05/03/2026
The ladies are very happy to be back on pasture!
A common question I get is: why not just let the chickens free run across the whole farm?
There are a few really important reasons behind how we manage our flock, and they all come down to food safety, pasture health, and animal welfare.
First, egg collection and freshness. When hens are allowed to roam freely, they will lay eggs wherever they feel like it. That might sound fun at first, but “Easter egg hunts” get old fast. More importantly, I can’t guarantee when those eggs were laid. For anyone buying eggs, that matters. By keeping hens in a controlled area, I can collect eggs daily and ensure they are fresh, clean, and safe.
Second, pasture management. Chickens produce a lot of manure, and that is actually a huge benefit when used properly. Instead of spreading it randomly across the farm, I use targeted grazing. The hens are moved daily in their tractor so their manure is evenly distributed where the soil needs improvement. This helps build fertility, supports grass regrowth, and improves overall soil health over time.
Third, predator protection. Even with excellent livestock guardian dogs, managing hundreds of free-ranging chickens is unrealistic. Chickens are vulnerable to both ground and aerial predators. By using a tractor and controlled fencing, I can keep them secure while also reducing the pressure on my guardian dogs, who don’t have to monitor such a wide area.
And finally, one of the biggest benefits of this system is how it fits into co-species rotational grazing. The chickens are often moved through areas after larger livestock like goats. They scratch through manure, helping to break it down, reduce parasite loads, and spread nutrients more evenly. This creates a healthier pasture system overall, improves forage quality, and naturally supports the land without relying on synthetic inputs.
The hens are given a spacious tractor and, once they recognize it as home, an additional fenced area to explore safely. It’s a system that balances their wellbeing, land stewardship, and the quality of the food we produce.
