Our coop/tractor combo

[amyquilt]

We are total newbies to this, but here's our first shot at a coop. We're pretty pleased with the outcome.

The front 2/3 is the run, the back 1/3 is the coop. We still have to put the lattice top on the run. Can’t leave it open because of hawks. We will finish that up this weekend.

We decided, since bantams are small (our first babies are Silkies that we got today), to keep it short, and make a combination coop/tractor. It has all the luxuries of a regular coop, with the ease of movement of a chicken tractor.

It measures a total length of 12 feet by 3 feet wide by 2 feet tall. Our next one will be 12x4x3 for our OE Creles that are coming soon.

We created a track on the front of the coop end, so in winter, we can slide a “wall” with a door cutout over the front, to keep it warmer in the coop. The roof portion over the back of the coop is on hinges and opens for ease of collecting eggs. The top lattice will work much the same way over the run.

The windows will be finished with wood around them and will have attached shutters that will open and close, depending on the needs and weather. The nest boxes are along this back wall.

 

[Eggseronious]

Nice job on the tractor/coop. I like the idea about the sliding front wall I finally seen the groves, I spotted it looking through the roost. Im starting on a tractor next week and this gives me another idea.

 

[amyquilt]

We've quickly discovered yesterday that my 7yo dd can climb right into the coop and sit with the chicks. She loves it!

 

[Oblio13]

Quote:
That's good, because hens are malicious, spiteful creatures who will ignore your beautiful nest boxes and lay eggs in the most remote, difficult-to-reach corner of your coop.