First Post: Meat Bird tractor ideas

[joshmod]

Hi all,

I have been a long time BYC reader but am just now making a first post. I am just curious if anyone has some thoughts on this. We are thinking of raising about 20-25 ranger meat birds this fall and I need to build a tractor. We are looking for simple but also something that is not too huge as we have limited grass space and want to use it well. We also have fox and coyote around, so this thing needs to be STOUT.

Thanks for your thoughts!

Cheers!
-Josh

 

[NikonD2xer]

Hi all,

I have been a long time BYC reader but am just now making a first post. I am just curious if anyone has some thoughts on this. We are thinking of raising about 20-25 ranger meat birds this fall and I need to build a tractor. We are looking for simple but also something that is not too huge as we have limited grass space and want to use it well. We also have fox and coyote around, so this thing needs to be STOUT.

Thanks for your thoughts!

Cheers!
-Josh

If you need stout I think I have the tank you need. I built it out metal framing studs, 2x4 welded fence and some tin that came off a machine shed that we had redone. It cost me absolutely zero and is indestructible. I have no trouble picking one end up and dragging it to a new spot.....even up a hill.







Mine is 8 X 13 and 2' tall. Was built for 25 Cornish cross i raised this spring. They had more than enough room.

The tractor consists of

6 13' studs
4 8' studs
24 2' studs
42' 2x4 welded wire

1 box of tek screws
5 pieces of tin roughly 9 feet long

I am guessing you can buy everything new for 125.00.

This thing will last for years and years. The metals studs i used were outside on a pile for 15 years.
I can walk on the top of it. Nothing is going to break into it. I have had no predator problems at all.

Feel free to pm me if you need more details on construction

GOOD LUCK.

 

[mstricer]

Quote: Nice tractor. What we have is made of 2X4's and PVC hoops so I can walk in. Easy to move and check birds. Oh yeah

 

[joshmod]

That is impressive! I like the welded wire on there. Do you know of any place to get affordable tin roofing?

 

[SmokinChick]

I have a similar design for my tractor. However I used roofing material, the wavy PVC type and covered the rear wall and half of the sides. This gives the birds a safe corner to sleep. Keeps the raccoons from reaching in and grabbing them.
Good luck

 

[NikonD2xer]

That is impressive! I like the welded wire on there. Do you know of any place to get affordable tin roofing?

I am not sure where you are located but I would think any building supply store or lumber yard would be able get you roofing.

I just looked it up on menards.com and the panels like i have on mine are 15.59 each.

Here is the link http://www.menards.com/main/buildin...iding/8-l-pro-rib-panel/p-2031405-c-13456.htm

You can also find used panels on craigslist or other classifieds.

 

[Island Roo]

Another idea:




I have a temporary brooder setup in this picture.



I started here for hoop house ideas: https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/172799/our-hoop-house-chicken-tractor