1. predators
2. wandering away

 

This system is an amazing way to cut down on the costs of raising your chicken. However, you need to do it right! Try it out and test what works effectively for you. If you are still wondering whether you will ever make money from kienyeji chicken farming, here is a read that will help.