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Orchard raising chicken attention issues
In recent years, with the acceleration of forestry reforms, an increasing number of farmers have started to utilize forest land for raising chickens. This integrated system allows chickens to provide organic fertilizer for trees while feeding on pests, and in return, the trees create a favorable environment for the chickens. This harmonious integration of planting and animal husbandry has led to a win-win situation. However, to ensure success, several key factors must be carefully considered.
First, the selection of orchards plays a crucial role. This model is relatively flexible when it comes to tree types. Economic forests such as pear orchards, apple orchards, vineyards, and timber forests are all suitable. It's important to note that chickens are active and tend to jump around, so young fruit trees or short-statured orchards like dwarf trees should be avoided, as they may be damaged. To support the chickens, it’s beneficial to plant grasses and legumes like clover and cabbage between the trees, which not only provide feed but also improve soil quality.
Second, choosing the right chicken breeds is essential. Since the management conditions for orchard-raised chickens are not highly intensive, the breeds need strong adaptability, resistance to disease, and the ability to thrive on rough feed. Local heritage breeds are ideal, followed by local hybrids. Commercial broilers are generally not recommended due to their higher maintenance needs.
Third, determining the appropriate farming scale is vital. Free-range grazing requires careful planning based on the area of the orchard. A general guideline is to raise about 50 chickens per mu (approximately 667 square meters). Overstocking can lead to difficulties in managing the trees and cleaning up chicken manure, potentially causing environmental issues. On the other hand, understocking reduces land use efficiency and economic returns.
Fourth, setting up proper supporting facilities is necessary. A chicken coop should be built on a high, sunny slope for protection from rain and cold. The density inside the coop can be slightly higher, around 5-8 square meters per 100 chickens. Feeding equipment such as troughs should be provided in sufficient quantity—about five 1-meter-long troughs per 100 chickens—to prevent competition and uneven feeding. Water dispensers should be placed throughout the orchard for easy access. If there are clean ponds nearby, additional waterers may not be needed. Fencing or netting around the orchard helps manage the flock and protect against predators.
Lastly, feeding and management practices require attention. Chicks raised in this system should be kept indoors for the first week, with temperatures gradually decreasing from 32-35°C down to 20-26°C by the fourth week. Proper ventilation is crucial to maintain air quality and avoid harmful gases. During the brooding period, balanced nutrition is important, but once they start grazing, feed can be reduced by 10-40%, and vitamin supplements can be cut back by 10-80%. Protective measures against pests like rats, snakes, and wild animals must be in place. When pesticides are used on trees, chickens should be moved into the coop to avoid poisoning.