The quality of the range is directly influenced by the choice of vegetation, its establishment, and practices to preserve its usability over time. Properly managed ranges provide hens with forage, shade, and space for natural behaviours while minimising environmental damage.
Range size and stocking density
The size of the range depends on the number of birds and legal requirements for stocking densities. In the UK, free-range systems must provide at least 5 square metres of outdoor space per bird for RSPCA. However, larger areas are beneficial for reducing pressure on the ground, promoting vegetation health, and encouraging natural behaviour.
When designing the range, consider dividing it into smaller zones to allow rotational use. This practice helps prevent overgrazing, allows herbage to recover, and reduces soil compaction. For long-term sustainability, aim for a larger range that enables flexibility in rotation while accommodating the needs of the flock.
Choosing and establishing the right herbage
The vegetation on the range plays a crucial role in its durability and the quality of forage available to hens. Herbage should be a mix of hardy, deep-rooting plants that can withstand grazing and recover quickly. Consider the following:
- Grasses: Perennial ryegrass and cocksfoot are durable and provide excellent ground cover. Include fescues for resilience in drier soils.
- Legumes: Clover (both white and red) adds nitrogen to the soil, promoting healthy growth while offering nutritional benefits to the hens.
- Herbs: Species like chicory and plantain are drought-tolerant and provide variety in diet, improving foraging interest.
To establish herbage, prepare the soil by removing weeds and debris, and ensure a fine, firm seedbed. Sow seeds during optimal conditions in spring or autumn when soil moisture and temperatures support germination. Use a diverse seed mix designed for poultry ranges, which includes a balance of grasses, legumes, and herbs. After sowing, lightly roll the soil to ensure good seed-to-soil contact. Avoid grazing until plants are well established, typically after 6–8 weeks.
Maintaining the range
Herbage maintenance is vital to extend the lifespan of the range. Regularly monitor the condition of the vegetation, particularly in high-traffic areas near housing.
To ensure the range lasts longer:
- Rotational Grazing: Divide the range into sections and allow hens to use one area while others recover. Fencing and portable shelters help manage access to different zones. Rest periods of 4–6 weeks enable vegetation to regrow and reduce parasite build-up.
- Reseeding: Reseed bare patches promptly, ideally in spring or autumn. Use a robust seed mix to re-establish ground cover and prevent erosion. Temporary fencing can protect reseeded areas until the plants are established.
- Mowing and Weeding: Regular mowing encourages grasses and clover to thrive while discouraging weeds. Spot-treat invasive species like thistles or docks to prevent them from taking over.
Drainage and Soil Health
Good drainage and healthy soil are essential to preserve the range’s usability, especially during wet weather. To prevent waterlogging, aerate compacted soil with spiked rollers or mechanical aerators, focusing on high-traffic areas. Applying sand or gravel can improve drainage. Incorporating lime can balance soil pH, supporting robust plant growth.
Encouraging even use of the range
Hens often overuse areas near the housing, leading to bare patches and compaction. Encourage even use by providing multiple shelters or shade structures further from the house. Planting trees, shrubs, and hedgerows offers natural shelter and shade, encouraging birds to explore less-used areas. Mobile shelters can be repositioned regularly to prevent overuse in one spot.
Monitoring and long-term care
Regular inspection of the range is essential to identify early signs of wear and address issues promptly. Look for signs of overgrazing, erosion, or disease in vegetation, and take corrective actions such as reseeding or resting affected areas.
Seasonal maintenance tasks, like reseeding in spring or autumn and clearing ditches before winter, can prevent long-term damage. Maintaining a record of range use, herbage condition, and bird health helps track trends and plan improvements.
By choosing durable herbage, implementing rotational grazing, and maintaining soil and vegetation health, a free-range system can remain productive and sustainable for many years. Wellmaintained ranges not only support bird welfare but also enhance biodiversity and preserve the land for future use.
We have worked closely with several seed houses to create a bespoke seed mix for this purpose, please call if you would like more information.