LOL, I've posted about this in my chicken diary on Facebook, and I keep getting two comments: 1) What is a chicken tractor? and 2) Wow, that is big!
We did want it roomy--we have 14 chickens and would like them to have plenty of space to play. It's 64 square feet in area (about 4.6 sq. feet per chicken). Wire is on all sides except bottom. There is a wire apron on all sides (except door side) as well to prevent digging by predators, and we can lay a brick or two on the apron if needed. The wheels are on the front, and the heavy wooden door slides on an aluminum track in back. I have a big waterer and a couple of feeders as well (not in picture). We also have a tarp cover for shade, a perch, and some milk crates filled with pine shavings if anyone gets cold, and I may get some bells or other toys to hang as well. The current plan is to be able to attach the coop (being constructed over Labor Day) to the tractor if we want (like in our short winters), or not.
It is heavy, but I can move it alone in a pinch, or even better, hubby can help me, and we can easily move it together.
Our neighbor was nice enough to build it from my design (OK, I did some painting, and yes, I ran out of paint--being cheap, so I just used some kid safe paint we had in the garage), so I hope we have eggs to give to him in spring.
And yes, my son (8) is pretending to be a chicken...it was hilarious.
Does it seem we have covered all the bases for safety?
Thanks,
Dee
We did want it roomy--we have 14 chickens and would like them to have plenty of space to play. It's 64 square feet in area (about 4.6 sq. feet per chicken). Wire is on all sides except bottom. There is a wire apron on all sides (except door side) as well to prevent digging by predators, and we can lay a brick or two on the apron if needed. The wheels are on the front, and the heavy wooden door slides on an aluminum track in back. I have a big waterer and a couple of feeders as well (not in picture). We also have a tarp cover for shade, a perch, and some milk crates filled with pine shavings if anyone gets cold, and I may get some bells or other toys to hang as well. The current plan is to be able to attach the coop (being constructed over Labor Day) to the tractor if we want (like in our short winters), or not.
It is heavy, but I can move it alone in a pinch, or even better, hubby can help me, and we can easily move it together.
Our neighbor was nice enough to build it from my design (OK, I did some painting, and yes, I ran out of paint--being cheap, so I just used some kid safe paint we had in the garage), so I hope we have eggs to give to him in spring.
And yes, my son (8) is pretending to be a chicken...it was hilarious.
Does it seem we have covered all the bases for safety?
Thanks,
Dee
