50 Chickens in an 8ftX10ft tractor?

[NC chicken man]

I do 75 in a 10x12 and they do fine move it twice a day works great for me.

Aaron

 

[Wolf-Kim]

Awesome. I may be able to raise some meaties now! I was so worried about not having enough room for them, or even having to deal with that legendary amount of poo I've heard about. LOL

-Kim

 

[tonini3059]

From personal experience I think that density is still a little high, but it was never said how old the birds are. At 8 weeks it seemed as though there was not a lot of room for 20 in 12x12 tractor and I would have liked to have moved it at least three times per day. But that is just me, if 75 works for you that is great, I wish it did for me, that would mean fewer pens to move.
Also as a side note I noticed that the manure is great for the grass, but now the front yard looks like a giant chess board.
I think this is a great way to raise meat birds, and I highly recommend it. There is less manure to deal with and they seem to be much more content and exhibit more chicken like behaviors than when I raised them in a coupe.

 

[Wolf-Kim]

Can I see pictures of the tractors you guys are talking of?

I am looking for a good and simple tractor design that can hold a good amount of meaties or other birds. I'm sure if it can hold 50-75 meaties it can hold a pretty good amount of any other breed. I just didn't want to build a tractor and only be able to put 5 birds max in there, you know?

-Kim

 

[willheveland]

4 sq. ft per bird is for other breeds(not cornish x).I put 25 max in a 8x8 pen and move it daily if not more.I won't seem too tight at first but as they get bigger it will tighten up.I doubt I could put 40 8-10lb birds in a 8x8 spot without stacking them.
Below is 25 birds in a 8x8 tractor next to a 6x8 tractor with about 15 in it.(that's plenty) Will

 

[bja105]

I just raised 25 cornish crosses to 8 weeks in a 10'x6' tractor, moving two or three times a day. Next time, I'll probably do 50 in the same space, butchering most at 6 weeks. I had 4 roosters die in the last week.

 

[Freebird]

One thing that's been enlightening to me is doing a "trial run" with just a few birds. I ordered a few with my last layer order (or you can buy a few chicks locally sometimes) and now I have 4 birds at 7 weeks in my 8x6 tractor. It's given me some ideas for modifications to make feed management, etc. easier. Much better to get your method zeroed in with a low load than when you have it at full capacity. It's also been helpfull to get an idea of how many I think my space can hold, how often I'm gonna have to move it, etc.

So far it looks like I'm planning on starting with 25 birds, then butchering 5 or 6 at 2.5-3 lbs for use as small cornish hens (anyone here do this?). Then I may process a few more at 6-7 weeks, if necessary, then the rest at 8 weeks or so. They really seem to take off at 5-6 weeks, so taking some out at 6-7 weeks may help free up some space and keep me from having to move the tractor 3 times a day. It'll also help to keep me from having to process so many birds at one time.

 

[Freebird]

hhmmm...somehow double posted. sorry

 

[Wolf-Kim]

Quote:
Those are some large tractors, are they difficult to move? Do you move them by yourself or do you have to recruit help?

Thanks!
-Kim

 

[Boyd]

Hi Kim, the temperment of a meatie makes it easier for them to crowd, and they don't mind

All they are interested in is food, water, someplace to sleep and more food