Hello to all.

[CountingBlssngs]

I'm new to the site and look forward to learning from the expertise that you all have with poultry.

Perhaps someone can help with a couple of questions now? I've googled and googled and no luck.

My husband and I have a 40 acre property and would like to raise free-range barred rocks. We currently have 30, but would like to expand. We have just had a 12' x 20' portable coop made and we are looking focusing on egg production, not meat, as a revenue source.

So....How do I calculate feed costs? I've read everything from free-range birds requiring feed for anywhere from 10% of their nutritional requirements to 80%. I'm confused!

Also, indoor coop space for free range birds is confusing. I know how much free range pasture is required, but can't confirm for free-ranging birds who will come in at night. Is 1.5 square feet per bird in a coop accurate?

Finally, I've read that Barred Rocks will free-range from only 40' of the coop up to 150'. Help!!

Sorry for all the questions. Maybe someone can recommend a good resource whether on line or in book format.

Thanks so very much and I hope to chat with you all often!

[astevens4]

the problem you're coming accross is that some breeds are better adapted to free-ranging than others - some are very sedentary, and as such will not get as much of their feed requirements as other breeds, who are more active foragers.

Then you need to look at the ground you're free ranging over - grass pasture will provide much of their fibre, and vegetative requirements, but very little protein, whereas wooded areas are the opposite, so there are a lot of variables.

As you have some birds already, the simplest thing to do is work out your current feed usage, and then increase the amount of formulated feed you need by 5% as an error margin!

Coop space varies, but i would recommend 3.5 sq ft per bird, just in case you need to confine them for long periods - its an awful lot cheaper to build your coops big enough to keep them comfortably contained at the start, than it is to suddenly realise you need to keep them in (for example due to a local contagious disease outbreak) and realise you've not enough space!!

Tony

[chickenwhisperer123]

Welcome to Poultry One!

I knew that some chickens were easier to contain, but I never thought about certain breeds being better free range birds. I used to have a Barred Rock hen, and she would just follow the others around. They usually they went clear to the other end of the property, and she didnt seem to care. I dont know if they would stay close or spread out, but I know mine had their favorite hang-out spots! (corral, pine trees, mulch in the flower bed:thumbdown:). Good luck!!

[CountingBlssngs]

Thanks for the feedback Jason. Did lotsa research today and will probably increase the barred rock population and ditch my innovative cattle plan. lol.

Look forward to chatting with you again.

[CountingBlssngs]

Hello Tony! Thanks so much for your message. I've worked out some calculations that I'll modify based upon your advice. I REALLY appreciate the help!!!!

Take good care,

Denise