new tractor for my Rangers

[HillCountryMomma]

I just updated my blog and posted some pictures of the kids and I building a tractor for my Freedom Rangers. It's not big enough to hold all of them (44 Rangers + 8 random layer roosters). I think I'm going to boot the little layer roosters out to fend for themselves and put more Rangers in the tractor. It's 6.5' wide by 10' long. The won't stay in it till the end, just until they are big enough to go into the big open space behind my garden (which is high fenced and well enclosed). They sure are enjoying the bit of ranging they are able to do in the tractor! They've been in it about a week now. They're 5 weeks old today, the pictures are a week old. It's amazign how much they grow in a week!

http://stephensfamilyfarm.blogspot.com/

Click on the 'New Tractor' link.

I also have some pics of my Black Sex Link chicks hatched by my Barred Rock hen.

Liz

 

[greyfields]

Awesome!

And you know, when the meat birds are gone, that would make a great floating row cover for lettuces.

 

[HillCountryMomma]

LOL!! Thanks... I hadn't considered the row cover possibility but now that you mention it it's not a bad idea!

I've kinda been pondering if I could build one on a really big scale, say for a run in shelter for a cow. Hmmm....

That might be stretching my rather sketchy building skills though.

Liz

 

[HFC]

Keep a close eye on the tractor, HillCountryMama. I build one just like it last year (8X16). I but 25 chickens in there and the second night a racoon got in and killed every one of them. It was less than 40 feet from my back door.

They will pull the wire right away from the wood. A dog, possum, skunk, or coyote will get in pretty easily, too. I had to reinforce my stuff with 2X4 wire fencing.

 

[jhill1440]

Hello,

The new tractor looks great. Being from Texas also, I was going to wait until the fall to raise a meat bird flock. I think the TX heat and humidity might be a little too much stress in the middle of summer. I like the Hoop tractor and will probably replicate one for my self. Keep us updated will pics, growth rates and feed consumption.

peace
josh