A Guide to Practical Breeding A Guide to Practical Breeding First edition, 2012 | Page 40

40 After two weeks, the chicks may be allowed outside by opening a door. The hen remains tethered inside so the chicks will not venture too far away. Soon the hens shall likewise be allowed outside so mother and chicks can now roam farther. At night hen and chicks get back to the house for protection from weather and predators. Free ranging makes the blakliz vibrant When the chicks are separated from the hen, they go to the range area. Here is why it is primordial that we range the chickens. In the 1960s to the 70s, imported game fowl from United States completely dominated cockfighting in the Philippines. The main reason was chicken quality. Another reason was while our roosters were kept in coops, the American game fowl were country walked or free ranged. It was also the case with cocks from Negros at the height of their popularity. Negros breeders enjoyed advantages in bloodline quality and free ranging. What makes ranging so advantageous? Free ranging Free ranging allows foraging which enables the birds allows foraging which to eat all the varied plants, grass, and insects they can find. enables the birds to eat Eating large proportions of living greens, seeds, insects and all the varied plants, myriad other natural commodities, makes ranged chickens grass, and insects they more vibrant than those raised in limited space. The advantages are clear. Ranged chickens get better can find. Eating large nutrition and more suitable exercise. They are also mentally proportions of living healthy and physically hardened after being exposed for greens, seeds, insects months to the mercy of the elements and predators in a surand myriad other natural vival of the fit manner. commodities, makes Proper ranging of game fowl starts when they reach ranged chickens more about 10 weeks of age. By that time vaccinations have been completed; the chicks strong enough to survive in the open; vibrant than those raised and banding already done, whether for personal recording in limited space. purposes or for qualifications in stag derbies. Feed at free range are more economical. You may give feed three times a day. In the morning give about 15 grams/ head; another 15 grams/head at noon and about 30 grams/head in the afternoon. The reason why we don't feed bulk on daytime is that hunger encourages the young chickens to venture far to find or scavage for food. It will provide them much needed exercise and develop their survival instinct. To reach RB Sugbo Website— rbscal.webs.com Email— [email protected] Text— 0927-995-4876