Broilers & tractors

[SKILLET]

I was thinking about building a tractor for some broiler/ x hybrids...

Never done it before so i have some questions

In the tractor, do you put a place for them to roost?

I know if you get some Xhybrids the birds sometime dont walk well etc...

In other words is the tractor there to let them graze with a little shade, but really no roosting area...,

Is this assumtion correct?

 

[roaminggnome61]

I have a 10'x10'x2' pvc chicken tractor for my meaties. Last year I raised 15 birds in it and this year I am raising 30. You are right, they do not need to roost, so a pen works just fine. My pen is attached to a coop. but I block it off while I am raising them. I hope this helps.

 

[CoopCrazy]

If you get a broiler type bird.. Cornish x , freedom rangers then no you do not need a roost , it is bad for their legs to jump on and off it .. and also mine live in the tractor (8x9) from 3 weeks til butcher.. It is there full time home ..

 

[SKILLET]

Thanks... Thats what i figured

 

[jaku]

No roost needed- they can walk just fine though, especially if they see you coming with food!

 

[willheveland]

 

[JohnL11935]

Just when I get set in my mind how I'm going to build my next tractor, someone comes along and posts more pictures that make me go "mmmh, that looks interesting."

Thanks Will.

.

 

[SKILLET]

Good looking tractor... Just like JohnL11935 said, i had a plan in mind but now it has changed...

Thanks agian

 

[Sundown_Farmer]

How much do they weigh? They look heavy. Especially the wide one.

I thought about fixed wheels but how do you move it sideways? Maybe you don't have to. Plus I would be concerned about the effect of uneven ground on the fixed, shallow wheels.

I do like that you can get into it easily enough.

 

[willheveland]

Quote:
I move it straight 8ft each time, just enough to get it on fresh grass again. I don't move it sideways, if I have to move that way I walk in a circle or give it a 1/4 turn. I have uneven ground at my place not sure how bad your talking. I'm sure this will not work in every situation but I has worked for me for 10 years. If you come up with something for every situation I'll buy a set of plans of you. The larger one as far as weight 2 guys could carry it, I drag it myself by hand. The smaller one my 13 year old daughter could move it no problem. Will