I. Introduction
What Free-Range Farming Means
Free-range chicken farming is an agricultural method
where chickens are not housed in confined cages. Instead, they are
allowed freedom to roam, enabling them to engage in natural behaviors
such as scratching, eating grass, sunbathing, and exercising outside their
house. This system typically includes a house for shelter and a "run"
area where they can roam.
Why It’s Becoming Popular (Health, Sustainability,
Profitability)
Free-range farming has gained popularity due to its focus on
health and ethical practices.
- Health:
Free-range meat is valued for being low in cholesterol and is safe
to consume because it does not contain antibiotics nor chemicals.
The eggs produced are also seen as healthier, with reduced cholesterol and
fat content, and increased levels of omega-3, vitamins A and E. This trend
is fueled by a rising number of health-conscious people.
- Sustainability:
Free-range chickens contribute to sustainability by allowing their manure
to be used as organic fertilizer, supporting vegetable growth. Farmers
can also use locally available and cheap materials, like bamboo, to build
coops, contributing to low costs.
- Profitability:
Demand for free-range chickens and eggs remains higher than the current
supply in the Philippines. Free-range eggs often sell for a premium
price, commanding Php 10 to Php 15 per egg, compared to traditional
white eggs from cage systems at around Php 7. Each chicken is estimated to
profit from $3 to $5 USD.
II. Understanding the Free-Range System
Key Principles
The core principles of free-range farming prioritize animal
welfare and natural processes:
- Unrestricted
Access and Movement: Hens should not be confined in cages and must
have unrestricted access to feed and water. They are allowed to roam
freely.
- Natural
Behaviors: The system must provide environmental enrichment, allowing
hens access to nests, perching space, and litter for behaviors such
as walking, running, climbing, stretching, preening, pecking,
scratching, and dust-bathing.
- Natural/Organic
Focus: Practices involve natural or organic farming systems,
including using plant-based medicine to avoid antibiotics and hormones.
Difference Between Cage-Free, Pasture-Raised, and Free-Range
The term "free-range" is defined under the
Philippine National Standard (PNS) for Cage-free Egg Production as a system
where hens are not confined in cages.
- Cage-Free
System: The system rears animals in a building, room, or enclosed
area, allowing free/unrestricted access to feed and water and freedom
to roam. Cage-free eggs are produced in this system.
- Free-Range
Chickens: These are chickens that are allowed to roam in open or
outdoor fields and feed on available farm resources. They generally
have a designated house for shelter and a separate area or "run"
for exercise and foraging. Chickens should have 6 to 8 hours of roaming
time per day.
- Pasture-Raised:
This term is not explicitly detailed in the sources as a separate defined
standard, but the concept of "free-range" heavily involves
giving chickens access to pastured areas to follow their natural
instincts, such as foraging for insects and grass.
III. Choosing the Right Location
Selecting a proper location is vital for chicken welfare and
biosecurity.
Optimal Land Size
While you can start small, free-range farming
requires sufficient land for housing and roaming.
- Housing
Size: For 100 heads, the approximate house size is 100
square meters.
- Roaming
Area: Allocate 1 square meter of roaming area per chicken. The
outdoor run area can be fenced. The standard suggests a stocking density
of 2 to 3 birds per square meter of range.
Climate Considerations
The environment must be managed to minimize stress and
prevent disease outbreaks:
- Shade
and Elevation: The area must be shaded to minimize heat stress.
The housing needs to be elevated for better ventilation.
- Noise
Avoidance: Housing should be located far from loud highways to
avoid stress in the chickens.
- Water/Drainage:
The area should be on a flat and elevated area with no water
lagging to avoid viruses. It should be near a source of water for
easier maintenance.
Soil Quality and Vegetation
The land supports the chickens' health and reduces feeding
costs.
- Forage:
The ranging area should allow the chickens to forage for grass,
insects, and worms.
- Planting
Shade: Plant tall plants on 5% of the forage area to serve as
shade.
IV. Selecting Chicken Breeds
Breed selection should align with your market goal (meat or
eggs) and be suitable for the free-range environment.
Best Breeds for Meat (Broilers)
Meat birds are usually harvested between 60 to 75 days.
- Pure
Breeds: Rhode Island Red (RIR), Plymouth Barred Rock (BPR), and
Cornish.
- Hybrid
Breeds: Sasso type and Hubbard.
- Specific
Hybrids: Hubbard's and Sasso are used as fattening broilers that grow
very fast without synthetic hormones. All Seasons Nature Farms uses Hubbards
and Sasso.
Best Breeds for Eggs (Layers)
Layers typically start producing eggs around 5 to 6 months
of age.
- Heritage
Line: Rhode Island, Barred Plymouth Rock, and Sussex.
- Hybrid
Lines: Leg Horns (white and brown), Dominant, Dekalb, Hy-line, Shaver,
Bovans, Lohmann, ISA, Babcock, and Hisex Novo. All Seasons Nature Farms
primarily uses Dekalb Browns.
