Why We Put a Chicken Tractor in our Garden!

[@markware7748]

I believe that I need to take a contrary viewpoint from those of some fellow Lazy Dog family members. That balansa clover contains over 27% available protein and about 1% calcium on a dry weight basis. No layer feed comes close to that. Fresh, clean water and moving the tractor every day or so and you're golden. A little chicken swing is a good way for them to pass the time when their tummies are full.

[@LazyDogFarm]

Thanks Mark! Good to know they're getting valuable nutrition from the balansa clover.

[@MBHeritageFarms]

Awesome comment and I agree, Nice one mark!

[@dachsymom5232]

Love this idea. I have a stationary chicken coop for our egg layers but I want to do this with meat chickens. We do have digging predators so husband and I will likely add a predator apron made from fencing wire that we can lift up, clip to some hooks on the coop when we move it, then put it back down again after moving. This method will help the garden plot and give us chickens that we can put in the freezer.

[@GrowWhereYouArePlanted]

Here in Zone 7b NC, my yard still has green patches of dandelions, wild strawberries, chickweed, cold-hardy grasses, etc. My chicks eat these greens and scratch underneath mats of fallen leaves to unearth juicy worms and bugs. I find it funny that people spend so much money to get rid of weeds and leaves, but these are the very things sustaining my flock in the winter. I don't have a perfect lawn, but I sure have some happy chickens.

[@LazyDogFarm]

We usually get a decent amount of winter weeds in the yard too, but they're just starting to show a little. It's usually another month or so before they're everywhere down here.

[@erikhester802]

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen a weasel in my entire life” 🤣🤣🤣

[@LazyDogFarm]

True story.

[@nancytharp8213]

Thanks for sharing 🙏 😎 🏖 🏝

[@LazyDogFarm]

Thanks for watching Nancy!

[@jeffcarnes7015]

I would be worried that the chickens would run low on calcium an protein. When I started my flock, I went threw this even when giving them a daily 16% protein chicken feed. Problems with soft shelled eggs an their laying track. It took me 6/8 months to figure it out. Solution move to a 20% multi flock pellets an I put oyster shell into the scratch grain provided. Chickens as they free range in the winter during snow and ice they find areas that has little coverage and they dig up seeds worms, bettles, field mice and vowels. And yes that does tear up the yard. Because they don't quit until the vowels move or the become chicken feed free range style. Thanks an like you show God bless an good gardening.. Greenfied, Indiana.

[@LazyDogFarm]

That clover actually has more calcium and a better nutrient content than any layer food I've seen. Ours just started laying and the eggs aren't thin at all.

[@Elvin322]

Of course we want to take care of our critters but I would be looking more at the benefit to my soil and not complicating things for myself. Six chickens from Tractor Supply can easily be put in a pot if they develop any bad habits.

[@oldnorthstateoutdoors2002]

White Clover is about 17-33% protein. Chicken layer pellets are 16% by volume so you should be good on that. I would add table scraps as often as possible just to add variety and possibly some crushed oyster shell for calcium. Also some apple cider vinegar in there water. It's an interesting concept Travis, keep us posted.

[@LazyDogFarm]

Never heard of the vinegar in the water, but we always have plenty of apple cider vinegar.

[@lisaautry4944]

@@LazyDogFarm apple cider vinegar in the cold months only (I’m in NC) from what I’ve researched. That’s what my girls get. It’s great for their immune and circulatory systems. I’ve also read that ACV with the mother is best.

[@juliekraft4102]

@@LazyDogFarm not a good idea to use vinegar in the metal waters though. Use the vinegar in plastic waterer.

[@gregc2151]

Old timers say it's a natural way to keep them from getting gut worms.

[@justacountrygirl8750]

Layers need high protein and calcium. Your cover crops may provide enough protein, not sure, but you will need to supplement their calcium with some oyster shell. I get the crushed one from Tractor Supply. You may want to think about some high protein scratch.

[@LogBaseTwo]

this is true. You can 100% raise your birds on forage, but you wont get near as many eggs as you could if you do. You could supplement with meat bird feed which is very high in protein and the same price as layer feed.

[@LazyDogFarm]

Good to know!

[@dsr8223]

@ 20:26 That's a pretty cat!

[@LazyDogFarm]

Thanks. We rescued her from the humane society a few years ago to help with a rat issue in our gardens. And she's doing a fine job!

[@mutantryeff]

Happy chickens would have a satellite dish and big screen tv.

[@LazyDogFarm]

Haha! They'd probably like to have wifi as well.

[@GypsyBrokenwings]

Wish I had level ground. My place has to many hills, tree stumps, etc.

