I started my new chicken tractor for my meat birds

[vermontgal]

I'm just about to build a meat-bird tractor. I have been wondering what people do about predators? Sounds like - hardware cloth and hope the predators aren't too noticesome or persistent? This is even the approach for at night?!

Any advice along these lines would be helpful.

I live in the city but next to an 83-acre park.

 

[jaku]

Quote:
That about sums it up. The birds (especially meaties,) do SO well in these tractors, that I wouldn't even consider raising them in a fixed position coop, and it's worth the risk of predators for me.

 

[shelby69]

I have an 8' x 8' arch tractor and I ran an electric fence line around the bottom about 4"-5" above the ground. It is a bit more money but it lets me sleep better. It definitely worked on our golden retriever. He wont even look at the chickens anymore.

 

[jaku]

Quote:
I thought about doing that- how do you have the wire run, and how do you move it? Pics would be great!

 

[Buster52]

What sort of predators do you folks with the PVC tractors have in your area? We have everything from skunks and coons to coyotes and bob cats. Do you suppose these tractors would keep those out?

They look nice, but in my years as a puppeteer, I found PVC light and portable, but more difficult to work with than wood. I'm not sure what the advantage would be.

 

[Cyberous]

Finally got to see picture (my work blocks photobucket), and this thread is fantastic!

PVC is the adult version of Leggo's!!

Keep up the good work guys.

Don

 

[shelby69]

Sorry for the delay I have been working a lot.

I move my tractor around in an area behind my garage so I put the controller in the garage an bought a 50' insulated section of fence wire that I run between the tractor and the garage. I only move the tractor enough to get it onto a clean grass so I don't think I'll run out of cable before they are done. You can buy the cable at TSC for $12.49. Its actual purpose it to be buried to continue a fence underneath a drive way or gate. I put a 6' ground post in right behind the garage and everything works great just ask my wifes golden retriever.

I'll try to post some pics tomorrow.

 

[PatS]

Steveo and jaku- what diameter pvp pipe did you use? Thanks! Great idea and great pictures!

 

[Buster52]

Never mind.

 

[jaku]

Quote:
I use 1." It's perfect. Any more it's too bulky, any less and it's too flimsy.