Many farmers are getting the benefits of raising cows and chickens together, resulting in more sustainable and productive operations. This integrated approach, commonly employed in regenerative farming systems, leverages the unique strengths of each species.
Your chickens scratch through cow dung, spreading nutrients and consuming pests like fly larvae, which helps naturally reduce parasites and enhance soil health.
Meanwhile, your cows graze down tall grasses, building soil organic matter with their manure and hoof action. When you manage them as a team, you create a balanced, efficient system that promotes biodiversity and maintains your land.
In this definitive guide, you’ll find everything you need to co-manage cows and chickens on the same farm—from benefits and challenges to practical, proven methods that work.
Benefits of Co-Grazing Cows and Chickens
Raising cattle and chickens together on your farm can offer powerful benefits. When appropriately managed, this mixed-species system enhances soil health, naturally controls pests, maximizes pasture efficiency, and diversifies income.
Soil Fertility and Nutrient Cycling
Your chickens bring high-nitrogen manure to the mix, scratching it into the ground as they forage. Meanwhile, your cows deposit large amounts of dung and urine that help build soil organic matter. Together, these animals boost pasture fertility and promote vigorous regrowth. When you rotate them correctly, nutrient cycling improves across your entire grazing system.
Pest and Parasite Control
Chickens act like nature’s pest control. As they follow behind your cattle, they forage through cow pats and eliminate fly larvae, ticks, and parasites. This not only keeps your herd more comfortable but also reduces your reliance on chemical dewormers and insecticides.
More Efficient Land Use
Cows and chickens each use the pasture differently. Your cows graze down the tall forage, while your chickens clean up the weeds, seeds, and bugs left behind. With a good rotation plan, they won’t compete for food—they’ll complement each other. This stacking of grazing animals lets you get more out of the same acreage.
Income Diversity and Farm Resilience
When you raise both chickens and cows, you can offer multiple products—like beef, milk, and eggs—from one operation. Many small and mid-sized farms are now diversifying into pork, vegetables, poultry, and cattle to reduce financial risk. If one market dips, your others help balance the impact. That kind of diversity strengthens your farm’s long-term resilience, both economically and ecologically.
Of course, every benefit comes with its own set of management challenges. But with thoughtful planning, co-grazing cows and chickens can significantly improve the sustainability of your pasture and overall farm system.
| Aspect | Co-Grazing Benefits | Considerations / Challenges |
| Pasture & Forage | Chickens scratch and fertilize grazed areas, while cows handle the bulk grazing. Together, they build soil health and boost biodiversity across your pasture. | You’ll need to rotate both species regularly to avoid overuse. Also, ensure your chickens have access to proper shade and shelter during extreme weather conditions. |
| Manure & Fertility | Chicken manure adds fast-acting nitrogen; cow manure adds volume and consistency. Together, they enrich the soil more effectively than either could alone. | Raw poultry litter can carry harmful pathogens. Always compost or cure the manure before spreading it, or before grazing your cows on the same area. |
| Pest Control | Your chickens naturally control pests by eating fly maggots, ticks, and parasites left behind by your cattle. This helps reduce chemical use and improves comfort. | Cross-species disease transfer is still possible. Maintain strict biosecurity measures and continue to monitor parasite loads in both herds. |
| Housing & Shelter | Mobile chicken coops can follow behind your grazing cows, allowing both species to use the same pasture in different ways. | Chickens and cows require different shelters. Always separate them at night, and use fencing or guardian animals to keep chickens safe. |
| Economics | By raising both species, you can produce beef, eggs, dairy, and poultry meat—all from the same land. This strengthens your income and spreads financial risk. | Managing multiple species takes more time and planning. Ensure you have strong local markets or farm uses for all your produce. |
Pasture Management and Rotational Grazing
Managing your pasture well is essential when you raise cows and chickens on the same field. One of the most effective systems you can use is rotational co-grazing. Here’s how it works: your cattle graze a designated paddock first, eating down the forage and leaving behind manure. Once they move to fresh grass, you bring in your chickens, usually in a mobile coop like an eggmobile or chicken tractor. As they scratch and peck through the grazed area, your chickens eat weed seeds and insect larvae while spreading manure more evenly across the pasture.
This setup mimics natural grazing behavior and has been fine-tuned by regenerative farmers across the US. In real-world practice, you might turn 40–50 cows into a paddock for a single day, then move them forward. Your chickens follow for the next 1–3 days, foraging intensively and cleaning up the area. This method not only helps break the parasite cycle but also boosts pasture fertility and nutrient cycling.
Just remember—timing matters. After both species have passed through, allow your pasture time to rest and recover. Overgrazing leads to compacted, muddy ground and poor forage regrowth. You’ll also need to provide shaded areas using portable shelters or natural tree lines so your chickens can avoid the midday sun or sudden storms.
