Building a tractor and/or alternatives to free range

[Bostonburbs]

Our 8 hens (mixed breeds) will be a year old in April. We have a sizable run (about 18'X4'), and let them out when we were out gardening or playing in the yard last spring/summer/fall. Unfortunately, we had our first red tailed hawk encounter in November while they were out in the yard. (Our Salmon Faverolle must have some major inner beast, because she escaped and has recovered beautifully).

We see the hawk often enough in the sky now, and I am guessing he would love redemption. It breaks my heart to think of them not being able to enjoy dust baths in the garden, moving around the yard, and scratching through the leaves, but I know it would only be a matter of time before there is another incident, so we are trying to plan for spring and other options to offer some variability.

We have already spent a good chunk of money building their run, so are looking for our most cost-effective options to give them a change of scenery while protecting them from predators. It will need to be able to stay outdoors for winter storage. I am guessing that we will only use it while we are home and checking in on them periodically. Any suggestions or examples would be appreciated!

 

[Ridgerunner]

Are you planning on leaving them in this overnight or is this just a daytime area? Both present different challenges.

In either case you need something that keeps the chickens contained and it needs to be covered to keep birds of prey out. The bigger it is the heavier it is so its hard to move, but the smaller it is the more often you need to move it. You don't want it to blow over if a storm hits. You don't want digging predators to become an issue. You may be creating a lot of work for yourself. How do you handle where they lay their eggs?

My first thoughts go to the hoop coop, whether you use cattle panels or PVC pipe for the hoops. PVC pipe is lighter. Maybe go to the "Articles" tab at the top of this page, go to the coops section, then look at tractors for inspiration. But I'd have to know a lot more on how you plan to use it to come up with very concrete suggestions.

 

[Bostonburbs]

Thanks for your questions and willingness to help. This will definitely only be during the day, and probably only used for a small portion of the day. Our chickens still let us handle them - albeit tentatively for a few of them - so I was envisioning a space where we could put them for a bit to break up the monotony. Almost like a large "playpen," if you will. Is this a ridiculous idea?

We have seen hoop coops, and I was thinking that would probably be our best approach, so would love to hear your thoughts.

The nesting box issue is one I have wondered as well, which is why I am here to investigate whether this is even an idea worth pursuing. We are newbies

 

[Acre4Me]

Temporary, anti-birds of prey, moveable cover (not say, dog-proof bc I’m assuming you will be there and/or your yard is fenced):

1. portable sun shelter with screen sides (the one’s people buy to place around picnic table when camping). Collapsible/easy store, and might find one for free/cheap via CL or Fb marketplace.

2. Individual screen frames (window screens) on a basic frame. Again, can likely find free or cheap or make easily.

3. Used kids playpen -the kind that can expand to make a larger area, or two together-they are like moveable fences. See #2 for screen idea on the top. Go to kids resale store, find a icky/dirtier one and ask for them to reduce the price -has worked for me, and since being used outside, you can scrub off or let rain do it for you.

good luck.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Is this a ridiculous idea?

It's more work than I'd do and not what I consider necessary, but if you are willing to do it that's your choice. I do things that others consider ridiculous. I'm not going to judge you.

We have seen hoop coops, and I was thinking that would probably be our best approach, so would love to hear your thoughts.

Since it is a part time thing and only used when conditions are right, it can work well. You won't need an elaborate structure for weather protection, they may need shade, and you will need a couple of nests. If you move it daily it doesn't have to be that big so it can be light weight. Lots of things could work.

The nesting box issue is one I have wondered as well,

I don't have any great answers on that. My suggestion is to have nests both places and see what happens.

 

[Alaskan]

I think a PVC hoop coop is a great idea (because your place is fenced, so no dogs?)

And you could just have a cardboard box as a nest, or a cute wooden stand alone nest (like a side table size, stands by itself, easy to move)