Getting chickens from coop to tractor?

[BigECarter]

I'm planning on having a large run plus pasturing using electronet. I will be getting full size breeds and will locate the electronet so that there are some trees/undergrowth within the netting to cut down on losses to hawks.

I have seen other threads about moving the flock daily. The two I remember are to train them to recognize (and follow) the sound of a treat jar being shaken, and using a large leaf rake to herd them.

 

[giantsridge]

Hmmm, I'd be curious to learn more about your run- how large is it and how is it constructed?

If I thought I could contain the chickens in a large enough area that they wouldn't turn it to dirt, I would skip the tractor altogether for now...!

Any info appreciated,
Shawn

 

[SunnyAlberta]

I'm a newbie who is wondering out loud...

Could a tractor be a detachable run? Meaning, could a door be opened from the coop which allows the chickens to move into the tractor which is attached to the coop with hooks or the like and then, once all the birds are in the tractor run, it could be detached and moved?

 

[SunnyAlberta]

This is what I was thinking of!
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/676018/movable-run

 

[giantsridge]

That is a great option as well- thanks for the link. It always helps to see pics of how others have done it and I also like the pivoting wheel mechanism they are using!

Since we already have a fixed run in place, I was considering doing something like this. Cut mating openings in the existing run and the portable tractor so the girls can get in and out without chance of escape...the only downside is that it means the tractor will have to be moved twice daily, which is a chore.

I was hoping to just be able to keep them in the tractor 24/7 during the summer, and move it weekly to a new patch of the field.

Thanks again for the ideas!
Shawn

 

[BigECarter]

I'm still very much in the planning stage. The run will be large enough for 6 hens times 2 (chicken math), but not big enough that there will be any green in it. This will be the predator-resistant shelter, covered with an open/three-sided coop. The electronet pasture will be somewhere in the yard - the "electro" part should keep them protected from ground critters but we have great horned owls so they need to be cooped up at night.

I just don't see me moving a tractor every day. The pasture would only need to be moved every other week. One way I've seen is a movable coop within the fencing, but I'm more comfortable with a fixed run.

 

[giantsridge]

Interesting- I've never seen the Electronet before. The idea of a moveable pasture is appealing, except for the possibility of flying predators.

One question though- what keeps the chickens from simply flying over the fence to get out?? It doesn't seem like it would take them very long to figure that out!

Shawn

 

[bucky52]

I only put the chickens in their tractors when i'am home.my tractor is not predator proff.mine is made with 2x4's and chicken wire with wheels so mine is heavy and awkward to handle.I wanted one made out of pvc and chicken wire but dh said it would not be safe and over time would fall to peices.he backs the tractor up the door of the run and all nine go right in.(we do have to be careful once they are in)to not run over their toes or not to catch their legs when we move it around.with one made out of pvc it would not be that heavy.but also not secure enough to leave them in overnight.the tractor sets a couple inches off the ground in order to be able to roll it around.i have nine that are 3 months old.we have been putting them in the tractor for three weeks.when its time to put them back in for the night he pushes the tractor up near run door and opens up the tractor door and one will go in the rest will follow.

 

[BigECarter]

I think you clip one wing of any adventurous flyers. This website has a series of articles on it:

http://themodernhomestead.us/article/Electronet-1.html

 

[MontanaMomma]

I'm a newbie who is wondering out loud...

Could a tractor be a detachable run? Meaning, could a door be opened from the coop which allows the chickens to move into the tractor which is attached to the coop with hooks or the like and then, once all the birds are in the tractor run, it could be detached and moved?

Yeahyeah! that's what I was thinking. Or if there was a way to scoot the tractor door up to a door on the run. In the morning you'd just have to chase them all in, shut the doors and move the tractor. I have a 400 sq. ft run and my 6 hens turned it to dust in no time. Your tractor will have to be very mobile for 12 hens, not only because they will eat down the grass, but because it will get pretty poopy fast. This is an easy problem though- move the tractor then hose down the poop- poof! your lawn is fertilized. You would need to make sure your tractor does not need to be lifted very much to move or the hens will sneak underneath as you move and run straight to your favorite plant and rip it to shreds before you can catch them. Sigh...