- May 6, 2013
- 125
- 10
- 114
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
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