Chicken Ark, A frame coop

[BornInSpain]

Hi, I am new to this, I bought a chicken ark, i have read that it's a good idea to put chicken wire on the floor, so that predators can not digg in and get to the chickens, but in doing this, will the chickens be able to scratch and self feed on warms and grass? Also, how about winter, will a tarp be enough for them to be warm?
Any comments would be great! I will be getting my chickens next week from Meyer hatchery, a mix, so I will post pics, and see if we can identify them. I am very excited! Thanks!!!

 

[CoyoteMagic]

Wire on the bottom could injure their feet. Make yourself a large "frame of 2x4 welded wire aroundhave light you tractor. Have the tractor set on the first 2-4inches on all sides to help hold it down. Tack down the corners of the wire with lawn stapes.


Tarp probably isn't the best thing. It will hold in moisture. Depending on where you live you could wrap the lower part with clear plastic so they the wind stays off of them.

 

[WhetzelMomma]

I have chicken wire on the bottom of all my portable pens, and have never had a foot injury. I use skirting on my stationary pens, but not the portable ones like you're talking about. My hens could scratch a little, but not enough to really "get" into the grass.

ETA: I also use tarp as a "roof" in Oregon, and have never had moisture issues.

 

[elmo]

Chicken wire isn't strong enough to keep most predators out anyway, so I don't see any point at all in putting it on the bottom of a tractor. And I personally think the foot injury potential is a real one.

Our flock was frightened of the noises made by a plastic tarp in the wind. They did not mind the sound from 6 mil plastic. Go figure.

Whether a tarp is going to be sufficient in the winter depends greatly on what kind of winter weather you experience, and whether your chicken breeds are cold hardy or cold sensitive.

 

[WhetzelMomma]

Being on the bottom of the pen, chicken wire isn't as easy for predators that can remove it off of pen sides to reach and pull off. It keeps things from digging in. (not rats and snakes) Like I said, I have never had a foot injury. My wire lays directly on the ground, so that might be part of the reason I've not ever had any injuries. They can't have a leg slip through and get stuck. I screw my tarp down, and onto the pen. It doesn't blow or flap when the wind blows.

 

[patman75]

Quote:
I too have chicken wire ONLY on the bottom to prevent digging under coop and to keep the chickens from tearing out the lawn. 3 Chickens in 1 day can remove all the grass from a 4X8 tractor.

I have never had a foot injury, and I have seen where raccoons have tried to dig under but have stopped because the of wire and the weight of the tractor pressing against it.

 

[TN_BIRD]

I saw a video of a guy that had an A-frame and he covered it with a tarp. He said his chickens ate the tarp. Silly birds. He's since gone with corrugated metal to cover it.

 

[BornInSpain]

Thanks for your help and advise