If you're a backyard chicken farmer, you've probably heard of chicken tractors. A chicken tractor is a movable coop that allows you to give your chickens access to fresh grass, bugs, and other natural elements, while keeping them protected from predators. Chicken tractors are becoming increasingly popular among small scale farmers and homesteaders looking for an efficient and sustainable way to raise chickens.

In this guide, we'll dive deep into the world of chicken tractors and explore everything you need to know about using them to raise happy and healthy chickens.

What is a Chicken Tractor?

A chicken tractor is a type of mobile coop that allows you to move your chickens to fresh ground regularly. It's called a "tractor" because it's designed to be pulled or pushed, much like a tractor on a farm. The idea behind a chicken tractor is to provide your chickens with access to fresh grass and bugs, while keeping them contained and protected from predators.

Chicken tractors come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but most are designed to be lightweight and portable. They often have wheels or skids that allow them to be easily moved from one location to another. They typically consist of a small coop on wheels with a fenced area attached to it. The fencing area can be made of wire mesh, plastic mesh, or other materials that provide a safe and secure living space for the chickens.

The coop part of the chicken tractor is where the chickens will sleep and lay their eggs. It is usually equipped with perches, nest boxes, and a door that can be opened and closed for easy access. The coop also has ventilation to keep the air inside fresh and cool.

Who Uses Chicken Tractors?

Chicken tractors are being used by a growing number of small scale farmers and homesteaders who are looking for a more sustainable and efficient way to raise chickens. They are also becoming increasingly popular among people who live in urban areas and want to keep chickens for their own eggs or for personal enjoyment.

Whether you are a small scale farmer, homesteader, or urban chicken keeper, a chicken tractor can be a valuable addition to your chicken raising operation. Whether you are looking to reduce the cost of raising chickens, provide a healthy and sustainable living environment, or simply enjoy the companionship of chickens, a chicken tractor can be the solution you are looking for.

Benefits of Using a Chicken Tractor

There are many benefits to using a chicken tractor for your backyard flock. Here are just a few:

1. Fresh Grass and Bugs: Chickens love to eat grass and bugs, and a chicken tractor allows them to do just that. By moving the tractor regularly, you can provide your chickens with access to natural elements, which will keep them healthy and happy.
2. Protection from Predators: Chickens are easy prey for predators like foxes, raccoons, and hawks. A chicken tractor provides your chickens with a safe and secure place to roost at night, and keeps them protected from predators during the day.
3. Fertilizer: As your chickens graze and scratch in the chicken tractor, they'll naturally fertilize the ground. This will help to improve the soil quality and make your garden more productive.
4. Reduced Feed Costs: By giving your chickens access to fresh grass and bugs, you can reduce their feed costs. This is especially beneficial if you're trying to raise your chickens on a budget.
5. Easy to Clean: Because chicken tractors are movable, they're easy to clean. Simply move the tractor to a new location, and the old area will have time to recover from the chickens' scratching and fertilizing.

Of course, if you're not handy with tools or don't have the time to build your own chicken tractor, there are plenty of pre-made options available for purchase. You can find chicken tractors in a variety of sizes and styles, from small tractors designed for just a few chickens, to larger tractors that can accommodate a dozen or more birds.

Tips for Using a Chicken Tractor

Once you have your chicken tractor built or purchased, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure your chickens stay happy and healthy.

1. Move the Tractor Regularly: To provide your chickens with access to fresh grass and bugs, it's important to move the tractor regularly. Depending on the size of your flock and the size of your tractor, you may need to move it daily or every few days.
2. Provide Plenty of Water: Chickens need plenty of clean water to stay hydrated, especially when they're out in the sun all day. Make sure your chickens have access to fresh water at all times.
3. Keep an Eye on the Temperature: If you live in a hot climate, it's important to make sure your chickens don't overheat in the tractor. Provide plenty of shade and ventilation, and make sure your chickens have access to cool water.
4. Protect from Predators: While a chicken tractor does provide some protection from predators, it's still important to take precautions. Make sure the tractor is secure and predator-proof, and never leave your chickens unattended for extended periods of time.
5. Clean the Tractor Regularly: To keep your chickens healthy, it's important to clean the tractor regularly. Remove any droppings or uneaten food, and disinfect the tractor periodically to prevent the spread of disease.

Conclusion

Using a chicken tractor to raise backyard chickens is a great way to provide your birds with access to fresh grass and bugs, while keeping them protected from predators. By using a chicken tractor, you can reduce the cost of raising chickens, maintain a healthy and sustainable ecosystem, and provide your chickens with a more natural and healthy living environment. Whether you are a small scale farmer, homesteader, or urban chicken keeper, a chicken tractor can be a valuable investment for your chicken raising operation. With these tips and the right equipment, you can raise happy and healthy chickens in your own backyard.