Can you help me with dimensions for chicken tractor?

[FenDruadin]

So I've decided to build two small chicken tractors rather than the gargantuan monstrosity I originally had in mind, thanks to the kind feedback of members here.

I want to build something similar to this: https://www.ana-white.com/community-projects/frame-chicken-tractor

But with some modifications (such as better wire). I plan to house 2-3 hens per tractor. I live in Zone 7 (near Charlotte, NC), and we do not have severe winters. Predators are pretty minimal where I am, with raccoons being the worst (hence the upgraded wire). I successfully keep quail in tractors, so I'm confident they'll work against what predators we do have, if I design it right.

Can someone help me with some dimension questions?

1. How much height does the nest box/coop portion of the tractor need to have at the apex to be comfy? At least some of my chicks are brahma mixes, so they'll be hefty girls
2. If I make the whole thing about 8 feet long and 4 feet wide, is that about right? How tall should it then be?
3. How steep can the ladder into the coop portion be? If I build the entire thing 8 feet long and have the coop take 5 feet of the length, does that leave enough length for an adequate ladder?
4. Can I build it with 2x3s rather than 2x4s to save on weight?

I think that's it for now. I'm trying to get a plan together so I can do take-offs this week and get materials this weekend. I really appreciate any help!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Did you decide yet?

 

[aart]

Did you decide yet?

https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...weekend-captured-the-build-in-photos.1366933/

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...weekend-captured-the-build-in-photos.1366933/

Thanks for the link.

 

[GA963]

How has this worked out for you? Are they roosting in the nest box area? I have a somewhat differently-designed tractor, but they are all crowding into the nest boxes at night.