[@LazyDogFarm]

That can definitely be tough. Hard to pull a chicken tractor over stumps ... lol

[@suepatterson2702]

Oh, cluck. My HOA forbids chickens. Here's me doing my sad face. I have chicken envy. My best friend and I used to harmonize hymns in chicken "baaaaacks" when we didn't remember the words. Serious church ladies we weren't. Really attractive peas! Also having pea envy.

[@LazyDogFarm]

We had chickens when we lived in Athens and we weren't supposed to have them. When someone down the street would ask us about hearing chickens, we'd just say "I know! We've been hearing them too. Don't know who that is!" lol

[@fermabioranch5735]

So good 😍🌺

[@LazyDogFarm]

Thank you 😋

[@lonnieclifton3883]

The Chickens Are Getting Big Very Good Work Stay Cool Man. Lonnie From Boiling Spring Lakes N.C.

[@LazyDogFarm]

Thanks Lonnie!

[@marysurbanchickengarden]

I was looking at the pullets when you opened the door and according to the comb size you should be getting eggs soon, so you might want to put a nest box in. 😉 You also might want to add some oyster shell because I don't know if clover will provide enough calcium for good egg shells. One thin egg breaks and they eat it, it's almost impossible to stop that bad habit .

[@LazyDogFarm]

We have a nesting tray in the top. I keep checking it but nothing yet. Good to know they're close though!

[@jeaniepartridge6701]

I am curious to know how you tell by the comb?

[@marysurbanchickengarden]

@@jeaniepartridge6701 It gets larger and a more dark pink to red color.

[@markb3129]

Looks like you have it under control!!!! ✌

[@LazyDogFarm]

We're trying ...

[@evec.1933]

I agree with others that your chicks may be short on protein but they sure are getting great veggies!

[@LazyDogFarm]

Someone mentioned that the clover has more protein than layer feed, so they may be getting more than you think.

[@evec.1933]

@@LazyDogFarm if the chicks are healthy and lay good eggs then all is well! Sometimes keeping it simple is the best route.

[@takeitslowhomestead5218]

Your hens are also probably getting access to a fresh crop of bugs and grit each time you move them. I’m in the thought process of formulating a rotation plan for my chickens also. I think it’s a smart thing to do for them and us! Thanks for sharing your successful method.

[@LazyDogFarm]

Let us know how it works for you if you do start rotating them.

[@leightodd7335]

Very nice and well thought out as usual Travis. Not a chicken expert but my grandma's were. lol Clover is great and should meet pretty much everything they need of course with a bug or two. lol Only thing I can think of is you may need some added calcium but that will depend on what's in your soil. When I was about three or four our roster got after me pretty good and i came in crying. Well my grandma took care of that. She marched right up to Mr Hot stuff snatched him up and popped that head right off. Man did I love that fried chicken and gravy that night. Oh and man did I love my grandma and I think there's a special place in heaven for grandma's that protect and love their grandkids!

[@LazyDogFarm]

Great story! I bet that was tasty chicken!

[@fnancy630]

I have the food saver FM5200 and it has the water reservoir . Love that thing .

[@LazyDogFarm]

Yes!

[@shadyacrefarm1005]

It’s 30 degrees here in PA, and Ol Travis is walking around in t-shirts. That ain’t fair brother.

[@LazyDogFarm]

Haha. Supposed to hit 80 here later this week.

[@juliekraft4102]

I think that I will check into trying to make,or have made, a chicken tractor with pvc pipe due to my back issues. This would certainly be of great benefit for the chickens and myself!👍

[@LazyDogFarm]

Go for it! I would suggest using hardware cloth instead of chicken wire. It costs more, but well worth it in the long run.

[@JulianJP21]

Great work Travis👍👍As always you plan very well!! Thanks for share You help a lot!

[@LazyDogFarm]

My pleasure!

[@Grateful_Ryan]

Our girls free range and they still find plenty of stuff to eat in the yard during the winter, but they also have access to organic layer feed and eat it at will

[@LazyDogFarm]

Thanks for sharing Ryan.

[@larryhively4199]

Hey Travis. I grow and freeze a lot of english peas. Similar process but after blanch and cool I put them on sheet trays with paper towels under them for a few minutes. After the quick dry I remove the paper towels then flash freeze them on the tray before vacuum sealing. This prevents seal failure due to water in the seal freezing and prevents smashing the peas.

[@LazyDogFarm]

Great tip Larry!

[@loganyoutube4818]

Don’t worry about providing them calcium or protein…my chickens get 100% of their nutrition from cover crops and/or pasture from the second the grass starts growing in the spring until the ground is covered with snow often times in October in my area

[@LazyDogFarm]

Good to know!

