Large free range coup.

[Kashken]

Hey everyone,
I'm a new kid on the block and it looks like I will be going from zero to a hundred in pretty short order.
I am getting into free range meat chickens on a large scale. Initial coup demensions are 12x20 foot with an eight foot off center "lean too" style roof.
I am calculating a hundred to one hundred twenty five birds on a rotational bases. They will graze four different paddocks on a weekly rotational bases of approximately a half acre each.
I have done alot of homework and a lot of research but I need any and all advice that this group can offer.
Regards
Ken
Owner/ Operator
Tripple H Farm
Chesterfield SC

 

[Howard E]

Ken:

Do you have photos or a sketch of your actual or proposed setup?

I don't personally have any experience with meat birds, but what I have heard is they (they being Cornish Rock's) seldom venture far from the feeder. As in they don't get out and forage much. So a lot of growers tend to use tractors to physically force them to move to new ground and do so nearly daily. So a large group of birds on a small patch of ground and moved often is what most seem to have success with.

That concept also seems to offer the best chance of protecting them from predators.

You might also try posting your question on the meat birds forum?

https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/21/meat-birds-etc

Those folks might have a better idea on how to help?