Our New Chicken Tractor from Reclaimed Material

[Mark Fisher]

Send me some feedback and suggestions if you like. We have the ramp installed after tractor was moved. I am adding some photos to show you the design my 6 year old and I came up with. Let us know what you think. We are going to get 4 babies today.
Thank you.
P.S. we have a thick skin so please be honest on the feedback. It only helps us and keeps out babies safe and healthy.

 

[duluthralphie]

I like the design but I would take the poultry netting off and put hardware cloth on, and if you are going to leave them unattended in it, I would lie hardware cloth on the bottom outside edges.

Either setting the tractor on the hardware cloth or have it attached at the bottom so it fold down and can be pinned to the ground to prevent something digging in.

I like the whole concept a lot though.

 

[RowanTheRed]

looks pretty nice. There is one really important thing I would change ASAP and that is the chicken wire. You need to replace that with hardware cloth. Chicken wire is not predator proof one single bit. yes it is cheap and easier to work with, but the gauge of the wire is very thin and easily pulled apart. A 1/2 inch square hardware cloth is much better and sturdier.

 

[aart]

Welcome to BYC!
Thanks for asking for honesty.
That coop is way too small for 4 full grown birds....run is tight too.
Coop is what, maybe 3 x 3 x 1'?
Needs to be at least 4 x 4 x 4'...and needs some ventilation too.

What is your climate?
Putting your location in your profile can garner better answers/suggestions.
Knowing climate and goals can make a huge difference.

 

[Mark Fisher]

Thanks for the information.
I know it is tight. But we are going to use it as a mini brooder until we can move them to the larger house and pen. We are in South Carolina. Went small with the space for the purpose of little ones and for teaching my son. Thanks for the information very much appreciated

 

[RowanTheRed]

Thanks for the information.
I know it is tight. But we are going to use it as a mini brooder until we can move them to the larger house and pen. We are in South Carolina. Went small with the space for the purpose of little ones and for teaching my son. Thanks for the information very much appreciated

welcome to BYC from another South Carolinian!

 

[aart]

Thanks for the information.
I know it is tight. But we are going to use it as a mini brooder until we can move them to the larger house and pen. We are in South Carolina. Went small with the space for the purpose of little ones and for teaching my son. Thanks for the information very much appreciated

It should work ok for chicks.... still needs some ventilation, covered by 1/2" HC.