Coop on hold, maybe a small tractor

[puddleglumWI]

My barn coop build is on hold, as the owners of the barn (my folks) are getting it re-sided this year, so building a run onto the outside is not going to be feasible until after that is done.

I am tempted to build a small tractor, about 5'x8', for 4 hens. I can move then around the barnyard, give them fresh grass, and spread their poop evenly summer through fall and then move them into the barn coop which I can have built before winter. There is a farm about an hour from me selling Cream Legbar pullets and Olive Egger pullets (B.C. Marans x C. Legbar)

Would I be best off sticking to one variety or would two of each get along?

 

[SmiYa0126]

What's your predator load where you are? I'm not sure how safe a tractor would be for them. For the size you'll need to move twice a day every day or they will destroy your lawn.

 

[puddleglumWI]

I am thinking of building a folding apron around the base to prevent anything from being able to dig its way in, and I probably would put an auto door on the coop section of the tractor, so even if a weasel or rat manages to dig its way in, it won't have access to the hens at night.

Interesting that you think 10 square feet per hen will need to be moved twice a day. I work from home, so it is certainly doable. I guess I can see how bad it gets.

 

[paintedChix]

I put together A-frame tractor that is made from CP wired w/ 2x4" fencing. 2x4 base of 5x8 (40' square). Using the CP, I've never measured to see how tall it is. I used what I had on hand. It doesn't have an enclosed coop area - just a roost over the ground.

It is tarped, originally w/ inexpensive tarp. Now w/ canvas tarp.

The only wood is the base & the roost.

Fairly heavy, but didn't get wheels installed, still want to do that. Can pull it with rope on either end. Forwards, backwards or side ways.

It works well enough & if grass growth is good, I do not move it everyday. One reason to move it daily is to prevent digging around the base. Inside - the chickens, outside - predators. I have used several types of "aprons" - plan on putting on 1/2" HWC wire that is hinge attached above base. Can pin down w/ garden "u" pins, which then double to pin up apron while moving or storing the tractor.

I have found it works best w/ no more the 6 chickens & I usually used it for breeding quads - a roo & 3 hens.

I have done several different types of nest boxes. Even in stationary coop & runs, I've had more eggs laid in corners or on the floor in the back then in nest boxes. Pretty much the same, so far, w/ tractors.