Why We Rotate Chickens Behind Livestock at Grizzly Acres Farm
At Grizzly Acres Farm, we believe in working with nature—not against it. One of the most effective ways we do this is by rotating our chickens behind our larger livestock, like sheep. This multi-species rotational grazing system mimics natural patterns found in the wild and brings a host of benefits to our land, animals, and the food we produce.
Here’s why this practice plays a key role in our regenerative farming philosophy.
Natural Pest Control
Flies and parasites are a common challenge for any farm with grazing animals—but at Grizzly Acres Farm, our chickens help manage them naturally. After our livestock move to fresh pasture, chickens follow a few days later, eagerly scratching through manure in search of larvae. This disrupts pest life cycles and helps control populations without the need for synthetic chemicals.
Healthier Pastures
Manure is great fertilizer, but when it’s left in clumps, it can smother grass and concentrate nutrients unevenly. Our chickens help solve this by spreading manure as they scratch, creating a more even nutrient distribution and boosting overall pasture health. Plus, their own nitrogen-rich droppings add even more fertility to the soil.
Better Forage for Livestock
Healthier soil leads to healthier forage, and healthier forage leads to healthier animals. By integrating chickens into our grazing system, we naturally stimulate the regrowth of pasture grasses and improve their nutritional content—making our grazing system more productive and resilient.
Healthier Eggs, Better Meat
Chickens that forage behind livestock have access to a diverse diet of insects, seeds, and greens. This not only keeps them happy—it also results in richer eggs and meat, packed with omega-3s, vitamins, and deep, natural flavor. When you buy eggs or poultry from Grizzly Acres Farm, you’re getting food raised the way nature intended.
Regenerative by Design
We don’t just raise animals—we regenerate land. Chickens following ruminants aerate the soil, introduce natural fertility, and help break disease and parasite cycles. This synergy supports a vibrant soil ecosystem, reduces disease pressure, and keeps our farm more self-sustaining over time.
How We Do It at Grizzly Acres Farm
Timing it right: We move our chickens into each paddock 3–5 days after the livestock leave, catching fly larvae at a vulnerable stage and maximizing impact.
Mobile shelters: Our chickens live in portable coops that allow them to safely follow the herds across pasture while staying protected from predators.
Observation-based management: Every piece of our grazing system is based on careful observation—adjusting stock density, timing, and rest periods based on what the land is telling us.
In Summary
Rotating chickens behind livestock is more than just good management—it’s part of the regenerative foundation of Grizzly Acres Farm. It helps us grow healthier food, steward our land responsibly, and offer our customers products they can trust and feel good about.
Come visit us or follow along online to see how our animals, land, and farm family are thriving—one pasture at a time.