Fencing is another essential factor. Most farms use a combination of boundary fencing and electric netting to protect their livestock. This lets you train your chickens to stay near their mobile coop while keeping your cows contained in their paddock. With thoughtful planning and consistent rotation, co-grazing dramatically improves forage use and soil health on your farm.
Housing Cows and Chickens: Coops, Barns and Yards
While cows and chickens can share pasture or yard space during the day, their housing needs are entirely different—and should always be treated that way. Your cows will need a sturdy barn or open-sided shelter to rest, especially during cold, wet, or windy nights. Chickens, on the other hand, require coops that include roosting bars, nesting boxes, and secure predator-proof enclosures. These two species should never sleep in the same structure.
Think of it this way: cows are heavy, ground-dwelling animals that need solid flooring and plenty of bedding. Chickens prefer elevated perches and dry, well-ventilated spaces. Putting them together at night would be dangerous. If a cow accidentally steps on or lies on a chicken, the results can be fatal. That’s why housing them in the same barn or coop just doesn’t work.
Instead, set up a dedicated chicken house—whether fixed or mobile—near your cow shelter. This keeps chores efficient while keeping each species comfortable and safe. During the day, it’s fine (and often beneficial) to let your chickens roam the same fields as your cows. Free-range chickens thrive around cattle, mainly when housed in portable eggmobiles or pens that follow behind grazed paddocks.
To protect your birds while they’re out on pasture, consider using perimeter fencing and livestock guardian dogs. Many farmers train their chickens to return to their coops at dusk by using interior electric fencing from an early stage. Once your flock is trained, you can leave the coop doors open during the day, knowing your dogs will keep predators like coyotes, foxes, and raccoons away.
Bottom line? Always give your cows and chickens their own spaces at night. You can position shelters near each other for convenience, but ensure that each species has the appropriate flooring, ventilation, and protection. Chickens need height and coverage. Cows need space and ground comfort. Keep them separated overnight, and you’ll set both up for a healthier, safer routine.
Feeding and Nutrition For Raising Cows and Chickens in Same Farm
Feeding cows and chickens together requires careful planning, as their nutritional needs are entirely different. Your cows are ruminants that thrive on fiber-rich forage like grass, hay, and legumes. Chickens, on the other hand, are omnivores and need a concentrated diet of grains, protein, and supplements to stay healthy, mainly when producing eggs or meat.
Feeding Cattle on Pasture
In a pasture-based system, your cattle will thrive on grasses and legumes, such as alfalfa and clover. During winter or dry periods, you’ll likely supplement with hay. If you’re managing dairy cattle or need faster weight gain in beef animals, you might also include grain—like corn or barley or silage in their feed routine.
Feeding Chickens on Pasture
Even if your chickens are free-ranging on pasture, they can’t get all their nutrients from bugs and greens alone. Unlike cows, chickens require energy-dense feed daily, typically a combination of grains and protein sources. Without that nutritional balance, you’ll see a drop in egg production, growth, or immunity. Providing a balanced diet of grains, seeds, and protein supplements, alongside pasture access, gives your birds the best of both worlds.
Ensure that you offer grit and mineral supplements to both species. Chickens use grit to digest food, while cows benefit from salt and mineral blocks, especially in forage-based diets. Most importantly, provide plenty of clean, fresh water—ideally in separate waterers. Sharing troughs can lead to contamination or stress for your birds.
Should You Feed Chicken Manure to Cows?
You may have heard that some conventional operations feed processed poultry litter to cattle. While it’s true that broiler litter contains some protein and minerals, using it in pasture-based systems is not recommended. Raw chicken manure often contains bacteria, feathers, bedding, or even carcass material. Worse, it can carry Clostridium botulinum spores, which are highly toxic and have caused severe botulism outbreaks in grazing cattle.
Instead, compost your chicken manure and use it to fertilize your pastures or crop fields. When managed correctly, poultry litter becomes an excellent soil builder that supports forage growth and boosts long-term soil fertility. Just make sure to allow plenty of time for composting and resting the fields before putting your cows back on that land.
Try Multi-Species Cover Cropping
Here’s another smart strategy: after your cows graze a paddock, plant a poultry-friendly cover crop like chicory, millet, or peas. Once it grows in, your chickens can forage through it, enjoying the greens and insects. Then, after your birds move on, your cattle can come back to graze the regrowth. This approach creates a nutrient-rich, diverse grazing cycle that supports both species without overlapping feed needs.
With the proper rotation and nutritional planning, you’ll be able to meet the needs of both your herds while building better forage and soil with every pass.
