The  "Thelma and Louise Chicken Tractor"

For urban farmers, keeping and tending chickens is a right of passage. It is also a necessary step toward self sufficiency and sustainability. Our feathered friends supply fresh, nutrient-rich and delicious eggs, of course. They also eat insects, pull weeds, and nibble at garden waste. As a bonus, chickens are a good source of free organic fertilizer. Full of personality, some hens enjoy cuddling and petting, and can be taught to come when called. Chickens’ clucking, whistling, cheeping and cooing provides its own farmland music. 

The Scoop on Coops:

• For nesting and egg laying inside, allow 2-3 square feet per bird.
• For the run outside, allow 4-5 square feet per bird
• For protection from hawks, dogs, cats, and coyotes, the coop and yard must be totally enclosed above and below with chicken wire
• Provide flooring, use pine shavings, straw  or deep litter

 Chickens never stop eating –
except when they’re sleeping, laying or brooding. Never mind, because feed is inexpensive, usually less than $13 for a 50-pound bag. (They don’t call it “chicken feed” for nothing!) Choose a brand that is antibiotic-free and non-medicated. 

Coops with Wheels, known as “Chicken Tractors,” help your chickens do some heavy farmyard lifting, all as part of their foraging. Not a chain-gang, but a feathered gang, the chickens fertilize the soil everywhere you roll their coop. At the same time they control insects,till soil,and eat weeds. The more they forage, the less you spend on feed. 

This tractor can be used as a foraging coop and is not their only residence…..it will keep them safe/contained  while  working away from their main residence. If your chickens have the run of a yard most days, this could serve as their main shelter.