Many times in the past, I have been asked which is better, free-range breeding or confined mating.
Honestly, I prefer free-range breeding where I set free about 200 to 300 hens in a yard along with the roosters and just put up nesting baskets.
The good thing about free-range breeding is it allows the chicken access to the green grass, insects and minerals in the soil while basking in the sunlight.
But there are realities in the farm which should be promptly addressed or else it could lead to failure.
When the rainy season started, I found out later that many of the hens suffered from respiratory ailments but since they are out in the field most of the time, it would not be noticed until it is too late.
Another problem which we encountered was the attack of the crows on the eggs in the yard and even on weakened chicken, including chicks.
In the face of these problems, I had to make adjustments in our breeding program.
I decided to confine the breeding hens 20 to a pen with two roosters.
This is not the most ideal set-up because the fowls will be deprived of access to grass and soil minerals but under the circumstances, it is the wises thing to do.
By breeding them in confinement, I will be able to closely monitor their health and most of all the crows will not be able to attack them or the eggs.
Also, the eggs will not be dirtied by their muddy feet.
The lesson here is that the farmer must understand that there are no constants in farming. Today, the sun may be up tomorrow it could rain.
What is critical is that he must be able to adjust quickly to any given situation. That is the secret of farming.
#FarmIsTheBestClassroom!
#AgricultureIsCommonSense!
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