- Production
Targets: Free-range layers may produce around 250 to 270 eggs in a
year. Productive hens can lay eggs for up to two and a half years.
Dual-Purpose Breeds
Many breeds are suitable for both meat and egg production.
- Native-Type:
These indigenous breeds are highly adaptable to local conditions. Examples
include Paraoakan, Banaba (native to Batangas), Darag, Joloanon,
Camarines, Bolinao, Boholano, and Zampen.
- Popular
Dual-Purpose: Rhode Island Red (RIR) and Black Australorp are two
popular breeds used in free-range farming.
V. Building Housing and Outdoor Areas
Housing must meet minimum Philippine National Standards
(PNS) for space and hen welfare.
Coop Dimensions
The house provides shelter and safety, especially at night.
- Space
Requirements (Minimum PNS): 0.14m²/bird for single-tiered
housing, or 0.1m²/bird for multi-tiered housing.
- Materials:
Use available materials like bamboo, pawid, or cogon grass. Walls
can be made of bamboo, wood, or cement.
- Height:
Posts should be at least 2 meters high from the ground. High roofs
prevent the chickens from feeling the heat of the galvanized iron used for
roofing.
- Ventilation
and Lighting: Coops should have adequate space allowance to avoid overcrowding
and heatstroke. Good ventilation is essential to prevent the
buildup of heat, humidity, dust, and noxious gases. Housing should be
positioned East-West to catch early morning and evening sunlight.
Roaming Area Size
The outdoor area (run) is essential for exercise and
foraging.
- Minimum
Size: Assign 1 square meter of roaming area per bird. The PNS
minimum recommendation is 2 birds per square meter of range.
- Fencing:
The range should be enclosed with fences. A perimeter net of at
least 6 feet high is suggested.
- Shade:
The area must be shaded to minimize heat stress.
Roosting and Nesting Requirements
These structures support natural hen behavior and health.
- Perches
(Roosts): Provide a minimum linear length of 15 cm of elevated
perch space per hen. Perches should be elevated at least 40 cm from
any level. Roosting bars should be provided at about 45 days old to
allow the chickens to perch and minimize injury.
- Nesting
Boxes: A ratio of 1 nest box per 3 hens is recommended. Nest
boxes should be placed in cool, shady, and dark areas. Use clean
bedding like straw or shredded paper.
VI. Feed and Nutrition
Feed costs represent approximately 70% of the operation
cost, making alternative feeds crucial.
Balanced Diet Formula (Commercial)
Chickens are typically fed twice daily (morning and
afternoon).
|
Age of Chicken |
Type of Feed |
Duration |
|
Chicks |
Chick Booster |
1 to 21 days old (or 1 to 14 days old) |
|
Grower/Pullets |
Chick Starter |
21 to 49 days old (or up to 6 weeks) |
|
Mature Meat Birds |
Broiler Finish or Corn |
50 to 84 days old |
|
Layers |
Layer Feeds |
19 weeks and above |
- Example
Home-made Feed Formula: A layer mix can consist of 25% darak
(rice bran), 25% corn, 25% copra meal, and 25% laying mash.
- Organic
Feeds: Pure organic feed can cost 65 to 70 pesos per kilo at the farm
gate. Feeds contain six basic components: carbohydrates, plant-based
protein, minerals (salt/carbonized rice hull), fats, vitamins, and
vegetables.
Free-Range Forage Options
Foraging for natural food helps lower feed expenses.
- Natural
Forage: Chickens naturally consume grass, insects, and worms.
- Local
Feed Hacks/Supplements: You can reduce costs by incorporating locally
available produce, which improves the color and nutrition of the egg yolk:
- Azolla
or Duckweed: Used as a substitute for rice bran (darak) due to
their high protein content.
- Vegetables
and Leaves: Madre de agua (high in protein), malunggay, kangkong,
and discarded produce like cabbage.
- Fruits:
Banana, cassava, gabi, and ube.
- Protein
Sources: Suso (snails), fish meal, filter cake (taho),
and earthworms.
Supplements and Vitamins
- Calcium/Grit:
Provide calcium (e.g., crushed eggshells or snails) or grits to strengthen
the eggshells.
- Water-Soluble
Vitamins: Injecting B vitamins into roosters and hens is suggested
during breeding conditioning to help them prepare for egg production.
VII. Daily Management Practices
Daily routines must be consistent for flock health and
productivity.
Feeding and Watering Schedule
- Feeding:
Feed chickens morning and afternoon. Hang feeders at the level of
the chicken's breast/shoulder to prevent contamination.
- Watering:
Water is essential, especially on hot days. Water should be clean and
potable (safe for human consumption). Waterers must be refilled twice
a day (morning and afternoon).
- Drinker
Ratios: 1 drinker (1/2 gallon) for 10 chicks; 1 drinker (1
gallon) for 15-20 chicks. For mature birds, a large container (palangganita)
with grills is used to prevent them from diving in.
Cleaning Routine
Cleanliness is paramount to prevent disease.
