Author: Lisa Smith
Regenerative farming is becoming more important as people look for more sustainable and productive ways to manage their land. Chickens can play a surprising yet powerful role in these systems, offering benefits from pest control and fertilisation to soil aeration. One of the key decisions when integrating chickens into a regenerative farming model is the type of flooring used in your chicken coop and run areas, and whether to opt for relocatable coops (also known as chicken tractors).
What is Regenerative farming?
Regenerative farming is about placing more emphasis on the health of the land (e.g. nutrient content) and ensuring the land is not degraded by raising livestock. The environmental benefits of reduced chemical use and enhanced biodiversity aim to increase resilience to climate extremes, while also contributing to food security, healthier communities, and a better quality of life for those working the land.
Why Chickens are a Perfect Fit for Regenerative Farming
Chickens contribute significantly to regenerative systems by:
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Fertilising the soil with their nutrient-rich manure. The manure of chickens is rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium which are all important for plant growth.
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Scratching and pecking, which lightly tills the surface and aids seed germination. This provides natural soil aeration which is important to provide oxygen for the microorganisms in the soil.
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Eating pests and weed seeds, reducing the need for chemical intervention and the potential contamination they can cause for soil and waterways.
Studies, including those done by Massey University as part of their ongoing Whenua Haumanu programme, show that integrated livestock systems can improve soil carbon levels, drought resistance and biodiversity.
Watch how Sally from Kiwi Country Kids relocates her Outpost Chicken Coop to take advantage of the chicken manure being used to fertilise the ground
Chicken Coop Flooring Options: Pros and Cons
The type of flooring in your chicken coop affects not only the health of your birds but also the environmental impact of your system.
Bare Earth
Best for: Rotational or mobile coops on pasture.
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Pros: Allows natural scratching and direct fertilisation of soil to support ground soil nutrient levels and microorganism activity.
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Cons: Needs frequent relocation to prevent overgrazing and nitrogen burn.
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NZ Tip: Match your coop movement to pasture growth using local pasture guides like those from DairyNZ.
Timber Slat Flooring
Best for: Keeping out weather and rodents
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Pros: Keeps out any drafts or rodents and provides a comfortable level surface for the chooks to walk on, as well as insulation in colder months.
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Cons: Prevents direct manure contribution to the soil and requires cleaning.
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NZ Tip: For longevity and resistance to rot and mildew, ensure you use treated timber. All Outpost Kitset Chicken Coops are built tough for NZ conditions with treated timber.
Sand or Gravel
Best for: Coops in wetter regions with drainage issues.
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Pros: Excellent drainage and reduces pathogen buildup.
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Cons: Doesn't contribute organic matter to soil and is heavy and inconvenient to move.
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NZ Tip: For areas with heavy rainfall like the West Coast or Northland, sand may prevent muddy coops during winter.
The Benefits of Relocatable Chicken Coops
A relocatable chicken coop or chicken tractor is a movable coop that allows chickens access to fresh pasture while protecting them from predators. These coops are particularly useful for regenerative setups.
Key Benefits:
Enhanced Soil Fertility:
Relocating the coop frequently distributes manure across the paddocks, acting as a natural fertiliser. The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) recognises the role of rotational grazing systems in boosting soil productivity.
Weed and Pest Control:
Chickens will scratch and eat grass grubs, beetles, and weed seeds, reducing the need for sprays. This aligns with organic and sustainability goals.
Healthier Chickens:
Moving coops reduces the buildup of waste and parasites, keeping chickens healthier with less medical intervention.
Increased Pasture Growth:
Rested and fertilised pasture recovers quickly and often grows back more vigorously, helping to build long-term pasture resilience.
Designing Your Mobile Coop for NZ Conditions
When designing or buying a relocatable coop in New Zealand, keep the following in mind:
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Lightweight, weather-resistant materials: Use treated timber or weather resistant materials for durability in NZ's variable climate.
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Good ventilation and shade: Essential for hotter summers, especially in areas like Bay of Plenty or Hawke’s Bay.
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Predator protection: Consider strong wire mesh and secure latches to protect against stoats and dogs.
Need inspiration? Outpost Buildings have a range of chicken tractors that are built tough with treated timber frames, iron roofs and a range of sizes. The coops are skid mounted for easy and robust relocation whether you are towing or dragging the coop.
Integrating Chickens into a Holistic Farming System
Many NZ farms and farmlets use chickens in rotational grazing systems alongside sheep, goats, or cattle. Chickens follow behind larger livestock, breaking up dung pats and eating fly larvae, which:
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Reduces parasite loads for the bigger animals.
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Enhances manure decomposition.
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Encourages more even pasture use.
Pairing this with cover cropping and multi-species pasture mixes can yield long-term gains in soil health.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right coop flooring and opting for relocatable systems can transform your chicken setup from a static animal shelter into a dynamic tool for regenerative farming. By understanding how different flooring affects soil biology and how mobility increases ecological impact, you can create more resilient, productive, and sustainable farms.
Whether you're on a small lifestyle block or managing larger paddocks, chickens when housed and managed wisely can be powerful agents of regeneration. Browse the range of relocatable chicken coops or get in touch with the team at Outpost to discuss your needs.
