I need a solution...

[amgchick]

Problem:
My chickens were housed in a tractor which we moved every 4 days...and during the day, we would let our chickens out, they would roam around, then come in at sundown. Unfortunately, they started picking at my neighbors stuff, and while they enjoy watching the chickens roam, they don’t enjoy the chickens pecking their things....so anybody have any ideas?? Originally we thought about moving the tractor and keeping them in there, but they seem kinda cramped in there all day...

 

[DobieLover]

Problem:
My chickens were housed in a tractor which we moved every 4 days...and during the day, we would let our chickens out, they would roam around, then come in at sundown. Unfortunately, they started picking at my neighbors stuff, and while they enjoy watching the chickens roam, they don’t enjoy the chickens pecking their things....so anybody have any ideas?? Originally we thought about moving the tractor and keeping them in there, but they seem kinda cramped in there all day...

Maybe it's time to consider a large permanent run.

 

[21hens-incharge]

How many birds?

Maybe a hoop coop/hoop run.....

If your property is not fenced with a 6' fence I doubt they will stay home if allowed to roam.

 

[CluckerFamily]

If you are set on a tractor, could you make additions of the run style for the tractor that you can connect to the current run? Or even a permanent run/coop?
Maybe a larger run that the tractor coop can be moved into so that you still have the freedom to move the tractor if you choose to.
You may be able to look on Facebook or Craigslist for possible supplies or things that are free, if the cost is an issue.
I do think you would like a larger run and the flock would be happier plus less stress on you.

 

[amgchick]

How many birds?

Maybe a hoop coop/hoop run.....

If your property is not fenced with a 6' fence I doubt they will stay home if allowed to roam.

6 very pretty buff Orpingtons! Going to google what a hoop coop is.

 

[CluckerFamily]

Do you like the tractor coop?
Some people have done amazing jobs with turning an old playhouse into a coop.
I personally have a permanent walk-in coop and a permanent run, and I love it! I love it so much I will be doubling it in a year or two to get more chickens.
I do like @21hens-incharge suggestion about the hoop coop/run, if you like the tractor style you may like this best.

 

[amgchick]

If you are set on a tractor, could you make additions of the run style for the tractor that you can connect to the current run? Or even a permanent run/coop?
Maybe a larger run that the tractor coop can be moved into so that you still have the freedom to move the tractor if you choose to.
You may be able to look on Facebook or Craigslist for possible supplies or things that are free, if the cost is an issue.
I do think you would like a larger run and the flock would be happier plus less stress on you.

Unfortunately cost IS an issue...so I will definitely check that out...currently they will stay in the tractor until we can build/figure something out...

 

[21hens-incharge]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threadloom/search?query=Hoop coop&tab=620

A quick on site search for hoop coops.

They are one of the most cost effective ways to keep chickens.

 

[CluckerFamily]

That is a great reference! I was going to mention that I have heard of people using pvc to make the hoops.

 

[amgchick]

Do you like the tractor coop?
Some people have done amazing jobs with turning an old playhouse into a coop.
I personally have a permanent walk-in coop and a permanent run, and I love it! I love it so much I will be doubling it in a year or two to get more chickens.
I do like @21hens-incharge suggestion about the hoop coop/run, if you like the tractor style you may like this best.

we did the tractor because we got it free from a friend...and I thought I was going to let them prep my garden beds, but then we let them go, and they just looked all cooped up (Ha!) when they DO stay there all day for some rare reason. So I’m not attached to the tractor idea but a permanent solution seems like it would have a large start up cost and I’m not sure about the cleaning/stink factor and predator proofing or anything like that...so far we have not lost one even though they free range. One time we came home late, a chicken was not in the tractor. We thought we had lost her, but she was there the next day! So does that mean I don’t have to worry about predators generally?? I‘m just new at this and don’t really know much about it...