[@KajunHomestead]

Hey Travis , I ended up having to give my chickens crushed oyster shell due to weak eggs that can cause them to have problems laying , usually layer pellets have enough in them but just on grass may need to add some , it doesnt take much just put a small cup like container hanging and they will take as they need.

[@LazyDogFarm]

Thanks for sharing that Bradley.

[@jessicahellar323]

Yeah we always add crushed oyster shell. And I prefer it separate from the food so they pick how much they need

[@timfetner8029]

Great update on the chicken tractor, and enjoyed watching your process for putting up peas. Brought back memories of my grandmother, who used to put up freezer bags full of corn and Lima beans. Every meal at her house, no matter what time of year, included corn and limas. She had a huge chest freezer filled with bags of corn and limas, and that is probably why those are my two favorite veggies. I always look forward to new LDF vids and this one didn’t disappoint!!!

[@LazyDogFarm]

Thanks Tim! Always good to have some veggies in the freezer.

[@myrurallife_official]

When I move mine, I like to throw down a bit of complete pellets when I want them to scratch. It makes sure they get some of the extra nutrients and seems to encourage them to eat down to the ground.

[@LazyDogFarm]

I like that -- encouraging them to scratch.

[@carolavant3778]

Good stuff, Travis! I tried doing the chicken tractor thing, but had to put them out in it every day and put them back in the coop at night because of predators. Now that I'm in North Florida, I thought about doing it again, but decided not to right now. First off, my back yard is fenced, but the garden is not, so free ranging the girls would be a garden disaster. I considered using electric fence and putting them up at night, but the predator problem here is worse than in Central Florida. Hawks don't seem to bother them in their current run, and daytime I don't see many predators. However, night time we have coyotes, raccoons, 'possums, and bobcats. No kidding - I woke up one night and my solar light went on, and there was a ginormous bobcat slinking around the run! Thank God I invested in a really nice coop that locks up tight! The only thing that's gettin' in there might be a bear or a guy with crow bar!

[@LazyDogFarm]

Those chicken predators are no fun. Glad you've got them nestled tight!

[@ACE-pm3gh]

John Suscovich has some good plans for building mobile chicken tractors

[@LazyDogFarm]

Thanks for sharing that info Matthew.

[@ACE-pm3gh]

@@LazyDogFarm yessir!

[@Titus-as-the-Roman]

South-central Ky., had a weasel get into the chicken coup when I was young, something happens to Weasels when in this situation, they go insane and will kill any chicken it can get to, partially eat one and just leave the rest, after that first weasel attack we were working hard on keeping those little Devils out.

[@LazyDogFarm]

Y'all keep those weasels up there. lol

[@douglasjones3930]

Thanks for the update. Very interesting stuff!

[@LazyDogFarm]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@poodledaddles1091]

thanks

[@LazyDogFarm]

You're welcome!

[@kevinyoung9301]

TRAVIS WHY MY SEEDS THAT GERMINATE IN MY GREEN HOUSE GETS LEGY

[@LazyDogFarm]

@@kevinyoung9301 They shouldn't get leggy in the greenhouse unless there's some issue with light transmission through the greenhouse roof. I have seen once instance where they got leggy inside a friend's greenhouse, but that was because he wasn't watering often enough.

[@gmcvay4]

Once they start laying you better give them more than cover crops. Without the layer feed you'll come across things like soft shell, egg bound, etc.

[@LazyDogFarm]

Thanks for the tip! I'll keep an eye on it.

[@randybingham1342]

Thanks for the demo on the peas Travis. I'm thinking about field peas for a cover crop next summer but wanted to freeze some also. Never used cover crops before but I think you mentioned Dale Strickler and Green Cover Seed. Been watching a few of his videos, that's good stuff.

[@LazyDogFarm]

They are very informative. If you haven't gotten a hard copy of their Soil Health Resource Manual, it's a great read. You can request one on their website.

[@dmartin4295]

Don't forget, chickens need protein to lay eggs, especially in the winter. My hens are free ranging in a grass covered "chicken" yard and have good forage, but I up the protein content of their pellet feed during the winter to help with egg production and I also add cracked corn to their diet. I'm envious of your peas!

[@LazyDogFarm]

I like the cracked corn idea. Might try to grow some next year and crack it so they can have it as a snack.

[@rebeccainspiringhope4357]

My only thought would be, once they start laying eggs, save their shells and bake them, crush them, and throw them in the mobile coop when you move it. They’ll eat what they need to keep nice hard shells on your eggs.

[@LazyDogFarm]

That sounds like a great, sustainable idea!

