meaties in pvc tractor (pics)

[bnentrup]

Your tractor looks great, and is indeed built strong. I too have built some with 2x4, and realized that 2x2 is sufficient. I have been taking 2x4 and ripping on my table-saw and saved a bunch in that most 2x2 cost the SAME as 2x4.

I want to say you have given us a great concept for wheels! I have been trying to figure a way to get 'flip-up-wheels' without buying the commercial type that costs $20 each!

 

[patimekiller]

The wheels are mostly salvaged. The pivots are nothing more than some3/4 rigid metal pipe welded to some crossarm braces( I work for a electric co) and as far as attatching them I used 5/8 bolts. We just had some high 60 mph winds and they never moved.

 

[TimG]

Quote:
I wasn't concerned about the tractor moving but rather the chicks being able to find shelter from the (cold) wind.

 

[patimekiller]

In my original plans I wanted sides on back and one side but chose not to use metal I now know what you mean sorry I have some burlap that I was going to put to act as a wind brake and rain brake if needed. The pen is 2 ft tall 8 ft wide 14 ft long. I wanted to build it lighter but my father in law thought it would flip in the wind so they are heavy duty. If I built them over I would make it a foot taller so it would be Easyer to rig my feeder contraption easyer.

this allows me to hang a drum feeder in the door and pully it under the roof and pull it back along the pipe to re fill and it moves when you move the pen.

 

[patimekiller]

Just moved the coops for the first time and 3-4 inches of lift is allmostto high for 3 week old meat birds if they just lay down the pen goes right over em

 

[bnentrup]

Quote:
that is when a 4-year old daughter come in handy - with a broom in her hand near the back of the tractor as you pull.

 

[patimekiller]

ONly one layied down tried to get the dog to follow but that didn't work

 

[Peruvian]

I stopped in a big box hardware store yesterday and headed to plumbing to price out a PVC tractor. They didn't carry several of the couplings needed (especially the 4 & 5 ways). Where are folks finding them?

 

[TimG]

Someone posted this link recently. there are a number of companies selling special fittings on the internet.

 

[kathyinmo]

My meaties are to arrive on Thursday. I had to quickly build something for them, and did something similar to yours (patimekiller). Size is 8 ft x 8 ft and 3 ft tall. I made 2 of them, and plan to put 25 in each one. However, I used hardware cloth, and no wheels. I figure it is only for a few weeks, and I can drag it around. I used 2x4s and wish I had used 2x2s ..... oh well, it is just temporary. My meaties are gonna live in this enclosure as well, so I used 4 ft hardware cloth, with 3 ft on the tractor and a 1 ft skirt, in hopes of keeping predators away (racoons here). I like your "feeder contraption," and will have to rig one of those up!

I will get a picture tomorrow. Thanks for your pictures and tips!