Using a pitchfork in the chicken yard?

[Sevie]

Hi. I don't raise chickens, I'm an author. The main character in my current story raises chickens and I have a question about using a pitchfork.

From reading the forums, I know they are used to clean out coops, but how might you used them in a free-range chicken yard? In my story, the farmer has just tossed seed into the pen from the other side of the fence, and filled a waterer. Next I want him to hop over the split rail fence and use his pitchfork.

Would he ever use it for raking up the ground to make getting at worms in the dirt easier to get to? What about spreading hay/straw? Pitching dirty hay and tossing outside the fence?

Appreciate your input as my story submission deadline is tomorrow.

Thank you.

 

[16 paws]

Hi. I don't raise chickens, I'm an author. The main character in my current story raises chickens and I have a question about using a pitchfork.

From reading the forums, I know they are used to clean out coops, but how might you used them in a free-range chicken yard? In my story, the farmer has just tossed seed into the pen from the other side of the fence, and filled a waterer. Next I want him to hop over the split rail fence and use his pitchfork.

Would he ever use it for raking up the ground to make getting at worms in the dirt easier to get to? What about spreading hay/straw? Pitching dirty hay and tossing outside the fence?

Appreciate your input as my story submission deadline is tomorrow.

Thank you.

I use mine for turning over the bedding and allowing it to compost in the deep litter method.