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Does sunlight/free-ranging reduce leg "problems"?

post #1 of 4
7/13/12 at 8:29pm
Thread Starter 

Just curious, does free ranging reduce leg problems? (especially using a broody hen so it's a day one free range) I always hear about fast growing meat bird leg problems but not what those problems actually are.

I know sun makes a big difference in vitamin D production and thus calcium absorbtion. Also real exercise helps build better bones and joints in addition to the micro-nutrients in the fresh plant material. The slightly less processed/less-rich diet mix they eat would help any animal.(people too)

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post #2 of 4
7/14/12 at 7:52pm

I believe so.

 

Exercise strengthens the muscles and ligaments.  Vitamin D is necessary for calcium absorption, needed to build bone.

 

Also, it is necessary to make sure they get enough calcium to build those big bones.  I also give a niacin supplement and a bit of yogurt for intestinal health.  My birds never get the dreaded stinky yellow diarrhea that other people complain about.

 

I have seen a difference in starting very early with giving them enough room to move around in, vs over-crowding the day olds in the brooder.

Exhibition quality Blue Swedish Ducks and Gray Saddleback Pomeranian Geese,   Hatching eggs available in late winter and spring. NPIP

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Exhibition quality Blue Swedish Ducks and Gray Saddleback Pomeranian Geese,   Hatching eggs available in late winter and spring. NPIP

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post #3 of 4
7/15/12 at 3:33pm
X2, my experience is fewer leg problems in free ranged birds. There can be other benefits as well...
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post #4 of 4
7/15/12 at 4:01pm

Mine are raised in tractors and/or hoop coops, so don't actually have freedom outside of the pens on pasture. However, I seem to have very few few leg problems. I actually cause more leg problems than nature by running over birds with the coop. They are feed a complete feed, move around inside the pasture pens and I also think genetics have something to do with it. I buy all my birds from Central Hatchery and they buy their eggs from a place in Iowa. Sorry I don't more about the egg source.

It's pretty simple...having chickens is work, but lots of fun.

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It's pretty simple...having chickens is work, but lots of fun.

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