[@loganyoutube4818]

A cover crop mixture would be a better way to boost egg production…things like the clover you’re doing for the protein, mustard greens and kale are high in calcium…the more variety the chickens have to pick from, the better their egg production will be

[@LazyDogFarm]

I can definitely do that!

[@rlbgardener6465]

The only thing I would probably do is get some oyster shell for them to eat for the grit to help grind the food they eat and to make the egg shells harder.

[@LazyDogFarm]

Good idea!

[@markware7748]

I was lobbying for the lighter PVC option when you were designing the tractor, but it looks like the Travis model is just right after all. At our operation, we have to fence the chickens out of wherever they're not supposed to eat. We've got hawks, weasels, bobcats and bears but it's the raccoons that do the worst damage. The score is 7-3 my favor but I'm still net loser.

[@LazyDogFarm]

One day down the road I might build a "hooped" version with pvc or some type of hollow pipe. My wheels are turning ...

[@eroggero]

Do you also blanch field peas before freezing them ? I have only shucked them and rinsed then into freezer..hopefully they will still be good..

[@LazyDogFarm]

Yes we blanch those as well.

[@matthewmcclendon5308]

A link to the video when you were building your tractor while it was a skeleton would have been cool.

[@LazyDogFarm]

Here are a couple videos showing it ... In progress: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iHStZmabpbWqfdk When it was finished: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oITWi6udeM-dm8k

[@justinbukoski1]

A bunch of others have said this but I'll add my voice. Those chickens will need more protein an some calcium or you are going to have problems with the eggs. My grandmother, since passed away, used to feed her forage chickens some crickets from the bait shop to give them both calcium and protein. Also, are they getting enough grit to digest their food? Oyster shell works for both calcium and fills their gizzard with grit to grind up their food.

[@LazyDogFarm]

Might need to give them some oyster shells. I imagine they're getting a decent amount of grit from these sandy soils though.

[@patriciamathis7042]

Have people check out Sow the land for an idea for a chicken tractor.

[@LazyDogFarm]

Yes! He's where I found the chick lift product.

[@mikedudley1079]

Curious how productive egg laying will be Richard Perkins has a lot of data on that subject

[@LazyDogFarm]

I've seen some of his gardening videos, but not any of his chicken material. Might have to check that out.

[@petlover071]

Check on the calcium content of clover. If it isn't enough, you might have to at least supplement them for egg production.

[@LazyDogFarm]

Noted.

[@lanesteele240]

Can you plant cover crops in the winter i never got around to planting my cold weather stuff

[@LazyDogFarm]

Some you can. You'd need to look at the germination temperature for the specific cover crop you wanted to plant. Green Cover's site (greencover.com) has that information for each of their cover crops.

[@justhappy2behurr]

Travis, Do y'all have problems with fire ants in Georgia? If so, how do you deal with them in your garden beds and do they pose any risks to your chickens? Here in Texas they're a constant battle

[@LazyDogFarm]

We do. They tend to form beds in low traffic areas, so they don't get in the garden much. They usually form beds in the odd spaces in the yard that don't get mowed or trampled much.

[@lauralawrence499]

Different subject--didn't you plant peanuts? How did they do?

[@LazyDogFarm]

I did, but they didn't germinate very well. We'll try again next year.

[@comanchetexas]

What is the maximum number of chickens this size pen will support?

[@LazyDogFarm]

I think with 6 we're at the max.

[@ashleycollins7807]

OMG🌪🔥 🔥🔥🔥

[@coolpop19]

You need to give your girls crushed oyster shell to help keep egg shells hard

[@LazyDogFarm]

Thanks for the tip Debbie!

[@coolpop19]

@@LazyDogFarm you welcome I just came across your channel last week and really learned a lot! I live JUST West of Savannah GA and trying to get my own garden going. Was raised up growing everything but my mother passed away when I was 18 in 1985. My father is still living and I moved in with him to look after him UNTIL. He can't do anything in the garden but give advice and sometimes I wonder if he can be a little off. And he only used chicken compost lime and then the 10-10-10. But I can say my Mom could make anything grow and then my Dad could to. Look forward to seeing more videos on your garden!

[@LazyDogFarm]

@@coolpop19 Glad you found us! Welcome to the channel.

[@rickthelian2215]

I’d say just add a small hand full of chicken feed each day in case the calcium requirements for producing the egg shell etc That wouldn’t hurt and they’d still eat all the clover in that day. They’d still love some food scraps as well.

[@LazyDogFarm]

Never thought about giving chickens food scraps. Usually those don't make it past the dogs though.

