How safe are tractors made of pvc pipe??

[shelleyd2008]

My dog is usually tied, but she has been known to break the chain, or her collar. She kills and eats any birds that are dumb enough to get too close to her, so I'm sure that if she were to get loose, she would try it. She is an 'at least' 70 pound GSD/lab 'pup' (only about a year old), so she is full of energy!


ETA: Thanks for the pic, Crunchie, your's doesn't have a coop on it, does it??

 

[coderpitt]

Tractor Supply carries hog rings locally (In Dallas,TX). Most feed stores will also carry them. I used a box or two making a run for my chicks. Using wire would have been cheaper, but the hog rings were much easier to install.

 

[Crunchie]

No, no coop. Right now I don't have any birds of laying age in it and the weather is nice, so shade and protection from downpours is my only concern at the moment (and this fits that bill). Some sort of roost and nesting box/shelter will come later.

I haven't quite figured out how best to accomplish the coop part without making it a pain to move. I may just keep it as is and use it to grow out young birds. But there should be a fairly easy way to add a little coop and use it as a breeding pen for adult birds.

 

[shelleyd2008]

You could make one that is detachable, so the whole thing isn't so hard to move. I really like this idea, the pvc tractors. It would be a lot easier, and something I could do on my own

 

[Elite Silkies]

There are different schedules of PVC Piping. Just make sure you get the heavy piping, they do have a lighter weight PVC and it is very easy to break.

Something that is probably a little more durable is poly gas piping or black water line piping. The black water line is really heavy duty, but the fittings are very expensive. However, you may be able to use pvc fittings on the poly piping.

I have tons left from our plumbing company, so I am going to try all three out and see which one is the best to use.

When I get it built I will add pictures and let everyone know, which piping is the best in my opinion.

 

[shelleyd2008]

The water piping should withstand the rain and such too, that's a good idea. I'll have to look into that.

I've read that the pvc can wear out in time from the elements, is there anyway to prevent this? Like paint or something?

 

[Elite Silkies]

I talked to my husband and he said the water piping would not be good, it does not hold up to sun elements well, and you can not use glue on it, it will not bond. He is the Master Plumber, so I couldn't argue

He said to use schedule 40 PVC, and do not use thin wall pvc. He said if you want it heavier you can drill a hole in the base and fill it with water, so it wouldn't blow over, but then it would not be easily moved, because it would be too heavy.

So, he is going to make me one with the pvc. He said the best piping to use would be that gray conduit, but it only comes in 10' and I am sure it cost more, but it would be more durable strength wise and element wise.

 

[shelleyd2008]

Filing it with water wouldn't work for the winter, the pvc would freeze and crack, wouldn't it?

 

[codybird]

This is what I did with conduit. I used plastic netting because they are in a fence. Pretty sturdy and cheap. Grey conduit will stand up to UV.


https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=187050

 

[Elite Silkies]

You are correct, PVC will bust in the winter filled with water, so you could only fill with water in the warmer months and drain it if it's going to get too cold.

The conduit, I am not sure if it would or not. I'll have to ask my husband.

I guess you could stake the pvc one down, like you would a tent, if it is suppose to get real windy that day. Or move it into a garage if you have one.