California - Northern

[tommysgirl]

Great design. I love how they did the corners. My brain is now buzzing as I have been planning to build a tractor for my rabbits and this looks great.

I think this type of pen is great for Cornish X since they are processed at 8-9 weeks. Not sure it will work as well for a heritage birds since they are typically processed at 4-6 months and will definitely want to roost. Perhaps you could install some low roosts so they are at least off the ground but still have a little head room.

As far a security, you could put a wire skirt around the bottom to keep animals from digging in under the panels.

I would be really surprised if you could build that tractor for $40. Hardware cloth and lumber is a fortune!

I thought that about the cost as well. Thanks for confirming what I had thought...heritage dual purpose boys need roosts.

Re predator proofing, I picture a raccoon just walking up and lifting up one end and tipping the whole thing over even if it was staked Am I being silly? I guess if there was a skirt on it they would be standing on the skirt and wouldn't be able to lift the structure. Our terrestrial predators would be dogs, opossums skunks and raccoons. Oh and chupacabra but there is no stopping those things

I picture me raising only about 15 at a time b/c we don't have the freezer space for 52 birds. Maybe a design like this but taller with a roosting bar in the back under the wood covered part??

 

[tommysgirl]

If they are within a couple weeks apart, I combine them. I separate the pullets from the cockerels when the boys start to crow or get too frisky. I let them go up to 20 weeks but if they get on my nerves they go sooner.

It does not seem to be too hard to do so far.

So do you have a separate pen for frisky crowers? How is it configured? Would a design like the on in that link work as it was taller and long as there was roosting room?

 

[ronott1]

So do you have a separate pen for frisky crowers? How is it configured? Would a design like the on in that link work as it was taller and long as there was roosting room?

Yes, taller!

I do not have to use hardware cloth in the City. I built a Tractor Grow out pen that is a smaller but taller version of the one you have. There is poultry wire on the bottom to stop them from scratching the grass. I also have a door and a top hatch.

I thought I had a picture of it but can't find one now. I will get a picture of it later.

 

[tommysgirl]

Yes, taller!

I do not have to use hardware cloth in the City. I built a Tractor Grow out pen that is a smaller but taller version of the one you have. There is poultry wire on the bottom to stop them from scratching the grass. I also have a door and a top hatch.

I thought I had a picture of it but can't find one now. I will get a picture of it later.

Thanks! A picture would be great!

 

[tommysgirl]

Does anyone know what is going on with Renee/Chooks Chick? I saw somewhere FB maybe that she had relocated to Colorado from KS. I am curious because I am interested in a couple of different projects she had going on, The Chocolate Rocks and the Konzas. She kept her birds at Allison's who seems to have at least partially taken on the chocolate rock thing but not the Konzas. I don't want to violate privacy or anything but if anyone can share a way to reach her or if she is doing anything chicken related still I would appreciate it.

 

[alibra]

Does anyone know what is going on with Renee/Chooks Chick?   I saw somewhere FB maybe that she had relocated to Colorado from KS.  I am curious because I am interested in a couple of different projects she had going on, The Chocolate Rocks and the Konzas.  She kept her birds at Allison's who seems to have at least partially taken on the chocolate rock thing but not the Konzas. I don't want to violate privacy or anything but if anyone can share  a way to reach her or if she is doing anything chicken related still I would appreciate it.

She's on twitter!

 

[ronott1]

She's on twitter!

I hope Renee starts posing on BYC again. She was in charge of the Turkey Hatch a long last year.

 

[ronott1]

I ordered my Rooster Collars today!

I hope they are delivered soon.

 

[liz9910]

Quote:
I can't wait to hear how they work out for you Ron!

 

[juststruttin]

I thought that about the cost as well. Thanks for confirming what I had thought...heritage dual purpose boys need roosts.

Re predator proofing, I picture a raccoon just walking up and lifting up one end and tipping the whole thing over even if it was staked Am I being silly? I guess if there was a skirt on it they would be standing on the skirt and wouldn't be able to lift the structure. Our terrestrial predators would be dogs, opossums skunks and raccoons. Oh and chupacabra but there is no stopping those things

I picture me raising only about 15 at a time b/c we don't have the freezer space for 52 birds. Maybe a design like this but taller with a roosting bar in the back under the wood covered part??

Chupacabra... LOL you're funny. I am not sure about raccons being able to lift the tractor, but you could fill a 5 gallon bucket with water and set it on top. That should be enough to hold it down, and work as a watering system to boot.

Taller sounds like a good solution.