We are farmers who use regenerative methods to produce feed, food, and fuel while nurturing the land.
Rotationally grazing hair sheep followed by laying and meat chickens is an effective multi-species grazing strategy that enhances pasture health, improves parasite control, and increases overall farm efficiency. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the benefits:
Improved Pasture Utilization
Hair sheep and chickens have complementary grazing habits. Sheep primarily consume grasses and forbs, while chickens scratch the soil and eat insects, seeds, and leftover plant material.
Chickens break up manure clumps, spreading nutrients more evenly and preventing waste accumulation.
The result is a more balanced and productive pasture with better nutrient cycling
Enhanced Soil Fertility
Sheep provide manure that is rich in nitrogen and organic matter, but it breaks down slowly. Chickens further enrich the soil by adding high-nitrogen manure, accelerating decomposition and enhancing microbial activity. Their scratching action works manure into the soil, improving aeration and organic matter incorporation.
Parasite and Pest Control
Hair sheep are susceptible to internal parasites like barber pole worms, which complete their life cycle in manure and soil. Chickens disrupt this cycle by eating parasite larvae and fly larvae from the manure, reducing reinfection rates for the sheep. Chickens also consume ticks, grasshoppers, and other pests, reducing parasite loads across the system.
Healthier Livestock
Lower parasite burdens in sheep lead to reduced need for chemical dewormers, decreasing resistance issues and veterinary costs. Chickens benefit from access to a varied diet, leading to higher-quality eggs and meat with improved nutrient profiles.
Increased Forage Growth and Diversity
Sheep grazing encourages regrowth of high-quality forage. Chickens’ scratching action helps reseed pastures by exposing soil and spreading plant seeds. The combination encourages a diverse pasture ecosystem, supporting long-term productivity.
Better Land Efficiency
By stacking functions, farmers maximize output per acre. Different species utilize pasture at different levels, reducing competition for resources. Higher stocking densities are possible without degrading pasture, as each species fills a unique ecological niche.
Natural Fly and Odor Reduction
Flies are attracted to sheep manure, but chickens actively disrupt fly breeding by eating larvae. This reduces fly populations and odors associated with manure buildup. Healthier, drier pastures minimize conditions favorable for disease.
Additional Benefits of Rotational Grazing
Rotational grazing reduces reliance on grain-based feed for both species, lowering feed costs.
Reduced veterinary expenses due to lower parasite loads and healthier livestock.
Less need for synthetic fertilizers since animals naturally fertilize the pasture.
Climate Resilience and Sustainability
Healthier soils retain moisture better, reducing drought stress. Carbon sequestration improves as organic matter builds in the soil. Multi-species grazing mimics natural ecosystems, enhancing long-term sustainability.
By integrating hair sheep and chickens in a rotational grazing system, we can improve land health and animal welfare while reducing reliance on external inputs.