Chicken tractor questions

[Chicken lawyer]

Soo... We have 8 chicks. Who knows how many will end up hens but we're building for 8. 5 are standard. 3 are Bantams.

We have all the predators. Eagles, foxes, coons, snakes etc. Every single one but wolves... I think.

What are your must haves?

We plan to use a ton of mechanics cloth.


Would you close in the bottom of the run (it'll be attached)? Will that affect foraging?

For an all seasons... Do I need insulation? A heater? Both? None?

Climate wise were in the Midwest.

Thank you!

 

[Dandichook]

I wouldn't bother closing in the bottom of the run, personally.

Years ago I kept a few hens in a stationary outdoor run with attached coop.

We lived in an area with black bears, dogs, coyotes, hawks, eagles, coons, foxes, and even gators...you name it, we had it. I was very concerned over predation.

I got 2"x4" horse fencing and stretched that across the bottom (directly on the ground), but in hindsight I could have just done an apron around the outside and had just as much safety, but more comfortable birds. They never had any foot problems, but it probably wasn't the most comfortable footing, and definitely limited their ability to forage.

If you're moving the coop daily and there isn't enough cover around for a predator to spend hours digging at it comfortably, I don't think you need wire across the whole bottom. If it is stationary, then I'd just put in a nice wide apron. Just my opinion.

Good luck with your chicks!! That's really exciting!

 

[3KillerBs]

Welcome to BYC! Where, in general, are you? Climate matters, especially when it comes to housing.

Is there a particular reason that you want to use a tractor?

One of the disadvantages of tractors is that they're hard to predator-proof. @aart has a tractor with a fold-up apron, but found it difficult to use in practice. https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/aarts-hoop-coop-chicken-tractor.72211/

An option is to use the tractor inside electric poultry netting.