Critique my tractor plans, please!

[hac1224]

I'm hoping to start building our first chicken tractor this weekend, but I need some experienced eyes to critique my plans. I need to know if there's anything major that needs to be changed before I have the wood cut. Thanks in advance!

Side view:

Rear view:

ETA: This will house a maximum of 6 hens.

 

[SpunkyTheMonkey]

hardware cloth floor for the coop?

why?

 

[hac1224]

Quote:
Really hot & humid summer temps, so extra ventilation, plus easier cleanup. I asked in another thread on here and was told it would be fine to use.

 

[New adventure]

Looks good to me! I might hinge one side so you can clean out easily; either on side to swing out or bottom to drop down. Nothing worse than having to stick your head in a smelly coop!

 

[SpunkyTheMonkey]

you have a fixed ramp plus big vents at the top so personally i'd say you'd already be fine.

for cleanup, i'd have thought cheap wooden planks on the coop floor plus shavings would be easier than hardware cloth covered in poop. also bear in mind that younger birds and some breeds in general don't necessarily like to roost so either they'll be sleeping in their poop or you'll have to put down shavings which will go through the cloth quite easily.

also hardware cloth (as opposed to welded wire) is a PITA to attach tight with no sagging or bulging and that'll be even worse as a 4'x4' floor. i wouldn't do it...

/$0.02

 

[crait]

Maybe have the door on the side of ease of use for you and your chickens if you want to let them out or you want to get in.
It also seems easier to make the door that way.
Just my $0.02.

 

[cowman910]

will you be able to open the nest box and reach in? its looks about 4' on the bottom so the top might be about 5' so will that give you enough room to reach in and grab the eggs? you might be a tall person and can do it with no problem but for a person like me i would need a ladder!

 

[hac1224]

Quote:
The top of the nest box will be about 4', so at 5'4" I should be able to easily reach in the lid on top.

 

[hac1224]

Quote:
I don't know...I'll mention that idea to dh tonight even though I'm the one making the plans. I still want the peaked roof for ventilation and drainage, so I don't think it would make for any different in work...unless you count attaching hinges and latches. A side door might make access easier, though. Thanks for your input!

 

[crait]

No problem!
Here's this too: http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&productId=100076732
I couldn't find the exact kind I was looking for, but they have some that are white for about the same price that you can close and open and the openning is tilted so you don't have to worry about rainwater.