New to chickens and wanting to set up a free range in the NW!

[Kalsplice]

We are new to the chickens, something we have always wanted to do and now get to!! We have 20 acres that we will be setting up on in about 2 months. We are wanting to get chickens next spring and in the meantime I am looking at how to set up an area for them to be able to free range in and have most if not all of their food and nutrition coming from the plants/bugs/etc. Any thoughts/recommendations would be great! From best type for egg laying to great plants to grow or just any info in general! Thank you!

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Check out these breed charts to select your birds.

http://www.sagehenfarmlodi.com/chooks/chooks.html

http://www.albc-usa.org/documents/chickenbreedcomparison.pdf

I've seen someone build a large coop on a trailer and move it every so often to allow ranging on different parts of the property.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/707343/chicken-tractors-can-you-have-two-in-a-row

http://energyfarms.wordpress.com/2009/06/05/farm-scale-study-planting/dsc08914/

http://www.communitychickens.com/2012/09/cool-coops.html

http://www.communitychickens.com/2012/10/cool-coops.html

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...on-a-trailer-how-does-this-sound#post_9144743

Succulent things like alfalfa, clover, radish, turnips, beets, buckwheat, field peas.

 

[Kalsplice]

Thank you! I will look into those links!! That is what we are looking at doing. Making different paddock areas or something close to that so they can move about and get the nutrients that they need

 

[cluckcluckgirl]

You've gotten some great links already! The Learning Center here on BYC might also help you. Glad you joined!

 

[Kelsie2290]

Hello and Welcome To BYC! ChickenCanoe gave you some nice links to check out, there are some pasture type threads also
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...ur-yard-for-increasing-free-ranging-nutrition
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/742018/what-do-you-grow-to-feed-the-chickens
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/713334/growing-fodder-for-chickens
You might also check into fermenting feed, and raising meal worms or black soldier flies or worms for the chickens.
and you might like to check out your state thread for chicken keeping neighbors for any suggestions they might have for things to grow https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/270925/find-your-states-thread

 

[TwoCrows]

Welcome to BYC!

You have been given some great links to follow! Make yourself at home here on BYC and welcome to our flock!

 

[liz9910]

Welcome to BYC! x2 on the great advice, best of luck to you!

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Thank you! I will look into those links!! That is what we are looking at doing. Making different paddock areas or something close to that so they can move about and get the nutrients that they need

Pasture, in order to provide a good portion of energy and nutrition, needs to be nearly pristine and lush. Winter is a problem. To get maximum egg production, it will be necessary to provide a certain amount of essential vitamins, minerals and amino acids to promote best health.
Chickens will quickly remove the protein sources, then the vitamin sources and finally all of the energy sources from a small pasture.
I think you're on the right track.
Either moving the flock or rotating paddocks is a great option.

 

[gander007]