Mobile chicken coop
The mobile chicken coop is a building for livestock (in the regulatory sense, i.e. with an INUAV number) intended for poultry, mainly laying hens but which can also be used for broilers. It is an infrastructure designed to be regularly moved to different areas of a plot[1][2].
Characteristics
The mobile aspect of the chicken coop leads to specific design choices. They are generally small in size, lightweight and equipped with wheels (fixed or removable) or “skis”.
The materials used can vary from one design to another. Wood is not recommended for sanitary reasons.
Depending on the size and design of the coop, movement can be done by hand, or with a motorized vehicle (quad, tractor…)[3].
Advantages
- Optimal Grazing: The hens have access to fresh grass and insects, broadening their diet[2].
- Improved sanitary management: Regular movement reduces the accumulation of droppings and the proliferation of pathogens on the range[3].
- Soil regeneration: Rotation allows the soil to regenerate between each passage[1][3].
- Landscape integration: Small wooden structures blend harmoniously into the landscape[3].
Use
Mobile chicken coops are moved more or less regularly depending on the types of coop but also on the farmer's practices. The frequency of movement can vary from once per batch up to once per day. This practice allows better management of the ranges and natural fertilization of the soils[1]. The system is particularly suited to organic farming, with generally small farms marketing their production in short supply chains[4].
Economic considerations
The initial investment for a mobile chicken coop is very variable depending on the model, size, options, degree of self-construction… It ranges from a few hundred euros to more than €50K for turnkey coops, to which are added fencing and interior fitting costs[3]. If well managed, the system can enhance the profitability of some farms by providing a diversification of productions. For some farmers, it is their only source of income[4].
Limitations
Mobile chicken coops have some drawbacks:
- Sometimes fragile structures requiring regular maintenance[3].
- Potentially insufficient thermal insulation for very young chicks[3].
- Production capacity limited compared to conventional livestock buildings[5].
- Increased labor time when bringing back the animals.
Perspectives
The concept of the mobile chicken coop is gaining popularity, especially in France where several hundred farms are estimated to use this system for professional broiler or laying hen farming[1]. This approach fits into a broader trend towards sustainable livestock practices that respect animal welfare[6].
Sources and links
- https://www.reussir.fr/volailles/un-petit-poulailler-mobile-pour-des-poules-bios
- Some homemade construction solutions: here and here
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 https://www.feve.co/installation/ressources-installation/poules-pondeuses
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tracteur_%C3%A0_poules
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 https://agriliens.fr/les-fiches-experiences/view/46
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 https://www.huehnermobil.de/fr/lelevage-entierement-mobile-en-plein-air-par-conviction/
- ↑ https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poulailler
- ↑ https://2017.agrarbericht.ch/fr/politique/ameliorations-structurelles-et-mesures-daccompagnement-social/poulaillers-mobiles-dans-la-pratique
