Predator proofing a chicken tractor ... how do you proof the bottom?

[jjb1953]

I am planning on making a portable run this week for my 6 chicks. The run will be a simple 6x8x6 similar to this:
51kEFz2WizL.jpg
It will eventually attach to our work in progress chicken tractor.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/791591/converting-old-coop-into-a-chicken-tractor

My question is how do predator proof a chicken tractor and/or portable run/yard?
I plan on using 2x2s for the frame and 1/2x1/2" hardware cloth to cover, but what about the bottom?
I have read what people use for their permanent run structures (apron or put wire into the ground) and will do that when we build a perm run, but we will be making a portable run first.
At first I had planned on simply making a dettachable floor made with 2x4 galvanized wire, but then I read about chickens injuring themselves scratching the wire.

We have many many predators where I live. Beside the usual fox and raccoons, we have fisher cats and lots of weasels and weasel relatives. We have two dogs that I am confident will keep fox away during the day, but I am not so sure about the weasels should they come around.

I have only had our chicks for a few weeks and have heard from many in our area losing chickens to various predators.
So I am quite paranoid.

Thanks

Jen

 

[chfite]

One idea is to mount an apron of 2 x 4 fencing to the bottom with a light frame that you could lift and attach to the tractor when you move it. Once in place, the apron could be lowered to the ground to help keep predators from digging into the tractor.

The predators cannot dig through the apron, so they cannot get inside from underneath.

Chris

 

[JackE]

If I had a tractor I was moving around the yard regularly. I would buy a few lengths of electrified poultry netting. It is very easy to pull up and move. You could run out an extension cord to power up the charger. Or, if the tractor is far from the house, you could get a solar charger for the fence. I have 600' of this fence/netting (From Premier) surrounding my coop. I have just about every kind of pred here, except for bears. I've had this set up for over a year, and it has worked out great for me.
Jack

 

[jjb1953]

Thank you, I think that is what I am going to do.