How much run space for a chicken tractor?

[KingMustard]

I will have 5 full size hens and I am making plans for a chicken tractor (with coop space attached) that will serve as the permanent home for my chickens. Everything I have read says plan for 10 sq ft per chicken for the run space (and 4 for the coop space), yet all of the chicken tractors and plans I have seen look like they have far less run space. Is it permissible to have less run space if the plan is to move the tractor to a new area every day or so? With 5 chickens I can't figure a way to design a tractor with 50 sq ft of run space that remains moveable.

 

[GitaBooks]

Welcome to BYC!

There is a whole lot of disagreement on the proper amount of space for a chicken. Instead of perfect measurements, I like to go by using my imagination to see five hens scratching around in a pen. You could go to a friend and see how active the chickens are and how much room they need to be happy. I have seen chickens kept in very small tractors, but if you can, I would suggest as large as you can get.
If you don't have the room for a large, stationary pen, then a smaller chicken tractor will do. Try to make it as large as possible, but still moveable, so they get fresh grass (and you don't break your back trying to move it

). The coop area must offer enough space for hens to stay during warm weather without being cramped together.
If the tractor turns out small, maybe you could try letting them out for an hour or so every day, for some exercise, and then luring them back in with treats.

Have fun with your chickens! Good luck.

 

[CrazyChickLady7]

I will have 5 full size hens and I am making plans for a chicken tractor (with coop space attached) that will serve as the permanent home for my chickens. Everything I have read says plan for 10 sq ft per chicken for the run space (and 4 for the coop space), yet all of the chicken tractors and plans I have seen look like they have far less run space. Is it permissible to have less run space if the plan is to move the tractor to a new area every day or so? With 5 chickens I can't figure a way to design a tractor with 50 sq ft of run space that remains moveable.

Get a real tractor to pull the chicken tractor