Chicken tractor question

[RollinWithTheStones]

If I build a tractor pen (no coop attached) and there is a 3-4 inch gap between the bottom and the ground will that pose an escape risk for my full grown girls?

My husband wants to put them to work in the back yard with a tractor with wheels, but said there would be a few inches gap.

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

The large fowl that I have wouldn't be able to get though a 4 inch gap. Bantams could, and chicks could. Actually my Fayoumis could for sure, so I take that back. But my big Buff Orps wouldn't be able to get through it.

That would be a predator entry point, though. Also don't forget to give them a place to lay during the day when they are working! Sounds like a good plan

 

[loveourbirds]

how many chickens are you putting in this tractor, and for how long?

 

[RollinWithTheStones]

Hubby wants to build a 7'x5' tractor for 4-5 birds. Will be moved mid day to a new spot. The breeds are 1 EE, 2RIR, 2 Sex Links. No chicks will be in there.

 

[aart]

That should be big enough for 4-5 birds. Agree that the 3-4 inch gap will open them to predator attack, and that they'll need a nest if of age to lay. Good to have some kind of partial roof for sun and rain shelter.

Do they have a predator proof coop for at night?

 

[RollinWithTheStones]

Yeah they have a safe coop, I'm having him put in a little shelf to put a nest and it will be partially covered.

 

[suzyQlou]

If you're worried about the 3-4 inch space, you might want to search the forums for "retractable wheels". Here are a few bookmarks I've kept over the years:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/217080/tractor-wheels

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/179114/wheels-on-chicken-tractor

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/362682/coop-tractor-wheels

I just drag the pen portion of my tractor across the ground (without wheels). Wire isn't too heavy, and my pen is mostly wire. I guess it all depends on how you put it together, and how you provide daytime shelter from sun/rain.

 

[RollinWithTheStones]

I'll share them with my husband, thanks.

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

I'll share them with my husband, thanks.

Also did you see the chicken run that this guy did? (This alleviates the need for a tractor as the whole row is the tractor LOL.)

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/772337/chicken-run

Some people also do a chicken moat around the garden.