School Bus - Chicken Tractor

[aircamp]

I am considering converting an old school bus that I have into a "chicken tractor". I would be interested in hearing comments of the opportunity or folly of this approach.

Thanks,
Tom

 

[Wifezilla]

Can you post some pics of your raw materials?

 

[CARS]

I can see a bus being used as a chicken coop but cant envision the tractor part of it. Were you going to drag a fenced in run under the bus?

(gives a whole new meaning to getting "thrown under the bus"

)

 

[Rogue Rooster]

Sounds like a "Red Green" project to me. I can't wait to see thise Duct Tape Lots of Duct Tape

 

[CARS]

I guess I should have asked what do you mean by "old bus". Is it old, or really old? If it's really, really old and restorable we may be able to work out a deal and you'll have enough money to build one heck of a lightweight tractor and coop.

Take some pics!

 

[Wifezilla]

Sounds like a "Red Green" project to me. I can't wait to see thise Duct Tape Lots of Duct Tape

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-8582265462488471559&hl=en​

 

[NancyDz]

Interesting, I know I've seen some video on Utube of a guy that built one out of a camper but I dont think it was moveable. Does the bus run? How would you move it if it didnt?
I think I've seen others post about an rv coop too.


Good luck!

Nancy

 

[aircamp]

WOW !!
Thanks for your thoughts and questions. Let me expand on the school bus / chicken bus / chicken tractor concept.
I have a former military 25 passenger (shortie) school type bus with a nice little 327 engine, manual trans etc. It runs and is simi-street legal (no tags).
My farm is 26 acres of irrigated, fenced, level pasture.
My plan was to remove the seats from the bus, install perches and nest boxes, put a plywood wall up to seperate the drivers area and a drop down ramp out the back door.
Then...I would drop the ramp during the day and let the chicks roam and close it up at night. When they had done their business in one area, I would start the bus, drive it 100 feet forward and start the process again.

Why? Glad you asked. I own the bus. It was cheap. I can complete the project for $500 give or take and I would have housing for 100 birds easy.

Question: Has anyone already done this? Does it sound reasonable?

Thanks again.

 

[Wifezilla]

I say GO FOR IT!!!!

 

[gaited horse]

I see no reason not to go.