Health, Biosecurity, and Safety
Bringing cows and chickens together on your farm creates a productive system, but it also presents specific health and safety challenges that you need to manage. If you’re careful about hygiene, disease prevention, and predator protection, both species can thrive side by side.
Disease Management
While cattle and poultry usually carry species-specific pathogens, some bacteria like Salmonella and Campylobacter, can occasionally pass between them. Mixed-species grazing does reduce disease pressure overall—thanks to open air and lower animal density—but a solid biosecurity plan is still necessary. Always keep cow and chicken waterers separate, and never let manure from one group contaminate the feed or water of the other. Store feed in sealed containers to keep out rodents, which can carry harmful pathogens.
Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)
Although cows aren’t susceptible to avian flu, your chickens are. During high-risk periods—such as waterfowl migration or an outbreak in your region—you should temporarily confine your birds indoors to protect them from exposure. Monitoring local health alerts can help you stay ahead of any threats.
Botulism Risks
This is a serious issue on mixed farms. If you spread raw poultry litter on your pastures, you run the risk of causing botulism in your cattle. The spores from Clostridium botulinum can survive in decomposing organic material. Never graze cows on land recently spread with uncured chicken manure. If a bird dies on your farm, remove it quickly and dispose of it properly. Composting, incinerating, or rendering are your safest options.
Parasite Control
On the bright side, chickens can help reduce parasite loads by scratching through cow manure and eating fly larvae and ticks. But that doesn’t eliminate the need for regular deworming in your herd. Maintain a parasite management schedule for your cattle. For your chickens, ensure they have access to dust baths and materials like diatomaceous earth to help naturally control mites and lice.
Predator Protection
Chickens are vulnerable to predators like hawks, foxes, raccoons, and weasels. While cows often deter larger threats, they won’t protect your birds directly. That’s where fencing and livestock guardian dogs come in. A properly trained guard dog can protect your chickens while they range the same pastures as your cattle. This setup not only keeps predators at bay—it also allows for more flexible daytime free-ranging.
Cow Behavior Around Chickens
Most cows ignore chickens entirely. But now and then, you’ll get a curious cow that pokes at birds or their coop. If you spot this kind of behavior, give your chickens a quick escape route—small gaps in fencing or access to their coop can help. In tighter yards, temporary fencing can help keep things calm.
Hygiene Tips
Good hygiene keeps both herds healthy. Clean out your chicken coops regularly to prevent ammonia buildup and respiratory issues. Keep your cattle barn dry and fresh with an ample supply of clean bedding. Use separate tools for each species when possible, and disinfect boots or equipment between handling birds and cows. A simple footbath station located near the barn door also helps reduce the spread of hoof pathogens.
With some basic precautions and consistent care, you can create a safe and thriving environment for your cows and chickens to coexist and work together on the land.
Case Studies: Integrated Farms in the US and UK
Across both the US and UK, farms are successfully blending cows and chickens in pasture-based systems. These examples prove that with thoughtful planning and rotational grazing, you can raise both species side by side—and build a healthier, more sustainable operation in the process.
Burroughs Family Farms – California, USA
Located in Merced County, California, this certified-organic farm is a leading example of integrated livestock done right. They raise beef cattle alongside pastured laying hens, using mobile henhouses that follow behind the cattle herds. The chickens move onto fresh grass frequently, foraging through manure, spreading nutrients, and eating insect larvae.
To manage this system, the Burroughs family utilizes electric fencing and livestock guardian dogs, creating a secure and mobile setup that’s both efficient and eco-friendly. Their farm combines multi-generational wisdom with sustainable practices. In addition to cattle and chickens, they grow almonds and operate a dairy, forming a closed-loop system that minimizes waste and maximizes soil health.
Cattle Run Farm – Virginia, USA
Cattle Run Farm in Virginia offers another great model of diversification. The family raises Angus cattle, free-range chickens, pastured pigs, and a wide range of vegetables—all on rotational paddocks. Their chickens live in mobile coops and follow the cattle through grazed pastures, just like on the Burroughs farm.
They emphasize the importance of composted chicken manure in improving soil quality, particularly in their vegetable gardens. What started as a small-scale beef operation eventually evolved into a mixed enterprise. Now, each part of the farm supports the other, and local community networks have helped them stay resilient in changing markets.
Planton Farm – Shropshire, UK
In the UK, Planton Farm in Shropshire is adopting a regenerative approach to co-grazing. This innovative operation focuses on integrating cattle, poultry, and tree systems across a wood-pasture landscape. They manage Aberdeen Angus cattle with holistic grazing techniques and rotate chickens—both layers and broilers—under tree canopies and through diverse cover crops.
Co-founder Clare Hill has developed a “food forest” concept where chickens forage among shrubs and perennial crops, enhancing biodiversity while maintaining egg and meat production. The farm is also experimenting with dual-purpose chicken breeds that offer both eggs and meat, making them ideal for sustainable small farms. Although the cattle and chickens don’t sleep under the same roof, they graze the same areas in rotation, building fertility naturally.
