How level does the spot need to be?

[kwork]

I'm building a tractor for 4-5 laying hens. My property has some slope here and there. Is that any concern for the birds? Should I make the roost adjustable to keep it level? Or does it really matter? Tractor is 5x8x6'tall with 2 feet of the bottom area serving as the run if that helps your decision.
I'm planning on moving them around every couple of days.
Thanks
Kevin

 

[debid]

Um, level enough that it doesn't roll down the hill or tip over? I don't think the chickens will mind a little tilt. The more concerning part would be whether there will be any gaps at the bottom large enough for predators to squeeze in (skunks and opossums only need 4").

 

[kwork]

Quote:
I'm not worried about that. The bottom of the tractor will have welded wire. The wheels will be on a pivot so I raise the end onto the wheels for transport then lower it onto the ground at the new location.

 

[elmo]

Quote:
Just be aware that wire on the bottom of a tractor can defeat some of the purpose of having a tractor in the first place, since it can interfere with the chickens' scratching on the ground and it will catch some of the droppings and bring them along when you move the tractor. How much this is a factor depends on how wide the openings are between the wires. If the openings are very large, you still have to consider what could dig under and up through those openings.

 

[Judy]

In the wild they roost on tree branches. A little slant isn't going to bother them, I don't think.