Feedback on A-frame tractor?

[alexfrommaine]

Hey folks, nearly done the coop construction. I've already made a few mistakes in my chick-raising venture (spent $30 on cedar shavings, calculated coop size based on floor space and not cubic space, etc.) and got the solutions by reading the forums...so I'm hoping you fine fellows might clue me in if I'm missng anything obvious.

Total dimensions are 5'x17', enclosed space is 5'x5'. Was hoping for enough space for 16 birds, but...after putting the frame together, I realized that I can't really count all of that floor space...as they might not fit close to the edge. So, I'll probably split the flock and build another tractor to make sure there's enough room.

From the front:

Through the run, to the door:

Nesting box access (and Maggie, the puggle, construction assistant and architect)

Nesting area:

I've finished the screening since taking these photos (second pen wall, end wall, floor of the interior) and will put up the roofing next. A suggestion for roofing material are PVC panels - pick them up from any roofing vendor. They're often used in dairy rooms or food processing settings - thin, corrugated PVC that cleans easily and is super light. $4.30 for a 3' x 12' panel.

Seems light enough to move so far!

Thanks for your help!

- Al

 

[alexfrommaine]

yikes, sorry for the huge pictures!

 

[FF]

Looks real nive. Only suggestion that I would consider is to put wire(2''chicken wire) on the bottom so no critters get in. Other than that., you're doing good. Looks real nice! Kepp us updated

 

[Agirlofaith]

I've got a chicken tractor too and I like how you didthe nesting boxes and lid. Once I get this site figured out I will post pics.

 

[patandchickens]

Quote:
Er, hopefully this is a typo, as it IS floor space NOT cubic volume that is relevant to the chickens...

Yes, corrugated plastic roofing is nice but be careful with the PVC, it is easily damaged by hail and is not good for cold temperatures (like below O F) if you get that where you are. The polycarbonate plastic roofing is more expensive but also much more durable and tolerates a much wider range of conditions.

Good luck, have fun,

Pat

 

[alexfrommaine]

Well, not entirely a typo but maybe poorly phrased. Floor space is indeed the relevant calculation, but floor space doesn't count if the chickens can't fit! The angles on my a-frame aren't sharp enough: I'm assuming chickens won't fit in the corners. So, what was 5 feet wide is really more like 3.5 feet. and 3.5x17 isn't nearly enough for 16 birds.

I should have clarified the PVC too - this is a summer coop. I'm putting a greenhouse together for winter residence and spring seeding.

Thanks for the info, updates soon.