Birds are very hard on pasture. For one thing, they physically scratch the crowns of the plants, which is a good thing, but only for a short time. They also provide manure that is extremely high in available soluble nitrogen. This is "hot" manure, as it is called, and can easily cause nitrate toxicity in the soil or water. An excess can quickly deplete humus in the soil just like chemical fertilizers. So capitalizing on this valuable resource is important. We want it to be assimilated into growing plants as quickly and efficiently as possible.
If you see some typical farmers "pastured chickens" on the same site in a non-movable chicken pen, you can know that the chickens have scratched out all the grass and their manure buildup has turned the soil into a brick.
Another problem for the typical commercial egg producers is parasites and disease. But by giving chickens a new spot to lounge on each day, pathogenic problems can be virtually eliminated on the pasture.
To help us with this.... Enter... the Egg Mobile:
We took delivery of two new Egg Mobiles recently and have been preparing them to house our chickens out on the pasture. Up until now, the chickens have been waiting patiently in the greenhouse (where they sleep during the winter months) and surrounding area where they can forage. Finally, the day came to make the move just this week. Only 3 weeks behind schedule - not too bad for rookie farmers like us!
After setting up the egg mobiles on the pasture, we then hand carried each chicken to their new homes and put them inside. While they got used to the idea, we moved the electric poultry netting over to the pasture from the greenhouse. The electric netting keeps the chickens safe from predators such as raccoons, foxes, or even domestic stray dogs who might like a chicken dinner. It also keeps the brave chickens from wandering too far. Lastly, it helps us manage the land and fertilization.
By moving the chickens to new pasture within certain timeframes, it allows the ground to rest and fully utilize the fertilizer which the chickens provide via their waste. No need to purchase chemical fertilizer when the birds do an excellent job themselves.
On one end, there is a chicken door which has an automatic door inside which opens in the day and closes after dark. There is also a manual door for when we need to lock them in for a move to new pasture location.
After setting up the electric fencing, time to let the chickens out and show them how to use their door.
A little coaxing was needed for some - but once they saw the fresh clover and pasture to roam, they came right out.
The inside of the egg mobiles are set up to be sleeping quarters, snack bar and a private place to lay eggs. The human-sized door on one end houses a feeder and place for water inside the door. Nest boxes are located to the right with doors on the outside for easy egg collection. Ventilated and insulated walls keep the chickens cooler in the summer and warmer in the cooler months. It also provides good shelter from bad weather.
Electric can be hooked up from the outside in case we need to add supplemental light during shorter days (for better egg production.)
Know well the condition of your flocks, And pay attention to your herds; Proverbs 27:23
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