Are chicken tractors predator proof?

[Kataloo]

Hi
I live in a rural community and by an open field. I am worried that a chicken tractor wouldn't be predator proof. I know there are skunks, mink, weasels, racoons and other animals in the area. Couldn't they get into the run at night or even the day? I would rather have a permanent coop and run but my husband doesn't want to run an electrical cord out to the coop in winter to heat up the water. During warm weather, I have a perfect location about 30 yards from the house. During winter we would keep it next to the garage and only have to run the electrical cord a short way. This would also offer more protection from the the winter winds.
Two questions:
1- How safe for the chickens are tractors?
2- Has anyone figured out a way to keep water from freezing in sub-zero weather without running power from the house?

 

[Alaskan]

how safe the tractor is completely depends on the tractor.

I think that the ones that cackle hatchery sells look predator proof. good design too.


http://www.cacklehatchery.com/page26.htm

 

[Kataloo]

These prices are way more than I want to spend, but gives me some ideas on making my own. Thanks!

 

[Alex41]

I have been asking myself that question too. Chicken runs should have 12" of buried hardware cloth around their perimeter to deter predators. This is obviously impossible for a chicken tractor. I can see setting a few heavy blocks on the frame to weigh it down, obviously with the blocks being removed while moving the tractor.

Blocks won't keep predators from digging under the chicken tractor walls.

Predators don't dig under chicken tractors?

Anyone have input on their chicken tractor experiences and keeping predators out?


Thanks,
Alex

 

[Kataloo]

Since posting I have read about wire aprons that can attach to a tractor. This seems like it would really help keep out the predators, but make it more awkward to move. I think I will do the permanent run.

 

[Alaskan]

I have been asking myself that question too. Chicken runs should have 12" of buried hardware cloth around their perimeter to deter predators. This is obviously impossible for a chicken tractor. I can see setting a few heavy blocks on the frame to weigh it down, obviously with the blocks being removed while moving the tractor.

Blocks won't keep predators from digging under the chicken tractor walls.

Predators don't dig under chicken tractors?

Anyone have input on their chicken tractor experiences and keeping predators out?


Thanks,
Alex

If you look at the Omlet website they have a run that they say is predator proof. They use a wire skirt.

Again, super expensive, but I love looking at them.

 

[Alaskan]

https://www.omlet.us/

 

[Trefoil]

Unless it has a floor or apron, it won't be predator proof. Also beware if the wire used is larger than 1/2" x 1/2", coons especially will pull parts of the chickens through the wire, uck.

 

[littlebigchicken]

I'm wondering the same thing. Could you put a wire floor on it that has holes big enough for the chickens to access the ground, but too small for a critter to get through? Just throwing out ideas. No personal experience, except with my birds getting taken by raccoons I'd like to avoid that this time.

 

[BarnGems]

Hi
I live in a rural community and by an open field. I am worried that a chicken tractor wouldn't be predator proof. I know there are skunks, mink, weasels, racoons and other animals in the area. Couldn't they get into the run at night or even the day? I would rather have a permanent coop and run but my husband doesn't want to run an electrical cord out to the coop in winter to heat up the water. During warm weather, I have a perfect location about 30 yards from the house. During winter we would keep it next to the garage and only have to run the electrical cord a short way. This would also offer more protection from the the winter winds.
Two questions:
1- How safe for the chickens are tractors?
2- Has anyone figured out a way to keep water from freezing in sub-zero weather without running power from the house?

In my limited experience (I have one year under my belt having chickens) buying a heater for heating water isn't really necessary. Chickens in winter don't drink a ton of water, most hens stop or strongly slow down on laying. Its very easy to just set out a pan (they rubber tuff ones from tractor supply or rural king are great but anything will work) of warm/hot water in the morning do this every day so they have water. They don't drink at night and as long as you don't let them go for days without water they will be fine.

Chickens will acclimatize to the weather and providing extra straw inside the tractor helps for those unlikely times when you get temps colder than is normal in your area. Face the most open side of the tractor to the east (if your in the North american hemisphere) to get early sun and most winds blow from west to east.

As for safety of a tractor it really depends on the way you build it. There are so many different kinds. The type that sit on the ground don't have anything on the bottom so stray dogs, coyotes, racoons, ect can dig in. By attaching fence on the bottom of your tractor that prevents this and if you use 2"x4" openings they can still get at the grass. I feel like tractors are very safe if you plan for the predators you have in your area.