Backyard Fowl Keepers

Hi everyone!

I have 8 chickens (egg layers) currently and plan to add another 8 chicks this spring. Our chickens have a large coop with a run, and we also have a spacious, fenced "free range" area around a pond. They're pretty safe in their setup.

We have acres of pasture around us, with a large pasture for cattle and some empty ones at the moment. I was thinking it would be great to rotate the chickens through different pastures to help with soil fertilization, bug control, etc. However, I still want them to roost in their home coop at night.

I've been looking into predator-safe chicken tractor designs (hoop, A-frame, etc.) that don't have a full coop or nesting boxes. I was thinking of just providing water, some feed, shade, and maybe a couple of simple nest boxes. The goal would be to load them into the tractor during the day and let them out for some "field trips" to different areas of the pasture, then bring them back to roost at night. I would be towing the tractor behind my Can-Am for a quick trip to the pasture, and hopefully, the chickens would catch on quickly with the help of treats.

Does this sound practical? Too much work? Has anyone tried this, and how did it go? If you have any advice or photos of your setup, I'd love to hear from you!

Thanks in advance!

I love this idea!

Having the chickens move to different pastures not only helps the land but also gives them a chance to scratch and peck in new areas, which they'll love.

I've used a similar setup before, and it worked well for both the chickens and the soil. The biggest challenge is definitely loading and unloading them every day, but it becomes part of the routine after a while. As long as you keep the tractor secure and provide them with enough food and water, it should work out fine.

Make sure you also have a solid system in place for them to get in and out of the tractor safely, especially if you plan on having it mobile. You could also add some temporary shade or shelter in the tractor to protect them during hot days. Overall, I think it's worth the extra effort for the benefits it'll bring to both your flock and the land!

Ive done something similar! You might want to ensure the tractor is well-ventilated and has secure sides to protect them from weather and predators.

It sounds like a fantastic plan to rotate them to new areas. Id say go for it, but keep a close eye on them for the first few days to ensure theyre adapting well.

It sounds like a fantastic plan to rotate them to new areas. Id say go for it, but keep a close eye on them for the first few days to ensure theyre adapting well.

It sounds like a fantastic plan to rotate them to new areas. Id say go for it, but keep a close eye on them for the first few days to ensure theyre adapting well.

This could be a great way to give your chickens more space and let them enjoy new areas. Be sure to check your fencing regularly for any weak spots!

Great idea! I'd suggest experimenting with the treats to make sure they know where to go, and always have a reliable way to safely bring them back in the evening.

This sounds awesome, but it might be a bit of work every day. If you're committed, it could be well worth the effort for healthier chickens and better pasture!

Sounds like a great plan! Just make sure the tractor is secure enough to prevent predators from getting in while they're out there.