Organic poultry farming is a method of raising chickens and all poultry birds including turkeys, ducks, and guinea fowls and more purely following the organic principles and practices. This practice emphasizes the well-being of the poultry species, complete avoidance of synthetic inputs like vaccines and drugs and environmental sustainability.

The main emphasis of organic poultry farming is on feeding and medication.

Here are some key aspects of organic poultry farming:

Avoidance of Vaccines

Biologically, all vaccines used in poultry production are Live Attenuated Vaccines. This means the vaccines themselves contains the same disease causing viruses in their weakened state. The vaccination process follows the introduction of these live, weakened viruses into the bodies of the poultry species to build up an artificial immunity against them.

Over the years, poultry farmers have built total dependence on vaccines without knowing the contents. This in many ways has contributed to the many epidemics in farms, leading to complete wipe out.

In organic farming, the use of vaccines in poultry farms is prohibited. The poultry species are allowed to build up their own natural immunity against the viral diseases. This natural immunity is stronger and the effects of epidemics or outbreaks in poultry farms are often minimal since the viral load is always very low.

No Synthetic Antibiotics and Growth Hormones

The poultry products have been tagged “unsafe” for human consumption because of the synthetic antibiotics and growth hormones used in raising them. In some countries, some of these synthetic products have been banned. Other countries have also banned the importation of poultry products from countries where these synthetic additives are used. Following the directives of the WHO, the Nigerian government recently placed a ban on the importation of foreign chickens and turkey into the country. What does this mean?

A recent study revealed that over 89% of poultry farmers do not follow the withdrawal period labels on the synthetic drugs. The meat and egg products of poultry are not certified safe for consumption anymore.

In organic poultry farming, the use of synthetic antibiotics and growth hormones are prohibited. Farmer solely depends on the use of natural grains, seeds, and other natural food ingredients in raising the poultry birds. Organic farmers focus on preventive measures such as providing a good sanitary environment, proper nutrition and regular access to outdoor to maintain and improve the health of the birds.

Regular Provision of Natural Herbs, Roots, and Organic Mixtures

As substitutes to synthetic antibiotics and growth hormones, the organic farmers provide their birds in an intensive system with regular supply of natural grains, roots, seeds, and other organic mixtures. Large-scale farmers maintaining an intensive farming system ensure that their birds have regular access to all the natural herbs they could get around and other organic mixtures to maintain their health in the enclosed system. The organic farmers are required to provide suitable living conditions for their animals such that mimic their natural habitat. The organic farm should have enough space for the animals to exhibit their natural behaviors, provide protection against extreme of both weather conditions, ensure proper ventilation and provide clean, dry and healthy bedding for the birds.

Outdoor Access to Natural Seeds, Grains, and Other Natural Ingredients

In a small-scale farm setting, the organic farm must provide outdoor access to the animals. The birds should be allowed to engage in their natural behavior once in a while such as dust bathing, foraging, scratching and more. The outdoor areas or locations accessed to them must be kept from any harm to enhance their well-being and general health.

Note:

Organic poultry farming focuses more on preventive health care to ensure that the poultry birds are always in good health. Much of the attention is on providing a very healthy environment for the birds. Biosecurity measures must be carried out with all diligence. If a bird becomes sick in an organic farm, the farmer must ensure that they approach that disease the organic way until a solution is provided.