Chicken tractor security

[farmerjohn123]

Planning on turning a 7x13 chain link dog run into a mega chicken tractor. We have coons and possums. It will have a chain link top. My question is has any one ever used chain link or other wire on the bottom of a tractor to make a complete box that is dig proof? The grass would still be available through the wire but I am wondering if it would be bad for the chooks as they scratch so much. Thoughts?

 

[teach1rusl]

I would think that the links would be spaced far enough apart, and be rounded enough to not create foot issues for your birds. You didn't ask, but I will suggest either 1" chicken wire or hw cloth be added along the lower 24 inches of the chain link walls to prevent reach-ins. Very simple task for a raccoon to reach in, grab a bird, pull it's head through, and chew through the neck. If they will be allowed to roost in the pen overnight, then do the same for the areas would allow reaching distance for a raccoon.

 

[Cheep N Peep]

You could also do a hardware cloth apron around the outside instead. I assume you want to move the actual chain link pen? You can pull up the apron and tie it to the chain link wall while you drag the tractor along the ground, then untie it and hammer in some tent stakes to make it snug to the ground. Nothing can dig in with the apron in place, but you can still move the mega tractor around. If the chain link walls need extra support from the bottom, you can make floor joists that the chickenscan sit on out of 2x4's.