Chicken newbie here

[triciayoung]

Hello and welcome to BYC. We have an Omlet Eglu Cube tractor and it is entirely predator proof. If you have a large flock, this will not be an option. We are only legally allowed four chickens where we live and having a small half acre suburban yard, this is suitable to our situation. It is easily moveable by one person using the heavy duty handles but the coop itself is quite heavy and sturdy so it does get tiring dragging it around every day. It is also rather expensive as a start up option, but will last for many years despite the torture of being dragged around, even on uneven ground. Due to the plastic material (I assume), we have never experienced any insect invasion, mites, lice, fleas, mosquitoes, etc. never pervade the layer or roost areas.
I have seen other options online of larger mobile coops that can accommodate large flocks from pasture to pasture. I'm sorry I cannot recall the site names now but I'm sure a google search will provide many options.
Best of luck with your flock.

I would just like to clarify for the OP, so that predator proofing is understood. A coop and run are not "entirely predator proof", unless it is completely covered with galvanized steel 1/2 inch hardware cloth securely. This includes the sides and ceiling of run, and any openings bigger than 1/2 inch in the coop, AND the run has an apron, preferably at least 18-inches. Also, if larger animals are a problem like bears, large dogs, etc...you will need an electric fence. As you can now see, this is very difficult to do mobile.

 

[Bawkbok]

We simply got tired of dragging the tractor around to fresh ground every day or every other day, so we put it in a permanent spot and attached a large run to it. Our runs are 1/4 steel covered completely with netting and a roof and have a steel skirt all the way around, which is also heavily bricked out with concrete blocks. Nothing gets in -- or out. The only critter I could see maybe getting through would be a small snake, but it would have to work at it. Our dogs do a pretty good job of keeping critters out.
Living in suburbia, the only wild animals we have are song birds, squirrels and bugs, neighborhood cats that people let run free and the occasional dog that escapes it's yard. Unfortunately, no bears, coyotes, fox, turkey, deer, etc...... sort of boring. I could see where living in the country, a tractor might not be the best option.

 

[Tookie]

Hello and welcome to BYC!