Poultry and Trees
Listen to Clare Hill a Regenerative Agriculture Director at FAI Farms just outside of Oxford as she explains why they have added silvopasture to their free range hens environment.
Benefits of Trees for Poultry
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Boost Production
Chickens are naturally a prey animal, silvopasture provides them with protection from birds of prey and fear. Silvopasture provides shelter and a less stressful environment for the chickens which may boost their weight gain and their egg production. Chickens can control pests, insects, and weeds; eat dropped fruit in orchards, which prevents fungus and insect infestations; and also provide fertilizer.
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Health and Welfare
Agroforestry provides a sheltered environment that allows chickens/poultry to live as they naturally would. They are sheltered from prey and can graze and peck without fear and the need to be housed. Free-range hens have lower indicators of fear and stress in their blood.
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Farm environment
This Woodland Trust Research Briefing investigates the biodiversity benefits that come with planting trees for free range hens. Available for free download here
Trees regulate Environmental Temperature on a poultry farm.They can absorb pollutants and air impurities, improve ventilation, serve as a windbreak and provide shelter
