Pastured chicken is raised out of doors on grass, in contrast to most commercial chicken which is raised indoors in large barns.
“Chicken tractors” are mobile pens that can be pulled onto fresh grass every day or two. They were invented to provide a clean safe environment for the young chickens, where they could live from about 4 weeks old, when they no longer need lights, until ready for harvesting. This gives them access to clean grass and weeds, while provided with feed, water, shade and predator protection.
Pen designs vary tremendously. Most will hold 50 to 70 chickens, and are moved either with a tractor or for the lighter ones by human effort only. Many designs are available on
the internet and many have been built here. Wood is most popular material, but plastic pipe, tarps, and plastic or wire netting have been used. Some have automatic watering systems.
This system provides a safe controlled environment and easy observation of the flock for the owner. It also fertilizes the ground they occupy, leaving a bright green trail where the pens used to be. This management system was made famous by Joel Salatin, who has written books about it and inspired local farmers on his recent visits to BC.
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