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There is a discussion on the James Oliver site asking if a free-range bird can have hock burns. There are statements that a free-range chicken could develop hock burn due to exposure to mud.

A chicken tractor (sometimes called an ark) is a movable chicken coop lacking a floor. By moving it to fresh pasture daily the chickens would not be exposed to bare earth plus all the chicken tractors that I've seen include shelter from rain, wind and other weather. Is this likely to reduce the chance of hock burn?

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    Do you mean hock burn or "mud scabs"? Wikipedia says "These marks are where the ammonia from the waste of other birds has burned through the skin of the leg, leaving a mark." If you move them to fresh pasture daily, there would be no ammonia to burn through their skin. I have seen these chicken tractors being recommended permaculture practice, so I think any question about it belongs on this site. I am just not sure what exactly your question is... – Earthliŋ Feb 23 '13 at 00:44
  • This question leaves too little space to answer. Should be reformulated. – Peter Ivan Feb 23 '13 at 20:55
  • @user1205935 I had not considered the possibility that some other condition could have been mistaken for (or misrepresented as) hock burn. Thanks for pointing that out. –  Feb 24 '13 at 22:17
  • @KenStailey I just read the link you provided... – Earthliŋ Feb 24 '13 at 23:40
  • @peter-ivan can you explain what it is about this question that you find limiting? –  Feb 24 '13 at 23:44
  • This is a yes-no-question, not very constructive (not very much to be said this way). I'd try something like What ways are to be taken to reduce the chance of hock burn? – Peter Ivan Feb 25 '13 at 07:05
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    The question is closed-ended which means the only appropriate answers look something like the one @StuntGirl posted which is of limited utility. – OCDtech Feb 25 '13 at 21:13
  • Yesterday I thought of a way to re-write this but this morning I can't remember. If it comes back to me I'll jot a note in my phone next time. –  Feb 27 '13 at 12:30

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yes. it will reduce hock burn.

StuntGirl
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    This answer needs backing up to be useful, with a reference, or at least a personal experience. Otherwise, you could just be guessing! – Highly Irregular Feb 24 '13 at 07:52
  • How is it helpful, what should we look for in a tractor, are the other alternatives that are equally effective? –  Feb 25 '13 at 15:23