I started my new chicken tractor for my meat birds

[FlashPointFarm]

That looks great! Nice and light for moving around the yard.

 

[spook]

Hi, love the pvc pipes, so clean looking. Unfortunately I'd think that the critters- coydogs, racoons and the skunk would give me a run for my money. Now, can you explain the dimentions of these tractors.
I have made one at this point, its 4x5 and was debating dimentions for tractor for 25 cornish x. Wasn't sure if I needed just one for these guys. (planned on 2, but just not sure. I'm open for suggestions.

 

[jaku]

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The PVC is actually a bit better than wood, I've found, for predators. It flexes and holds to the ground a bit- especially if you add weight to the top, whereas wood leaves gaps underneath on uneven ground. As long as you use hardware cloth, the frame material shouldn't matter for keeping the critters out. As for the size, for 25 birds I used a 6x10 tractor and there was plenty of room.

 

[blueskylen]

I made a test one that I haven't used yet, but like your plan better, so will be modifiying mine. I plan on tying metal posts that you pound in the ground on the corners to keep it from being lifted or moved about by any animals- and just pulling them when I want to move it.

 

[steveo]

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Looks great! what are the dimensions of your tractor? How many birds will it hold?

The tractor is 10' x 10' and I have 25 birds in there but should hold 50 with no problem.

 

[jaku]

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Looks great! what are the dimensions of your tractor? How many birds will it hold?

The tractor is 10' x 10' and I have 25 birds in there but should hold 50 with no problem.

Ditto on the size- I have 52 in mine.

 

[steveo]

Tonight is the first night my chickens will spend in the tractor. I am very nervous. I put 6 x 6 beams all around the bottom in case something tries to dig under the tractor. I also put two 4 x 4 posts on top of the door. The chickens are sleeping out in the open and not under the tarp area. Hopefully they will move if it rains.

 

[teresawhaley]

Just curious on what the actual size of the pvc tractor you have is. thanks!

 

[steveo]

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10' x 10' x 2' high

 

[jaku]

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Haha, that's exactly what I did last year, (except I used 2x10's.) I got sick of lugging them around, so this year I'm just hoping nothing comes looking for my birds.