What These Farms Show
These case studies share a common thread: thoughtful planning, mobile infrastructure, and a commitment to working with natural cycles. You don’t need to house chickens and cows together to see results. Instead, focus on rotating species, composting manure, and letting each animal perform its role in the ecosystem.
Whether you’re starting small or expanding your existing farm, these real-world examples show just how much potential there is in integrating cattle and chickens. Their success stories are inspiring a new generation of farmers across the US and the UK to explore co-grazing as a more innovative and resilient way forward.
Practical Tips for Success Raising Cows and Chickens Together
If you’re ready to bring cows and chickens together on your farm, here are some key recommendations to guide your success. These best practices can help you build a productive, resilient, and healthy mixed-species system—whether you’re starting small or refining an existing operation.
Plan Your Rotations
Rotate cattle and chickens continuously through your paddocks in sequence. A typical setup starts with your cows grazing first, followed by chickens 12 to 48 hours later. After that, give the pasture time to rest and recover. Keep a simple logbook or digital spreadsheet to track each move—it’ll help you prevent overgrazing and time your rotations effectively.
Use Mobile Chicken Coops
Invest in—or build—portable coops, such as chicken tractors or eggmobiles. These allow your hens to safely forage fresh grass while staying protected from predators. Make sure each unit has shade cloth, secure nesting boxes, good airflow, and protection from the elements. Move the coops often to spread manure and keep the birds engaged.
Provide Separate Night Shelters
Even if your chickens and cows mingle during the day, they need different housing at night. Set up a secure, weatherproof coop for your chickens and a well-ventilated barn or run-in shelter for your cattle. Don’t house them together. Fencing can help manage daytime movement while keeping nighttime routines separate and safe.
Protect Your Poultry
Small predators, such as raccoons, foxes, and weasels, pose a significant threat to chickens, even when cows are present nearby. Use electric netting, hardware cloth, and ideally, livestock guardian dogs to keep your flock secure. Check your coop every night to ensure the doors are closed and the latches are secure. Your cattle may keep large predators away, but they won’t stop smaller ones from sneaking in.
Feed According to Species
Your chickens need a complete diet—even when they’re foraging. Continue offering them layer mash, supplemental protein, grit, and fresh water daily. Monitor their weight and egg production to ensure their nutritional needs are met. For your cows, good forage is usually enough, but keep hay on hand during dry seasons or winter.
Manage Manure Responsibly
Manure is one of your best resources—but only when appropriately handled. Compost your poultry litter fully before spreading it on pasture or fields. This reduces the risk of pathogens and locks in nutrients. Cow manure can be applied directly to pasture, but avoid high-density stocking that can lead to over-fertilization. Give each paddock enough time to recover.
Rotate More Than Two Species (Optional)
If you have the space and interest, you can go beyond cows and chickens. Adding sheep, pigs, or even goats to your rotation can help break pest cycles and use pasture more effectively. Each animal species brings something unique to the table, and their distinct grazing behaviors enhance biodiversity and mitigate parasite pressure.
Stay on Top of Animal Health
Maintain regular vet visits and vaccination schedules for both your cattle and poultry. Inspect all animals frequently for signs of illness, parasites, or injuries. If you notice any issues, isolate the affected animals and call your vet. Prevention is always easier (and cheaper) than treatment.
Keep Detailed Records
Track everything—pasture use, animal weights, egg counts, water usage, predator incidents, and any unusual behavior. Data helps you make smart decisions over time. You’ll be able to adjust rotations, fencing layouts, or even feed plans as your system evolves.
Start Small and Scale Smart
If you’re new to co-grazing, begin on a small scale. Try a few animals on a couple of acres and learn as you go. Reach out to local farmers or extension agents for hands-on advice. Many successful integrated farms began small and gradually expanded their systems over time, gaining knowledge and experience.
Conclusion
Raising cows and chickens together can be a win-win for your land, your animals, and your bottom line. Chickens bring life to pastures by scratching the soil and spreading nitrogen-rich manure. At the same time, cows benefit from cleaner fields, improved fertility, and reduced pest infestations. When you combine these two species with purpose, your farm becomes more productive and more resilient.
Current research in both the US and UK confirms what many farmers already know—integrating poultry into a cattle system improves soil health, supports pasture growth, and creates new income opportunities. But the key to making it work is good planning. Rotational grazing, species-specific shelters, clean water, balanced feeding, and effective predator protection all contribute significantly to long-term success.
With thoughtful management and a deep respect for each species’ needs, you can create a thriving, regenerative farm where cows and chickens not only coexist but help each other flourish.