- Coop
Flooring (Litter): Use materials like carbonized rice hull, straw,
sawdust, and sand for odor-free flooring. Litter should be replaced
every 45 days or when necessary.
- Waterers
and Feeders: Hanging feeders prevents contamination. Dirty water is a
source of disease, so change it frequently.
- Waste
Management: Chicken manure can be made into organic fertilizer.
Earthworm manure mixed with water, muscovado sugar, and rice bran can be
used as a deodorizer.
Record-Keeping
Documentation is vital for monitoring and decision-making.
- Daily
Records: Keep daily records to monitor the flock’s condition,
which helps caretakers or vets identify problems quickly.
- Information
to Track: Production logs, inputs (feed, vaccines), veterinary drugs,
and eggs collected and sold/shipped.
- Record
Retention: Records should be maintained for at least 24 months
after the laying cycle.
VIII. Health and Biosecurity
A successful free-range farm requires a solid health defense
strategy.
Common Diseases
Chickens can easily contract illnesses, especially in an
uncontrolled environment.
- Viral/Bacterial:
Coryza (colds), Fowl Cholera, Newcastle Disease (NCD), and Fowl Pox.
- Pests:
Mosquitoes can carry Fowl Pox. Ticks, mites, and worms are constant
threats that compete for nutrition.
Vaccination Schedule (Beginners)
Vaccination is key for an antibiotic-free system.
- NCD
B1B1: Given via eye drop or drinking water at 7 days old.
- NCD
La Sota (Booster): Given in drinking water at 28 days old.
- Fowl
Pox: Given via wing web at 2 and 4 months old.
- Pre-Laying:
Another booster of NCD La Sota is recommended at 4 to 5 months old
(before laying/breeding).
- Note:
Always consult a veterinarian and know the specific pests/diseases
in your area prior to vaccination.
Pest and Predator Control
- Predators:
Ground predators (wild cats, snakes, monitor lizards [bayawak]) and
airborne predators (lawin or hawks) are risks. Use fencing and net
covers above the run to prevent aerial attacks.
- Natural
Deworming: Plants like Ipil-ipil, and administering natural
extracts like garlic or papaya leaves can serve as natural dewormers.
- Biosecurity:
Implement Foot Wells (for people) and Wheel Baths (for
vehicles) at entry points containing a Zonrox and water solution to
prevent the spread of pathogens.
IX. Profitability and Budgeting
Free-range farming requires a long-term vision.
Startup Cost Estimate
You can start small. Starting with 100 chicks
requires significant initial capital:
|
Item |
Estimated Cost (PHP) |
Notes |
|
Chicks (100 heads) |
Php 10,000 (at Php 100 per chick) |
Day-old chicks cost Php 100-120 each. |
|
Brooder Cages (for 1 month) |
Php 10,000 (2 cages at Php 5,000 each) |
Chicks are kept here for brooding up to 1 month. |
|
Growing Cage |
Php 20,000 |
|
|
Housing (Structure) |
Php 70,000 – 80,000 |
This is a major investment, preferably using durable
materials. |
|
Total Startup (Coop/Chicks) |
~Php 110,000 – 120,000 |
Operational Cost
- Feed
Cost: Feed makes up about 70% of the total cost. Feeding 1,000
chicks can cost around Php 1,500 per day.
- Labor:
Labor is a significant cost, with one projection estimating Php 4,000
per month in direct labor costs.
ROI Timeline
- Patience
Required: Free-range is not a fast-money venture. Many who
start give up quickly.
- Projection:
The average projection for achieving a Return on Investment (ROI) is
around two years. This period allows the farmer to study, learn,
and master the business trend.
- Profitability:
For a small layer farm (100 birds), the projected net profit can be around
Php 11,998 in the first year and Php 31,010 in the second
year.
X. Conclusion
Beginner Tips
- Start
Small: Begin with a small volume and focus on a "farm to
home program" to gauge local market potential.
- Educate
Yourself: Be an "Educated farmer is a successful farmer".
Seek out knowledge, attend training, and learn from experts.
- Prioritize
Quality and Welfare: Keep everything clean and natural. Buy
quality chicks from trusted breeders. Give your flock TLC
(Tender Loving Care).
- Long-Term
Vision: Have a long-term vision and be prepared for setbacks,
learning from them instead of giving up.
Next Steps for Scaling Up
Once the farm is stable and profits are seen after about two
years:
- Breeding
Investment: Consider investing in breeding stock and artificial
incubators, as commercial suppliers can be inconsistent. This is a
separate, specialized business.
- Market
Expansion: Expand to serve high-end markets (hotels, supermarkets).
Market based on the product’s quality: low cholesterol,
antibiotic-free, and natural.
- Infrastructure
Investment: Invest in processing/dressing plants and proper
packaging (e.g., NMIS accreditation) to maintain product quality control
and handle increased volume.
- Local
Focus: Focus on the local market first, as the demand potential in the
Philippines is huge (currently less than 5% market share, compared to 50%
in places like France).
