I'd like to build a tractor run, but don't quite know how.

[MaggieRae]

I'd like for my chickens to get the benefit of free ranging, but I don't like having to watch them and herd them away from the woods (Especially when I'm down on the dock. I can't watch them then and I feel bad they're locked up and bored in a grass-less run). We have a lot of trespassers, and most of them have loose dogs. Not to mention all the dogs that run loose anyway.

So I thought, how about a portable run? So my question is to anyone who's built one before or would like to in the future, how could I get the chickens into it from their run, and then move them to where I want them to be? I figured I could put a door in the tractor, and just herd them into it. But then how do I move it? So this is just a brain storming session. Any thoughts?

ETA: My coop is below to show the run we have now...

 

[FortWorthChicks]

I saw a real cool tractor made with PVC pipe..

 

[MaggieRae]

Quote:
Yeah I remember seeing one like that, but I didn't find it. And how do you move it with the chickens inside? Or would you move the chickens to the run?

 

[cgjsmith]

I would probably go with a metal tube one. I know from experience a dox can break and chew through the PVC plastic. and use hardwear cloth or welded wire instead of the chicken wire. When a dog is determined it doesn't matter whats in the way if they can break through it they will.

 

[elmo]

I have a tractor built from an old trampoline frame; click on my BYC page for a picture. My chickens quickly got used to being herded from their nighttime lodging to the tractor during the day, and vice versa. I don't move the tractor around with the chickens in it!

My yard is fenced, so I don't worry about bigger predators like dogs during the day. To build a tractor secure from dogs, I'd be careful to make it heavy/wide enough so that it can't be knocked over, I'd attach a wire skirt or apron to deter digging, and I'd use hardware cloth of at least 19 gauge or even lower.

 

[captainmoose]

I made 2 portable runs out of PVC, they are each 10x10 and 5ft high. I attached chicken wire, 6ft to the PVC the wire wraps around the PVC top and bottom and is secured with wire. I covered the top with deer netting, it is light weight and can be moved by 1 person, my wife moves it several times a day by herself. We move it close to the permanent run and open the gate to the portable run then open the gate to the main run. Both gates are 4ft wide. After they are in close the gates and move to desired location. the chickens will usually be at the section you are pulling it from, so they dont get run over. The chickens are only in the portable runs when someone is there watching because you cant predator proof a moveable run.

 

[Sweetfolly]

Quote:
Wow! Do you happen to have a picture of that set-up? I just might have to copy it!

 

[MaggieRae]

Quote:
Wow! Do you happen to have a picture of that set-up? I just might have to copy it!

A picture would be nice.

Thanks for all the comments, y'all!
So, I was thinking today that I could make a sliding door (that goes up and down) at one end to herd the chickens into it. Put it on 4 wheels that leave it about an inch off the ground, then have an apron that went out a couple feet. I could put rocks on the apron to hold it down. Does that sound okay?

 

[featherbaby]

Quote:
Wow! Do you happen to have a picture of that set-up? I just might have to copy it!

PLEASE PLEASE SEND A PHOTO OF THIS! I am planning to build a mobile run very soon and need a good design that is light enough for me to move by myself. I will have to use hardware cloth on all sides because I have various predators that would love a little snack, day or night. I would so appreciate a picture of yours.

 

[Bleenie]

Strange question...what kind of tree is that? it looks massive & just gorgeous!