Pastured Poultry Issues and Solutions

Raising birds on pasture is a great way to reduce feed and management costs, but it can have some downsides that need to be addressed. It is not a perfect system, but it can be managed.

Predators

Each geographic location has its unique predators to contend with. Below are a few things to help ensure the safety of the flock:

• Guardian Dogs
• Movable electrified fencing
• Remove feed at night to avoid attracting predators
• Keeping a rooster to alert the flock of danger
• Lock the birds up at night
• For chicken tractors, allow a minimum of one foot of chicken wire to lie beyond the structure. This would help keep any ground predators from digging under the structure. 
• Hang reflective deterrents around the structure, like CDs or Nite Guard Tape, to deter any flying dangers to the flock

Pasture Quality

• Soil erosion can happen when the same area is overgrazed. Keep moving birds to fresh grass frequently and avoid wet areas. 
• If birds are kept in one place too long, the manure builds up, burning plants and depleting nutrients.
• A pasture full of grass does not provide enough diversity to meet poultry nutrition requirements. Consider adding a mix of grass, legumes, and forbs.

Weather

• When cold weather arrives, birds are at risk for hypothermia, respiratory issues, and reduced forage. Supplemental feed and a draft-free enclosure are necessary for the birds’ health. Make sure the birds do not cluster together. They tend to lie on others, suffocating them.
• In hot weather, the birds are at risk for heat stress and dehydration. To encourage feed intake, provide feed early in the morning and late at night when it is cooler. They should have access to fresh, cold water at all times. Keep them housed in a shady location and positioned to have a slight breeze. 
• Extreme conditions 
• Drought causes a lack of forage, so supplemental feed would be needed.
• In wet conditions, the birds could become wet and not be able to regulate their temperature.  
• In the event of an extreme storm, their shelter should have a hard top roof. Plastic can easily rip off in high winds or tear easily with heavy rain or hail. Consider anchoring the shelter down to the ground to avoid it being blown over in high winds.

Leg Injuries 

• Be sure to pasture the poultry on smooth terrain that has good traction. An uneven pasture can cause leg issues with any type of poultry, like spraddle leg, sprain, or a break. 

Poultry are incredibly hardy, but they still need us to make sure they are provided with a safe and healthy environment. Each season has its challenges for keeping pastured poultry. Monitor your flock and keep detailed records to make any management adjustments in the future.