The blue tarped structure you can see in the picture is usually referred to as a “Chicken Tractor.” Instead of keeping the ladies cooped up in small, wiry cages where they can’t stand, turn around, scratch for bugs, take dust baths, and establish a natural pecking order, we keep them in this fine invention. As you can tell from the picture, they have a pretty sizeable residence where chickens can be, well, chickens. Twice a day, I meet the ladies at the front of the coop, where they come running to see what goodies I’ve brought them. In my hands, I either have some kitchen scraps, supplemental feed, or some bugs I’ve uncovered in the garden. While they enjoy their snacks, I provide fresh water, collect eggs, and clean out nesting boxes. But probably the best part of their day is when I move the tractor. When they see me pick up the rope at the front, they all line up like school children at lunch and await the new bugs they get to unearth.
We have been very intentional about the breeds of chickens we keep. We have chosen our breeds based on hardiness, egg laying ability, egg color variety, and rarity. The newest members to the coop are Dominiques. Purebred Dominiques are one of the oldest breeds in the US and are on the critically endangered list. We hope to eventually get a rooster so we can continue to breed this fine line of chickens. Our Ameracaunas are the most beautiful (but don’t tell the others!) with bluish gray or black and white feathers. They also happen to lay the most beautiful eggs—the blue and green eggs you find patterned throughout your dozen. And then there are the ducks! We keep Khaki Campbell and Ancona ducks for those of you who are either allergic to chicken eggs, want more protein in your eggs, bake up a storm, or who just want to try something a little out of the ordinary. Enjoy.