[@rickthelian2215]

@@LazyDogFarm once they start laying you’ll taste difference in the taste of the eggs compared to supermarket brought eggs. Last time we spoke about no eggs due to the age of the birds, younger ones lay earlier, hopefully soon.

[@Kelligirl2152]

Travis, how long does the chicken fertilizer need to breakdown into the soil before you put another crop in there?

[@LazyDogFarm]

If you're growing produce to sell, there are certain regulations that you have to follow. But I think for a home garden, it would be fine to plant as soon as you're able to get the cover crop incorporated and terminated, which usually would take a few weeks.

[@Coastal.Redwood.Homestead]

Might want to attach a string to their water to hang from the roof. Might make it easier to move

[@LazyDogFarm]

I've considered that, but couldn't find a good sturdy place to hang it. That thing is pretty heavy when it's full.

[@rickthelian2215]

The eggs will taste better with natural foods when they do start laying, but just a small hand full of chicken food for 6 chickens will ensure them the required diet.

[@LazyDogFarm]

Preciate it Rick!

[@littlegreen5845]

So how much do you think it weighs approximately?

[@LazyDogFarm]

I'd say around 250 lbs if I had to take a guess.

[@karnebaker54]

I thought Nature Safe gave free shipping at a certain $ amount?

[@LazyDogFarm]

Nature Safe doesn't sell directly on their site and I'm not aware of any of their dealers that offer free shipping. Shipping 50 lb bags isn't cheap.

[@karnebaker54]

@@LazyDogFarm Thanks

[@dannyworten5876]

I was wondering if the leaves grow back on the clover or is it terminated if the chickens stay on it too long?

[@LazyDogFarm]

It's pretty resilient. The leaves do grow back as I showed on some of the spots that the chickens had already foraged. But If you left them in one spot too long, the grow back might not be that strong.

[@michaelmorris1802]

I do not know so don't take this as a negative comment... it's more of a question. Wondering if they are getting a "complete" diet that way? Certainly there are some "bugs", and clearly lots of green... just not sure if it's a complete diet? I guess one way to tell is the quality of the egg shells if they are paper thin, and the eggs aren't great... might need to supplement. My chickens have food available all the time... and this time of the year they eat a good bit of it... but honestly they spend most of their day out in the field doing more or less what your birds are doing... just roaming all over 15 acres... sometimes I have to go searching for them... couple of times I thought they were "gone"... but they were just hunkered down under some brush taking a nap. During the spring/early summer my birds hardly eat any "food" from feeder... they prefer and get all they want just roaming around. Yes they get into trouble and tick me off... but I don't currently have a way to fence them away from the house/yard... hopefully that's coming this year... it's close to the top of the project list. But I'm just gonna have to call you out for that lying... I know good and damn well you've see a weasel... they are on television claiming to know what's best for us day in day out! They are generally after your soul though, and not your chickens. We are pretty rural, and can do pretty much whatever without anyone even noticing... I grow lots of cover crop plots (mostly long strips) for the deer/turkeys, and yes we seed the lawn every year with rye grass... in the fields I grow wildlife mixtures, whatever I can get so they have stuff all over the place to eat. But I will admit it would be really nice to have them fertilize a field fairly evenly.

[@LazyDogFarm]

I guess I have seen a weasel then ... lol. I guess time will tell on the "complete diet" thing when we finally start getting eggs.

[@MBHeritageFarms]

Great video Travis, Just add a lil calcium to their diet when they start laying and they are golden ;)

[@LazyDogFarm]

Thanks for the tip!

[@pmlm1571]

You've got a living, fertilizing lawnmower that soon produces eggs. great for you. But they are unable to get away from each other, unable to run, especially when they are frisky being young. Could be worse from a kindness standpoint, could be better. Good luck.

[@LazyDogFarm]

You make a good point. However, from past experiences they are much safer inside that pen than they would be roaming.

[@jeaniepartridge6701]

A skunk got under mine and killed 6 chicks.

[@LazyDogFarm]

Sorry to hear that Jeanie.

[@jeffmartin693]

hang that water up so you dont have to take it out every move...

[@LazyDogFarm]

I wish I could. But since I used 2x2s to build it, I don't really have a board strong enough to hold it.

[@joette5333]

dude toss the chew

[@LazyDogFarm]

chew?

[@glendastephenson8054]

Free feed ,bet ya payed 25 bucks for seed and water,plus still feeding pellets ,get real

[@LazyDogFarm]

We plant the cover crops in our garden anyways to feed our soil -- always have. So that's not an expense that can be attributed to the chickens. Shortly after this video, we stopped feeding them pellets while they were eating the cover crop. So besides the effort of moving it once a day and a little water, there's not much cost involved as far as the chickens go.