Patrick Woolson

Thank you so much for the replies! This helps a lot.

So, the obvious point here is I am new to this whole thing and don't yet have any animals. However, we do plan on adding chickens to our farm for both meat and eggs. I've read much on this subject and realize that free-range is the ideal. However there are a number of hawks and I see them daily. I'm almost certain the minute I put a chicken in open pasture it will be the hawk's dinner. Thus I am considering using a chicken tractor (yes, I just heard that gasp..hehehe).

Anyway, if I do choose this route I have in mind a plan that also incorporates nesting boxes. My concern here though is from what I've read, chickens are less likely to lay when they are stressed. This makes me wonder if they get too stressed by moving every day or two to actually lay eggs.

Does anyone have experiential proof for or against this hypothesis?

Thank you for the welcome! I've listened to a couple of these so far and thank you for the links!

This is generally what happens when a movement turns into a process and principles turn into requirements.

My exposure to permaculture has been relegated to minute experiments in and around a 4x8 raised bed garden and small suburban lot, but on Monday that is about to change! My wife and I are finally going to realize a life-long dream of transitioning to a rural setting with the purchase of 23 acres in Central Texas. I am extremely excited to finally arrive at this junction, but also a bit overwhelmed at the possibilities and decisions that will now need to be made.

Our new property is almost 50/50 trees and open pasture. It is a blank canvas upon which we can experiment, learn and contribute to a better way of living and stewardship. We won't be moving onto the property for probably another year or so, but until that time we plan to get to know our piece of earth intimately. Any and all suggestions, advice and help are welcome!