Michael Marchand joins the show from the coastal plain of southeast Texas to talk about preparing your pastured poultry farm for the wind, water, and disruption of a hurricane. As we record, Hurricane Florence is days away from landfall in the Carolinas, and the projections are for a lot of water and wind. Mike has seen significant flooding events on his farm over the last three years, including Hurricane Harvey.
Mike says that two days is a lot of time to focus and prepare as best you can. Here are some of his recommendations:
- Move animals to higher ground
- Utilize poultry netting for last minute paddocks
- Move small flocks to barn or enclosed shelter
- Bed broilers and layers with hay to keep birds dry
- Protect chickens from wind
- Assume the hurricane will hit and disrupt your farm for days
Find Mike Marchand at Whitehurst Heritage Farms online.