City Broilers?

[teriz1091]

I’ve wanted to raise/process another batch of Cornish X for a while. We used to live in the country & raised a couple batches. We’re in town now. Luckily we have a pretty decent sized yard, privacy fenced, neighbors can’t really see over at all.

Who has actually raised 25+ broilers in their suburban backyard?
What did you use for their coop? Our old house had an old chicken house on it that we used. I’m considering either a covered dog run (already have panels, would just need a tarp to cover it), or building a chicken tractor. My husband mentioned putting the dog run on wheels to be able to move it like a tractor. The dog run would be the cheapest option.
Obviously the birds are too large to roost. Do you provide yours any specific shelter, or is a covered run to keep them dry/shaded sufficient?
What size pen do you use? I’m looking at 25 birds minimum. Would a 10’x10’ pen or tractor be large enough?

Picture of one of my silly laying hens just because!

 

[RUNuts]

Have 50 Imperial broilers in the suburban backyard at the moment. Third time for broilers in 3 years and the most I've tackled. First time was 10. Second was 25.
Using two 25 square foot chicken tractors. They don't roost. At 5 weeks, I open the tractors and let them roam the backyard and spread the poop around. At night, most go into the tractors and I assist the rest. Open in the morning and feed once they get large enough at 4 weeks.

I'm using the kennel fencing to separate half the yard from the dogs. Working for the most part. Backyard is long and narrow. 75' to garage, so 2 sets of kennel panels.

The CX wouldn't return to the tractor. They huddled up by the fence and I'd have to haul them to the tractor for the night and protection. Didn't lose one to predators, but they are here.

Keep them dry and sheltered from the wind. The dry is a challenge. I live in a swamp. So far, so good.