Chicken To Size?

[reddpepper86]

Hi everyone!
My husband and are looking to get some Cornish X for a meaties flock. Since it will be our first time doing this, we wanted to start with about 15 of them. We plan on building a chicken tractor so I'm just wondering how big does it need to be for them? Any thoughts?

 

[cavemanrich]

Since you are new at chickens, here are some thoughts. Raising broilers is considerably different than dual purpose and egg laying chickens. They are considered to be EATING MACHINES. Try starting with less chickens initially. Get 8 , and build a small tractor. 4 X 8. You will need to keep moving it around your yard because the gumdrops will accumulate quickly and the odor may become less than IDEAL. IN 8 WEEKS THEY ARE READY TO BE PROCESSED. You can keep some longer, but then unexpected things can happen. Read up on some threads about Cornish cross to inform self. Another thing to consider is that you may need to keep them indoors(like your garage) during bad weather. Much easier with 8 than 15.
After you go thru the first 8 you will have a better idea what works BEST FOR YOU.. If you decide to build a larger tractor, it never hurts to do so and keep less chickens in such.
WISHING YOU BEST...

 

[reddpepper86]

Since you are new at chickens, here are some thoughts. Raising broilers is considerably different than dual purpose and egg laying chickens. They are considered to be EATING MACHINES. Try starting with less chickens initially. Get 8 , and build a small tractor. 4 X 8. You will need to keep moving it around your yard because the gumdrops will accumulate quickly and the odor may become less than IDEAL. IN 8 WEEKS THEY ARE READY TO BE PROCESSED. You can keep some longer, but then unexpected things can happen. Read up on some threads about Cornish cross to inform self. Another thing to consider is that you may need to keep them indoors(like your garage) during bad weather. Much easier with 8 than 15.
After you go thru the first 8 you will have a better idea what works BEST FOR YOU.. If you decide to build a larger tractor, it never hurts to do so and keep less chickens in such.
WISHING YOU BEST...

Perfect!
Thanks so much for the response and information - it helps tremendously! I will start with the recommended 8 and see how we do :-D