BackYard Chickens › BYC Forum › Raising BackYard Chickens › Coop & Run - Design, Construction, & Maintenance › Would a rubbermaid container work as a tractor?
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:

Would a rubbermaid container work as a tractor?

post #1 of 12
4/28/07 at 2:40am
Thread Starter 

I was looking a website and they had tons of pictures of chicken tractors. One was of a rubbermaid box in a run:

http://home.centurytel.net/thecitychicken/c115.jpg

and

http://home.centurytel.net/thecitychicken/c116.jpg

and

http://home.centurytel.net/thecitychicken/tractor07.jpg

I was wondering if this would work/ be good.

Although i was thinking of haveing the box be right outside the run leading into it as opposed to having it inside the run. The run would be 8ft long and 3 ft wide.

If this would work, what sized box do you think you would need?

I am trying to find the cheapest way to make a tractor, as wood is looking pretty expenisive all togeather, i'm hoping this will solve that problem for the most part.

Thank You! big_smile

EDIT: I forgot to say, it will only house 3 banties.  i suppose that information would be kindof important in helping one respond to my question... tongue


Edited by The Harvest Moon Chicken - 4/28/07 at 2:45am
In my possestion: a Brahma, a silkie, two ameraucanas and one d'uccle!
Reply
In my possestion: a Brahma, a silkie, two ameraucanas and one d'uccle!
Reply

Featured Stories on BackYard Chickens

Join Our 4th Annual BYC Easter Hatch-A-Long
Why Join BackYard Chickens?
Poll: Why raise backyard chickens?
post #2 of 12
4/28/07 at 3:43am

I have a feeling it would get awfully hot in there the way the photos show it. They also don't show any ventilation other than the pophole door. That would be pretty hard on the chickens, IMO.

If you could find some way to insulate the container, I have a feeling it would work better. You might consider altering a doghouse rather than using a plastic container. Those also can be brittle in the cold.

Other people here might have other opinions, though. Good luck, whatever you do.

smile

Left forum.
Reply
Left forum.
Reply
post #3 of 12
4/28/07 at 4:59am

i aggree, i don't think it will have enough ventalation by its self, you could cut hols, but that would kinda defeat the purpose, and even though it may get hat, just make sure there is PLEANTY of ventalation, and at least 2 emergency exits lol


btwwhat does imo stand for, im so lost every one keeps using it and i don't know what it means hmm

Chow Cickas 
C:\Documents and Settings\Joe Dziedzic\My Documents\My Pictures\2007_0803august1st\2007_0803august1st0006.JPG
Reply
Chow Cickas 
C:\Documents and Settings\Joe Dziedzic\My Documents\My Pictures\2007_0803august1st\2007_0803august1st0006.JPG
Reply
post #4 of 12
4/28/07 at 5:03am

I'd have to agree with Llysse on that. I think it would definitely get too hot in there. As far as being too cold, I suppose it would depend on where you live.
I think it would fit them, I just don't think it would be very comfy.

You could try to get a free doghouse on http://craigslist.org/ . Just locate your nearest city on the left on go to the free or wanted section in the sales division.

Or find a freecycle in your area. I use http://www.phillyfreecycle.org/  I'm sure if you do a search you can find one near you.

Reply
Reply
post #5 of 12
4/28/07 at 5:04am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Saltiena 

btwwhat does imo stand for, im so lost every one keeps using it and i don't know what it means hmm


In My Opinion. smile

Reply
Reply
post #6 of 12
4/28/07 at 5:08am

thankyou

Chow Cickas 
C:\Documents and Settings\Joe Dziedzic\My Documents\My Pictures\2007_0803august1st\2007_0803august1st0006.JPG
Reply
Chow Cickas 
C:\Documents and Settings\Joe Dziedzic\My Documents\My Pictures\2007_0803august1st\2007_0803august1st0006.JPG
Reply
post #7 of 12
4/28/07 at 5:12am

Harvest moon...Maybe you can go on a free wood hunt. Behind your local grocers...wal mart..most any large store, they should have pallets. Most places will gladly let you have them, and for a few bantys, it wouldnt take many pallets to build something for them. Good luck.

Deb
Heavens Door Acres
Reply
Deb
Heavens Door Acres
Reply
post #8 of 12
4/28/07 at 7:22am
Quote:
Originally Posted by justusnak 

Harvest moon...Maybe you can go on a free wood hunt. Behind your local grocers...wal mart..most any large store, they should have pallets. Most places will gladly let you have them, and for a few bantys, it wouldnt take many pallets to build something for them. Good luck.


Make sure you ask first, as some have contracts that require them to return pallets.

Reply
Reply
post #9 of 12
4/28/07 at 2:50pm

freecycle and craigslist often have people giving away pallets. You just have to pick them up.

Reply
Reply
post #10 of 12
4/29/07 at 2:52am
Thread Starter 

so i was looking around.  How do you think this dog house would do?

Dimentions:
30.7" wide
45.5" long
33.7" high

http://www.petco.com/Assets/product_images/1/1576427003B.jpg

i would make small changes to it, like puting hinges on the roof and puting in a nesting box and roosting pole.  So in general do you think this would be okay for my chickens?

In my possestion: a Brahma, a silkie, two ameraucanas and one d'uccle!
Reply
In my possestion: a Brahma, a silkie, two ameraucanas and one d'uccle!
Reply
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:
  Return Home

Featured Stories on BackYard Chickens

Join Our 4th Annual BYC Easter Hatch-A-Long
Why Join BackYard Chickens?
Poll: Why raise backyard chickens?
BackYard Chickens › BYC Forum › Raising BackYard Chickens › Coop & Run - Design, Construction, & Maintenance › Would a rubbermaid container work as a tractor?