Recommended Space in Tractor

[ATXInstantFlock]

I'm thinking of supplementing my coop & run with a tractor for temporary grazing. How much room would you recommend per chicken if they are only going to be in there for maybe 3-4 hours max? Just trying to get an idea of how big I should make it and/or how many chickens get to go "on vacation" at one time.
Contemplating using it for any/all of the following:

• cleanup certain parts of the yard
• exploration/recreation
• use as a temporary penalty box or safe haven once rooberty hits

 

[KimbosKluckers]

I'm thinking of supplementing my coop & run with a tractor for temporary grazing. How much room would you recommend per chicken if they are only going to be in there for maybe 3-4 hours max? Just trying to get an idea of how big I should make it and/or how many chickens get to go "on vacation" at one time.
Contemplating using it for any/all of the following:

• cleanup certain parts of the yard
• exploration/recreation
• use as a temporary penalty box or safe haven once rooberty hits

No advice whatsoever but laughing at “rooberty”

 

[ATXInstantFlock]

No advice whatsoever but laughing at “rooberty”

I saw someone else use it and now I can't get it out of my mind thinking about our 3 month old surprise rooster.

 

[123RedBeard]

How many chickens?

How level is your ground?

How strong are you?

How do you plan to put them in and out of the tractor?

 

[FrostRanger]

Not sure either, but imma have to use rooberty myself lol

 

[123RedBeard]

I think probably 5 sq ft per chicken would be a minimum for that time period ...

 

[KimbosKluckers]

I saw someone else use it and now I can't get it out of my mind thinking about our 3 month old surprise rooster.

Definitely wins the word of the day! Good luck.

 

[ATXInstantFlock]

How many chickens?

I have 10, but would build the tractor to a convenient movable size that is also practical to store. As such, I wouldn't need to put all of them into the tractor at once. I'm thinking 6'x4' is probably as large as I would go on the footprint.

How level is your ground?

Level-ish. I roughly live at the crest of a hill, with some grade for drainage. So not super bumpy or anything. IMO, my construction abilities (or hubris) are good enough that this should be a non issue.

How strong are you?

Strong enough. Can easily squat a few hundred pounds, but have no plans on making something that would require that level of exertion. I'm also a retired engineer that understands leverage and levers.

How do you plan to put them in and out of the tractor?

Assuming tractor would have a door that I could probably park right next to the existing door of coop or run. Run is still in planning stages, so could design a small tractor docking bay.
Wife is already complaining about scope creep, but this project is becoming more and more likely to happen.

 

[ATXInstantFlock]

I think probably 5 sq ft per chicken would be a minimum for that time period ...

That sounds pretty reasonable. Back of the envelope was thinking 20-25 square foot footprint, so that might be a fun little excursion for 4 at a time.
My dogs have gone nuts eating cicadas ever day. I figure the chickens might want in on the snacking.

 

[123RedBeard]

The thing about tractors is if the ground is too "lumpy" the chickens might be able to sneak under a low spot ...

Is the tractor more to contain the chickens, so they don't get in trouble, or to keep them safe from predators?