At Stella Manor, regenerative agriculture is at the heart of everything we do. One of our favorite projects has been raising pasture-raised chickens using mobile chicken tractors. Not only does this method provide a high-quality life for the birds, but it also helps regenerate the land, promoting healthier soil and biodiversity. Here’s how we built our system and the incredible benefits it provides.
Why Pasture-Raised Chickens?
Chickens raised on pasture are healthier, happier, and more productive. By foraging on weeds, bugs, and fresh grass, they contribute to pest control and weed management while receiving a natural and diverse diet. This symbiotic relationship benefits both the chickens and the soil, creating a regenerative cycle that aligns with sustainable farming principles.
Building Mobile Chicken Tractors
To make this system work, we needed a way to move the chickens across the pasture systematically. Enter the mobile chicken tractor—a lightweight, portable enclosure that provides protection and allows the chickens access to fresh forage daily. Here’s how we built ours:
1. Designing the Frame
- We used untreated lumber to construct the frame. This choice was both cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
- Dimensions: Each tractor measures 10 feet by 10 feet, large enough to house 20 chickens comfortably.
2. Adding a Secure Base
- A well supported base keeps the chicken tractor together when moving, the base needs to be sturdy yet lightweight. My first design used 4×4’s; while heavy duty they were a bit too heavy. My 2nd and 3rd generation coops used 2 x 2’s.
- Wheels on one end make it easy to lift and roll the tractor to a new location daily.
3. Providing Shelter
- Half of the tractor is covered with corrugated roofing to give the chickens shade and protection from rain.
- Nesting boxes and roosting bars were added to accommodate their natural behaviors.
4. Installing Feeders and Waterers
- Hanging feeders and nipple waterers minimize waste and keep food and water clean.
The Benefits of Mobile Chicken Tractors
Using mobile chicken tractors, we’ve seen remarkable improvements in both our flock and our land:
- Weed and Pest Control: Chickens love eating weeds and bugs, reducing invasive species naturally.
- Nutrient Cycling: Their manure adds nitrogen and other essential nutrients to the soil, improving fertility without synthetic inputs.
- Healthier Birds: A varied diet and access to sunlight have made our chickens more robust, leading to better egg production and higher-quality meat.
- Enhanced Soil Structure: The constant movement of the tractors prevents overgrazing and compaction, fostering healthier soil.
How We Manage the System
Each day, we move the chicken tractors to a new section of pasture. This ensures that the birds always have fresh forage and prevents any single area from becoming overloaded with manure. Over time, this rotational grazing has transformed our pasture into a lush, diverse landscape teeming with life.
Results That Speak for Themselves
Since adopting this system, we’ve seen our pastures thrive. What was once a patchy, weed-filled field has become a vibrant ecosystem, rich in biodiversity and organic matter. Our chickens are thriving too, producing nutrient-dense eggs and meat that our customers love.
Want to Try This on Your Farm?
Raising pasture-raised chickens with mobile tractors is a scalable and rewarding practice for any farm. It requires some upfront investment in building the tractors, but the long-term benefits to your land and your flock make it well worth the effort.
If you’re interested in learning more, leave a comment below or reach out to us directly. We’d love to share tips and insights to help you get started.
At Stella Manor, we’re committed to regenerative farming practices that support healthier ecosystems and stronger communities. Follow our blog for more stories and guides about sustainable agriculture.
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