We ‘day-range” our chickens, ducks, and geese. This means they roam freely within protective movable electric fencing during the day, and are protected in a predator-proof shelter at night.
For those interested in raising chickens, ducks, geese, I put together the following list for the Adirondack Chicken Summit.
Premier Fencing – electric poultry netting to keep 4-legged predators out, waterers, etc
American Pastured Poultry Producers Association – for free-range chicken raising
The Small Scale Poultry Flock - new book for “natural” or “organic” chicken raising. Also a lot of info at his site.
Storey’s Guide to Raising Chickens – good standard book
If you are thinking of trying to avoid commercial feeds, be very careful that your flocks do indeed get adequate nutrition. “Grandma’s farm flock” had access to other livestock’s feed troughs, hay, patties, etc. There are also a few good old, pre-1960s books. By the mid-1950s all the vitamins had been discovered but feeds and breeds weren’t as high-test as they are now. Two good ones are Leslie Card’s “Poultry Production” from the early Sixties and Paractical Poultry Management by: James E. Rice and Harold E. Botsford.
Backyard Poultry magazine – many articles are online
NEPPA Hatchery – New York hatchery. I have used with great satisfaction.
AJ Farms Domani Ranch near Seneca Falls. Don’t know anyone who has gotten their birds, but someone I respect has met with them and thinks they are raising their birds well. They are using organic feed, and will raise chicks for you. Website did not have prices, but does have phone number prominent. Also, if you list me (Beth Spaugh) as having referred you I can get $5 off one order.
Moyers Hatchery – Pennsylania, good for broilers, limited selection layers
Hoovers Hatchery – Iowa, good for broilers, good selection of layers
Welp Hatchery – Iowa – good for broilers, good selection layers
Sandhills Preservation Center - order by mail only, heritage & rare breeds & genetic preservation
If you want to make your own feeds, or minimize commercial feeds, I recommend you get one of the heritage breeds that are not particularly high egg layers. Sandhills Preservations Center’s descriptions mention some that are very thrifty feeders or who will forage more of their feed than others.
We use Poulin Grain and Green Mountain Organic feed from Ward Lumber in Jay, and they deliver it to us. They have a scalder and a plucker they will rent out. Ask for Shannon Bombard.
Google “poultry ark” or “chicken coop” for ideas for housing. Add “U.K.” to the search for some nice ones.
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