Finished our first coop/tractor!

[patman75]

If the coop is only for roosting and laying eggs you could fit a few more. You have enough run.

I dont know about your winters. If you get snow they will be stuck in the coop and there is only room for 2.

If you do get more I would add a partial roof/tarp to the run so if it is raining or winding they will have a larger area to get out of the weather and not try to all it in the coop.

I only use my tractor in the spring-fall. the chickens goes into the bigger winter coop which offers more protection from the elements.

 

[Katydid2011]

Quote:
Nicely done!

As for the number of chickens, I think you should definitely stick with two. (4 square feet per chicken, minimum.)

 

[CandiceN]

I did put a tarp over half the tractor, starting right next to the coop, since it's 95 degrees here today. They are laying under it together now, so I think they like it

I'm not sure what we'll do for winter (we pretty much have snow on the ground from December - March for the most part). I think we'll have to get an old shed off Craigslist and fix it up or something like that. I don't think even 2 chickens would do well being stuck in a coop the size we have for 4 months straight, yikes!

I think, until we can expand, we'll stick with 2. We can always upgrade in the future if we decide we need more eggs. For a family of 4 (especially having 2 boys!) I have a feeling that will be the case

Thanks for the replies

 

[patman75]

Quote:
For a family of 4 with 2 boys I would say at least 5 hens. If they are teenage boys then 15 hens

. All seriousness, if you never want to buy store eggs you will need at least 5 hens so when they molt you still have enough hens laying to provide you with enough eggs.

I have seen pics of tractors with tarps over them and the chickens ride out the winter like that.

 

[CandiceN]

For a family of 4 with 2 boys I would say at least 5 hens. If they are teenage boys then 15 hens

. All seriousness, if you never want to buy store eggs you will need at least 5 hens so when they molt you still have enough hens laying to provide you with enough eggs.

I have seen pics of tractors with tarps over them and the chickens ride out the winter like that.

They are preschool age, and they rarely eat eggs. I figure I'll be expanding to 6+ chickens over the next couple years to keep us supplied as they grow; and maybe have an extra dozen for family once in a while

Thanks for the info on the winter tractors.

 

[CandiceN]

I'm so excited, we just made a plan with someone on Craigslist to get an animal shelter for free next weekend!! It's 32sq feet and about 6ft tall at the highest. We're planning to take the next couple months to make it winter ready and eventually hook it up to the run we have so we can get a few more chickens

We'll be attempting to use as much recycled material as possible.

It needs work and a good pressure washing (and new paint, a door and window, etc) I have only seen it in photos, but it's an awesome start!! This is what it looks like: