Free-range chicken farming offers immense rewards, yielding
healthy, premium products free from antibiotics and chemicals. However,
this success hinges on two continuous battles: maintaining flock health against
infectious diseases and defending against ever-present predators. Unlike
conventional cage farming where the environment is controlled, free-range
farmers must manage an uncontrolled environment, making prevention
and strict security the cornerstones of the operation.
Here is a comprehensive guide drawing from the best
practices of free-range farmers on securing your flocks from biological and
physical threats.
I. Biosecurity: The Essential Barrier Against Disease
Biosecurity is defined as measures designed to reduce
the risk of introduction, establishment, and spread of animal diseases,
infections, or infestation to, from, and within an animal population. This is
the absolute first line of defense that prevents pathogens from entering your
farm premises.
Controlling Access and Disinfection
The most common carriers of external pathogens are people
and vehicles. Therefore, access must be severely restricted:
- Limit
Visitors: Experienced farmers advise against allowing casual visitors,
especially in critical areas containing F1 breeder stock or chicks,
as they are highly vulnerable and expensive.
- Disinfection
Stations: Every farm must implement strict physical and biosecurity
measures. This involves installing two key disinfection points at the
entry of the facility:
- Foot
Wells: A container or tub where people step to disinfect their
footwear.
- Wheel
Baths: A designated area located at the farm gate for vehicles.
- The
standard disinfectant mixture used in these baths is a combination of Zonrox
and water.
Maintaining Internal Hygiene
Cleanliness prevents the growth of microbes and bacteria
internally:
- Water
Management: Dirty water is a notorious source of disease that
can kill chicks. Water provided must be clean and potable (safe for
human consumption). Water containers must be refilled or replaced twice
a day (morning and afternoon).
- Feeder
Hygiene: Feeders should be hung to prevent chickens from
stepping on them and contaminating the food, which helps ensure good food
quality and reduces the risk of disease.
- Manure
and Litter Control: The build-up of ammonia from manure on the
ground is detrimental to chicken health. Farmers must spread rice
hull (ipa) on the ground to absorb moisture and prevent ammonia
buildup. If ammonia levels exceed 20 ppm at the layers’ head
height, immediate action must be taken.
II. Preventing Disease: Vaccination and Natural Immunity
In a system dedicated to avoiding veterinary drugs, vaccination
is essential because it is a preventive measure that allows the chickens
to fight off viruses and bacteria, thus avoiding the eventual use of
antibiotics.
The Vaccination Protocol
Farmers must refer to the relevant regulations of the
competent authority for their vaccination program. Key vaccines include:
- Newcastle
Disease (NCD): This is a critical vaccine, especially since the Provincial
Government of Bulacan reminds all chicken raisers to use it.
- The
primary vaccine, NCD B1B1 strain, is given at 7 days old
(often via eye drop).
- A
booster, NCD La Sota strain, is given later (e.g., 28 days
and again before laying, at 4 to 5 months old).
- Coryza
and Fowl Cholera: The Coryza vaccine is vital for avoiding
contagious illnesses like colds and fowl cholera, which can weaken the
chicken's immune system and lead to secondary infections.
- Fowl
Pox: This vaccine is given to protect against the virus carried by
insects like mosquitoes. The standard schedule recommends a Fowl
Pox vaccine at 2 months and a booster at 4 months via wing
web.
Natural Health Management
For general well-being and treating minor, common ailments
naturally:
- Antibiotics
& Respiratory Care: Garlic and red chili serve as
natural antibiotics. Oregano is used for respiratory problems, and lemon
grass acts as a detoxification agent.
- Deworming:
Ipil-ipil is a natural purging agent. Regular deworming is
advised, as worms and parasites compete with chickens for food.
- Treatment
of Colds: A free-range farmer successfully treated chickens with colds
(sipon) by using garlic (a natural remedy) and allowing the
chickens to be exposed to the sunlight.
III. Predator Control and Physical Security
Free-range chickens are subject to predator attacks, which
can cause extreme loss. Protecting them requires physical barriers and
diligent monitoring.
Identifying Threats
- Aerial
Predators: Hawks (lawin) are a threat to chicks.
- Ground
Predators: The most dangerous threats include stray dogs, wild
cats, snakes (ahas), and monitor lizards (bayawak).
- Other
Risks: Rats and human thieves (magnanakaw) also pose
risks.
Implementing Physical Protection
- Fencing:
The outdoor roaming area must be enclosed with fences. The
perimeter net should be at least 6 feet high.
- Aerial
Defense: Install a net cover above their head in the run to
prevent hawks from diving in.
- Night
Lock-Up: There is no such thing as 100% free range because
chickens must be secured in a coop or cage during the night. This
is essential to protect them from predators and lizards that climb trees.
- Vulnerable
Chicks: Newly hatched chicks are extremely sensitive to
handling and are susceptible to predators. They must be segregated
in a secure brooder area and should not be released to the range until
they are 10 to 15 days old or older.
IV. Vigilance and Contingency Planning
The final layer of protection involves the farmer's
diligence and readiness to respond to crises.
Monitoring and Culling
- Daily
Observation: Farmers must always observe the flock. Hens should
be monitored for signs of cold or heat stress.
- Culling:
Weak chickens should be separated, and sick birds must be culled.
This practice minimizes the spread of sickness to the healthy flock.
- Record
Keeping: Keeping daily records is vital to monitor the
condition of the chickens and make it easier for the veterinarian or
caretaker to identify problems.
Seeking Expert Help
If a farmer encounters problems with the flock they cannot
explain, they have the responsibility to seek help immediately. They
must report the issue to the municipal agriculturalist or veterinary
office quickly to raise the alarm and implement necessary precautions.
Contingency
A comprehensive farm plan requires contingency plans
for any event that could result in a potentially significant welfare impact on
the hens. This includes having alternative means of maintaining ongoing
environmental control, and the provision of food and water in case of
emergencies, such as power or mechanical breakdown.
By combining physical security, a proactive vaccination
regimen, vigilant monitoring, and natural supportive care, free-range farmers
can create a resilient and thriving environment, ensuring the sustained
production of safe, high-quality poultry.
