Stationary Coop or Tractor?

[KristiPotts]

Hubby was planning to build a coop, but we happened to find someone who builds/sells coops as a hobby. For the price, hubby said it was worth the purchase...especially if he doesn't have to spend his nights and weekends sawing and hammering

We have considered all kinds of coop designs, but it just so happens this coop is a coop tractor. I liked this feature for the option of moving it around the large (fenced in) backyard, although I would also consider it in a stationary location if the chickies are happy.

We are in Georgia, so our summers are hot and our winters are (for the most part) very mild and since this coop doesn't have a completely closed in nesting area, I'm thinking it will do nicely.

Does anyone have any thoughts, positive or negative, on a tractor vs. a stationary coop?

 

[chiques chicks]

Tractor pro's: you can move it so the birds don't destroy s single section of yard (they will)

Con's: generally heavy to move.
Not as much run area or coop space (may be a pro if you want to make sure chicken math doesn't take over).

Honestly, unless that tractor is balanced very well on centered wheels, it looks extremely heavy to move.

 

[Den in Penn]

A tractor is good if you are going to move it every day or two. If it isn't moved the grass is shaded and weakened. If it isn't moved regularly the chickens will in a few days have that grass well torn up. A stationary coop will allow you to make a path to it, you can run electric to it and water if you wish. If you plan to let them out I would go with a stationary.

I agree with Chiques chicks that coop in the picture would be a bear to move. When I built my grow out tractor coop, I built it with how much weight was going on it, in mind. That one just uses too much heavy wood for the framing and the wheels are small and ill placed. It would take two to move it over a lawn.

 

[KristiPotts]

Okay, so here's an update....

We went to see this tractor coop this afternoon, and while it is adorable and well-built, it is simply too small for our needs. Based on your feedback and more research, I'd already decided that I would prefer a stationary coop rather than the tractor-style, but still wanted to see this one just on the off chance that we could utilize it for our beginning process, then add on to it later. It would be ideal as a secondary coop for quarantine or introducing new birds, but for a permanent home, it just isn't going to work for us.

So, we are taking on the challenge and plan to design and build our own coop based on various designs on this website, along with any input from others that would help us out!!

Thanks for your feedback!

Here we go.....

 

[lazy gardener]

What is your budget? Keep an eye on craigs list for buildings that you can repurpose. I've seen end of season close outs at Lowes and Home depot for garden sheds. They'll deliver and set up for free. I saw one this spring that would have made a wonderful coop for 600.00, and you couldn't build it for that. Go to your habitat store, or anywhere else you can purchase used building materials, buy your doors and windows (if you're building a bigger coop) first, and then design the structure around those items. Good ventilation and lighting are your most important considerations. Build bigger than you think you'll need! Allow 4 s.f./bird in the coop, and plan for twice as many birds as you plan to have.

 

[KristiPotts]

All such GREAT suggestions!

We are setting our budget at about $850.00, hoping to reduce that amount by doing just as you suggested - repurposing, up-cycling, finding bargains, scrap wood, etc. Hubby thinks we should be able to manage that cost, especially for what we have envisioned for the back yard.

Funny that you mention the garden shed.... I've been scouting for something just like that for the last couple of months, but haven't found anything just yet. Still looking, though!

Thanks for all the tips!

 

[lazy gardener]

I think on the garden shed idea, that you'd have to wait until end of season when they are clearing their parking lot... (at least in my area, when they have to make room for the mountains of snow soon to come!!!) You should be able to get a nice coop for that budget. IMO, you're best to stay away from all pre-fab commercially sold coops. They are poorly made, misrepresent the amount of chickens they will house. You could probably find a person who does re-modeling/small construction to build for you if you're not feeling up to the task yourself. But, if you have the basic power tools, you should easily be able to build it yourself. just be aware that it will take MUCH LONGER to build than the amount of time you have budgeted for it!