Chicken Tractors (A-Frame Shape)

[patandchickens]

Quote:
I'm sorry but this is not really correct. The problem is that it is extremely difficult to properly VENTILATE such a small space in wintertime. You end up with big compromises on air quality, temperature, drafts-blowing-on-chickens, or several of the above. So small volume is a wintertime *disadvantage*, not advantage.

(THere is no such thing as too large a space for a cold-weather coop, even in the largest barn you can very easily make a partial enclosure around the roost to keep their body heat around them at night).

StrawberryHouseMouse, that's a cute looking design; you will have to find clever engineering and materials-choice methods to keep the weight down but it might be doable. It is not easy to make an adequate-sized year-round tractor for 8 layers. Your design *might* be able to do it

(edited to add: you don't need anything like 6 nestboxes. Three would be PLENTY)

Good luck, have fun,

Pat

 

[codybird]

StrawberryHouseMouse

Thanks for the compliments.

I had 6 nesting boxes, three on each end. I learned on here that hens like to use the same nest, 1 nest for 4 or 5 hens.

I removed the nest boxes from one end and made it roost area.

I have boarded up the nests and will not open them until they are closer to laying(18 to 22 weeks). This keeps them from learning to roost and poop in the nesting area.

I am brand new to this and am hoping to learn as I go along without causing the premature deaths of too many chickens.

From what this newbie can tell, PatandChickens knows chickens. She is correct that a sturdy, protective "tractor" will be heavier than you think. Still moveable but heavy.

 

[kristenm1975]

patandchickens

I'm sorry but this is not really correct. The problem is that it is extremely difficult to properly VENTILATE such a small space in wintertime. You end up with big compromises on air quality, temperature, drafts-blowing-on-chickens, or several of the above. So small volume is a wintertime *disadvantage*, not advantage.

What's been working for me with this particular design is including a narrow space (about 1/3") along the top walls, above the chickens heads when they roost, so that any ammonia buildup is released, and there is an exchange of fresh air available. It's shielded from incoming rain by the top main support beam for the roof. Of course, the best way to prevent ammonia buildup is to ensure that there isn't any to begin with by using proper bedding and refreshing it as often as needed.

I do agree it's important to get the balance right on such an important point and I've been very pleased with the design I purchased from Catawbacoops for this reason. It looks like a lot of thought and research was put into it.​

 

[tn chick]

Quote:
just looked and they have so many designs the sky is the limit.

 

[Goshen]

Here are pictures of the A-frame chicken tractor I built. Its 6'x8' on the bottom and approximately 6' tall. I have 5 chickens and I think it would accomodate 6 -8 if I moved it every day. I have 3 nest boxes on one end, but they hens all use the same nest. I have added wheels to the end opposite the nest boxes. The food and water hang below the nest boxes. The roosts are in the top section. If I built it again, I would make it 5' tall and try to make it lighter, its very heavy.

I hope this helps.

 

[Freckle Face Farm]

Here's mine!!

 

[conny63malies]

Quote:
You sure do love Gambrel style barns. I am a coop doodler too.

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When I am bored or cant sleep , out comes the sketch pad. I love the paper that has 16 little squares per inch. Makes designing bit easier. I have doodled all sorts of coops and tractors. One of my last designs was a banty -a frame . 4x8 floor space and 60degree angles on the triangles.

 

[kristenm1975]

All of these coops are awesome! I love a-frame styles so much! Has anyone seen the book by Judy Pangman called "Chicken Coops"? When I was first looking at making a coop for my city backyard, I found a design in there that I really loved. We adapted it a bit and came up with this:

 

[StrawberryHouseMouse]

Quote:
You sure do love Gambrel style barns. I am a coop doodler too.

.
When I am bored or cant sleep , out comes the sketch pad. I love the paper that has 16 little squares per inch. Makes designing bit easier. I have doodled all sorts of coops and tractors. One of my last designs was a banty -a frame . 4x8 floor space and 60degree angles on the triangles.

I need to get me some of that paper XD

 

[coloradowildflower]

My dad and husband built two identical arks (one for me and one for my parents). Here's ours: