My Spring, 2010 Birds and Setup (Pic Heavy)

[daze333]

Hi,
I am trying meaties for the first time this year. They are in my garage--pew! I really would like my garage back! They are so messy, they really need to be outside! The shavings keep getting moist from all their moisture or poo etc. At this point they are a lot of upkeep. I love your tractor design! I have a few more questions for you.

1) What size is the tarp you used? (I like how it goes down the sides)
2) What made you use hardware cloth instead of chicken wire on the sides?
3) Is the meat bird pen light enough that you don't need wheels and just drag it?
4) If yes to #3 then, do you ever have trouble catching the birds feet when you drag the pen?
5) Do you attach your feeders to the tractor, or just pick them up every time you move it?
6) Could you install 2 of those waterers on the water supply? (like one on the other side of pen)
7) Do you think this could be made bigger, say 12x12 and still work?
Thanks for all your inspiration!

 

[little_grey_bantam]

Quote:
This man is amazing, right?
lol, too much inspiration LOL

I'm going to borrow his idea

 

[Hippie-Witch]

Very cool! I hope to crawl up to that level eventually. LOL

 

[jaku]

Quote:
1) I can't remember the exact size- I know that it wasn't the RIGHT size, though, as I had to double it over, and it still didn't fit perfectly. I'd say just get your frame built, then measure the size you need.

2) I used hardware cloth on the sides because I figured it would offer more protection from predators and be more sturdy. I only did that on the first one I built (the broiler one,) because I don't think it's necessary- I live in the middle of the woods in Michigan, and I've never even SEEN a predator on my property, besides an occasional Bald Eagle flying overhead, and it would be worth losing a couple just to see a Bald Eagle take them!

3) Yes- I just figured that being glued together plastic pipe, it would hold up much better if it wasn't subject to the stress of being dragged across the lawn.

4) It takes them a few days to get used to it. They let you know if you're starting to run them over- I just watch inside, and listen for a peep-scream, which means one of them was too dumb to get out of the way, and I need to back it up and let them move. You just have to go slow.

5) I have to pick up the feeders every time.

6) I would assume so- I haven't used it yet, as my birds will go out into the tractors sometime this week. It doesn't require much pressure though, so a second waterer shouldn't be an issue at all.

7) Probably, it might get awkward to move, but if you've got a lot of flat ground and don't need to put it in tight places, I think it would work at 12x12. I'd definitely put several wheels on it though, as when you pull it, you're putting all that stress in one small area on the front and wheels would relieve that a bit.

Glad I could help, everyone! Thanks for the compliments!

 

[Kim_NC]

Jaku,

Where did you find the 4way and 5way PVC fittings? We've looked everywhere locally and no luck.

Thanks...Kim

 

[Msbear]

Im really enjoying this thread. Great job, Jaku!!

 

[Firemenlovechicks]

Quote:
I've been losing one per day for the past week or so. Luckily, they gave me 5 freebies. I'm starting to doubt my wire floored brooder, and might sell it on Craigslist. What do you use for a brooder, Jeff? I'm thinking about building a 10x8 shed, with a 6x8 section for meaties (which would double my current sq. footage,) and two 4x4 sections- one for a second brooder, and one for storage. Maybe with a vent and a small fan, auto drinkers, etc. I'm never satistfied with what I've got! My wife gets so annoyed. I'm getting some bloody feet though, then they step in the poo, and it just can't be healthy. I think if I get back to chips, it would be better, plus giving them good ventilation would make it bearable in there.

I guess I have been fortunate, I received 65 from McMurray on March 9th and didn't lose ANY besides one DOA. I have 40 more coming tomorrow and hope to have the same luck. This is my first time ever raising chickens of any kind so I have learned ALOT from everyone on this forum. THANKS TO YOU ALL!!!

 

[CARS]

Quote:
You're not going to. One of my best friends is a plumber and he laughed at me when I asked if he could get them for me!

On the pvc plans site, there are links to suppliers that do carry the fittings. (probably cheaper than getting them locally anyway

)

 

[jaku]

Quote:
Go on the pvcplans.com website and they have links to the specialty fittings. I believe I used a company called A to Z supply.

 

[jaku]

I'm going to call my hatchery in the morning and see if they'll give me a deal on some replacement birds. Luckily I live pretty close, so I'll go pick them up. I probably won't be able to resist the temptation to getting a few pheasants at the same time, since I'll have to raise them seperately from my current batch. Anyone have any idea whether 15 broilers could be raised with maybe 10 pheasants in a tractor to butcher size?