Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Rhode Island Red laying breed.
A checklist of best practices in organic husbandry in the UK, called “the Five Freedoms,”
is suited to the ideals of Northeast organic poultry farming.
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1. Freedom from hunger and thirst;
by ready access to fresh water and a diet to maintain full
health and vigor.
2. Freedom from discomfort;
by providing an appropriate environment, including shelter and a
comfortable resting area.
3. Freedom from pain, injury, or disease;
by prevention and rapid diagnosis and treatment.
4. Freedom to express natural behavior;
by providing space, sufficient facilities, and the company
of the animal's own kind.
5. Freedom from fear and distress;
by ensuring conditions and treatment to avoid mental suffer-
ing.
Small-scale organic poultry production is complementary with many types of farm production
including vegetables, livestock, and orchards. Poultry integrate well with various other farm
animals. They contribute by making use of marginal land that cannot be used to grow crops or
raise pasture animals and by providing additional income while improving the agroecosystem
of the farm. Beyond the obvious benefits of meat and eggs, some farmers believe that raising
poultry on their farm aids in the control of parasites in ruminants as well as fly and tick control,
