Large, movable tractor?

[cowboy]

Thanks for this speedy reply, do you have any pics. of the inside of the two wheel trailor type, this is more like I have in mind. Also am interested in storage area inside for feed and water. Also most campers have a water tank and a on demand 12 volt water pump, I was thinking of adding a solar panel to charge the 12 volt battery. Does anyone know if the automatic waters one can buy will work on this 12 volt on demand pump. Since I will be moving this every 2 or 3 days over a 160 acres following my cows, I need the water and feed handy. Thanks Tenn. cowboy

 

[Msbear]

I don't know about the waterer question, but I wanted to add...I don't think you'll need to move it around every 3 days, more like every 7 - 10 and you probably won't need a run with all that space. I let mine out and I live on a third of an acre and they hang around the coop and come sit on the porch

If you insist on a run, you probably won't have to "attach" it..more like just sit it in front of the trailer. They will be going up each night so it only has to be chicken proof and hawk proof. Any animal that you are concerned with that might pull it away from your coop and get your birds can just as easily bite through it so as long as they are shut in the coop at night, they'll be safe. Most predators come at night.

Can't wait to see it. We love our tractor.

 

[cowboy]

I am a little weak on the termanolgies, I assume a run is some what like a cage to confine the chickens while grazing. If this so I don't plan on using one. Since you mentioned hawks, we do have at least two, do chickens have a chance with them while out grazing?

 

[Msbear]

My chickens look up and crunch down real low when they see a bird flying overhead. Most chickens have a strong urge to hide or freeze when they see flying predators. My father has wellsummers and they all take off for the nearest bush when they see them. As long as there is bushes and places for them to hide, they will probably be ok. But every once in a while you might lose one.

That's the constant battle. Do you deprive your babies of ever having the luxury of free-ranging so that everyone is safe all the time or do you let them live a little and maybe one will take one for the team

It's completely up to you. Just so you know, it will most likely be your roo cause they stand out and will protect your flock. Good news, your hens will be fertile for another three + weeks so you can incubate a new roo.

I keep mine in the run and when Im outside messing around or evenings (hawks usually attack in the morning) I let them out. My rosecombs are out 24/7. They are like wild jungle fowl. They are fast, agile, and blend in well with the shrubery.

My columbian cochins, however, have a target on their back.

and aren't so agile

Here's a pic of my cart coop with a run we built that fits up against it. I pull it back apart to move the cart, then drag it to where we moved it. It's own weight holds it against the coop so we don't have to worry about dogs getting in or cluckers getting out.