Enclosed coop required in tractor?

[lrobb88]

Hi all,
I've been researching chicken tractors as we have a lot of pasture land, but also a lot of predators. I've of course seen the John Suscovich chicken tractors for broilers, and in my research I've also seen a few people post tractors here that do not have nesting boxes or an enclosed coop built in. Would it be unwise to simply have a covered (tarp or otherwise) end of the tractor with roosts as opposed to an actual enclosure? If nothing else, it seems like it would make egg collection difficult? Can anyone weigh in who uses this type of setup?

Thanks!

 

[cavemanrich]

I have seen some pretty LARGE walkin tractors posted here at different times.
Everything about tractors has a consideration about location. I have no idea where you live.... (climate).
If you live where it will be cold and windy during winter, a tractor will not be the ideal housing for chickens.
If it is warm year round, than it is more IDEAL.
State how many chickens you intend to keep, and purpose. (eggs,meat???)
There are ways to predator proof tractors to a certain degree. I personally think a coop inside will keep chickens safer. What the predators do not see is a big part of how much effort they will exert to get to a meal.
WISHING YOU BEST...........................