I need a solution...

[CluckerFamily]

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...

I haven't lost a chicken to a predator either, I have had chickens for 7 years and they do free range when I am not home. There are predators in the area and the rooster does his job well.
Even though you haven't had a predator problem yet, that doesn't mean you shouldn't prepare for it.

 

[amgchick]

I haven't lost a chicken to a predator either, I have had chickens for 7 years and they do free range when I am not home. There are predators in the area and the rooster does his job well.
Even though you haven't had a predator problem yet, that doesn't mean you shouldn't prepare for it.

Good point! How did you prepare for predators in your permanent coop? We do not have a rooster (and shouldn’t have one )

 

[amgchick]

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.

Checking it out now! But it seems like I can just keep the tractor as a coop. I guess I need a solution for the run??

 

[CluckerFamily]

Good point! How did you prepare for predators in your permanent coop? We do not have a rooster (and shouldn’t have one )

I used hardware cloth everywhere!
My sister turned 1/8 of her barn into a coop and then a window leads to a run.
My cousin got a lot of free pallets from companies in the area, she used that wood to make the coop, and then used hardware cloth for predator proof.

 

[CluckerFamily]

If you like the hoop run, you could cheaply make the hoop run and tall enough that the tractor coop fits in it. Then you can take more time to think about the permanent idea and maybe even keep the hoop run and attach it to a permanent coop if you decide to go this route.

 

[amgchick]

If you like the hoop run, you could cheaply make the hoop run and tall enough that the tractor coop fits in it. Then you can take more time to think about the permanent idea and maybe even keep the hoop run and attach it to a permanent coop if you decide to go this route.

Ooohhh I will run this idea by my husband . And will go take a look at the backyard tomorrow. I just wonder because my chickens and my kids shared the yard, so I need to see how big this all can be...

 

[21hens-incharge]

Checking it out now! But it seems like I can just keep the tractor as a coop. I guess I need a solution for the run??

Hoop coops are used for a variety of things like coops, portable runs, greenhouses, wood storage, and more.
A lot of folks put a small coop fully inside them as well.

 

[aart]

Post some pics of the tractor?

Oh, and....Welcome to BYC! @amgchick
Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!

 

[amgchick]

Post some pics of the tractor?

Oh, and....Welcome to BYC! @amgchick
Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!
View attachment 2373465

Good point! Will post a picture in the morning. I think ball park it is a 4x11 ft tractor but I can measure better tomorrow...it was brought up to my attention (not here) that the easiest thing to do was to get rid of two chickens...but I don’t think “chicken math” works that way...

 

[amgchick]

Ooohhh I will run this idea by my husband . And will go take a look at the backyard tomorrow. I just wonder because my chickens and my kids shared the yard, so I need to see how big this all can be...

On second thought probably a run that can attach to the current tractor...but then there’s winter to consider sooo