Free range hens in field next to an A road

[pellow]

do the poultry keepers on here think the birds and their laying would be affected if they were roaming and living in a field next to an A road? not particularly busy but the occasional Harley or big bore Saxo quite noisy

 

[7610 super q]

Well....... everything scares them.The crush racing back in through the popholes would worry me........but they get used to anything....eventually. On most of these big free range set ups, not many birds venture out anyway.
Question is, could you not find a quieter field ? It's a risk not worth taking if there's big money involved in setting it up.

 

[Grassman]

Mine never seem bothered about vehicles on the road. If next to an A road then I guess they would be less bothered due to constant noise.
Going near the poultry with the flail mower gets them flapping but after 10 mins they get used to it.

 

[Still Farming]

Most free range never go head out much anyhow do they ?

 

[Netherfield]

Won't bother them, they quickly get used to it.

 

[Grassman]

Most free range never go head out much anyhow do they ?

These big units I would guess less than 5% go out. Bit of a con really.

 

[Paddington]

There used to be a large poultry farm next to the A3, at the other side of the fence was a lay by where re homed foxes were dropped off by a large institution, allegedly.

 

[pellow]

going to be a flock of around 200 maybe a few more, I could move them further from the road but most suitable field is the one by the road, just weighing up the options, thanks for the replies

 

[JCMaloney]

Used to be a good sized flock at the side of the M40!

 

[An Gof]

going to be a flock of around 200 maybe a few more, I could move them further from the road but most suitable field is the one by the road, just weighing up the options, thanks for the replies

There’s a unit on the A38 near Trerulefoot.
Hasn’t stopped him but he does complain at the divees who drive past and blow their horns to see the birds scatter when startled.

 

[wellingtonfarmer]

These big units I would guess less than 5% go out. Bit of a con really.

Why is it a con? Should we be forcing them to out?

 

[Grassman]

Why is it a con? Should we be forcing them to out?

I think the general public think they are running round a nice grassy field most of the day. I know a unit where they have a 10 acre field but barely 1/4 acre will see a chicken. That's how most chickens are. Mine keep close to the sheds.