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Raising the Organic ChickenOrganic chicken is a phrase that has been a headache for decades, because it's been so tough to define exactly what the word "organic" means. If you plan to raise chickens for you and your family, this isn't a problem. Let your chickens run free during the day, or better still, keep them in a chicken tractor so they have access to fresh grass and bugs everyday while still having protection.Then, even if you feed your organic chicken ordinary feed you buy at the local farmer's supply store, you will still have far healthier meat than anything you would get at the supermarket. Your chickens will be happier and healthier, and you will end up with a healthier, cleaner meat. But what if you want to raise and sell organic chickens? If you sell less than $5,000 worth per year, this generally won't be a problem. But if you sell more than that, things get a bit more complicated. The USDA has been working to provide a universal set of standards through its National Organic Program. But, because many areas of how to raise chickens organically are still unclear, it is up to your local certifying agency to make the judgment call as to whether your chickens are organically produced. According to Gail Damerow, author of Storey's Guide to Raising Chickens 
here are some of the standards you must comply with before your chickens will be certified as organic:
Organic From the StartAll poultry and eggs must come from an organic chicken that has been raised organically from the second day of life. All of their food must be produced organically. If possible, you must give your organic chicken nonsynthetic vitamins. Also, you cannot give them any animal byproducts, including meat and bone meal in their feed.Fishmeal and crabmeal are okay. No synthetic amino acids are allowed. You are allowed to give your chickens oyster shell and diatomaceous earth as long as they comply with the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Clean FeedBecause organic feed is so expensive, most organic poultry producers prefer to mix their own feed. If you go this route, you can either grow your own ingredients or buy them from local certified organic producers. If you use a mill, make sure the mill does a thorough cleaning before handling your organic feed. You may not use any drugs to promote growth of your organic chicken.Some Physical Trimming AllowedYou may trim a bird's beak and toes as long as it is in the best interest of your flock. These are usually handled on a case-by-case basis, so proceed with caution.Clean, Healthy Living Conditions RequiredAn organic chicken must have access to the outdoors, shade, shelter, room to exercise, fresh air and direct sunlight. You may not keep your flock continuously confined in cages, but temporary confinement is allowed if it is adequately justified - it is up to your certifying agency as to whether this will be permitted. You must provide dust wallows and clean, dry bedding.
No AntibioticsYou are expected to keep your flock healthy through preventative measures, such as good nutrition, and clean, healthy living conditions. No antibiotics or synthetic parasiticides such as coccidiostates are allowed.However, if a bird does become sick, you should treat him with medicine. You just won't be allowed to sell him as organic meat. Clean Out the ManureKeep the manure cleaned out regularly. Make sure it doesn?t contaminate crops, soil or water.For more information, contact the United States Department of Agriculture Agricultural Marketing Service. Complete Chicken Tractor Design
Get the E-book Today For Just $7.95!To learn more,click here. More Great Chicken InformationIf you're looking for a supercharged alternative to the traditional coop, look no further than this great design.Great tips on caring for your flock in winter. Live in the city? It's likely you can still keep a small flock. Learn more. It's best to start with chicks. Here are tips on housing your baby chicks. More great information on caring for your flock. Learn why a portable coop is best. Ready for fresh, delicious eggs? Read this great benefit of Keeping hens for their eggs. Thinking about ordering baby chicks? Learn which chicken breed is right for you. Tips on raising the organic flock. Want chickens in your urban neighborhood, but the laws forbid it? Learn how you can get a chicken law passed in your neighborhood. Learn why self-sufficient living and having chickens go hand in hand. Ready to have your own backyard flock? Here are some maintenance tips. |
Build Your Own Chicken Tractor!
You Can Build a Chicken Tractor Provides you with step-by-step instructions on how to build a chicken tractor and also provides helpful information on how to get free wood and how your chickens can pay for themselves. Click Here learn more. Search This Site: Subscribe to my free ezine! Successful Homesteading is a bi-weekly e-zine covering everything about self-reliance and the healthy, frugal life. Imagine! Great tips on organic gardening, self reliance, frugal living and frugal recipes on a regular basis and sent straight to your ebox! Click here to subscribe.
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