Texas

[SlipsWife]

I want to get these. I've seen them locally, I think. From what I've read, FF will work in any dish (except metal).

We have one of those and loved it at first, until we try to take the top off to fill it. Ours is almost impossible to take off, we usually just pour more feed into it through the holes on top. With dry feed it works but I'm not sure if FF will 'pour' like dry feed. I know there's no way all of them are so hard to take apart so just make sure to try it in the store

My husband was so tired of having to open it for the kids and I we had stopped using it but had to pull it out this year with the ridiculous amount of chicks I keep ordering.

 

[RustedOak]

So what are you all's opinions on chicken tractors in general? I'd like to build an A-frame tractor with a 4'x8' run beneath upper roost/nesting boxes. I'm in an urban setting so all I really want/need is a few layers to provide eggs for my household and provide compost for small raised bed garden... 3 maybe 5 tops. They would be free ranged for a few hours in the evenings and more so on the weekends but would be kept mostly in the tractor moved at least twice daily. May be able to provide a kennel area for additional run space but all needs to be able to be movable.

 

[Ms Jellybean]

So what are you all's opinions on chicken tractors in general? I'd like to build an A-frame tractor with a 4'x8' run beneath upper roost/nesting boxes. I'm in an urban setting so all I really want/need is a few layers to provide eggs for my household and provide compost for small raised bed garden... 3 maybe 5 tops. They would be free ranged for a few hours in the evenings and more so on the weekends but would be kept mostly in the tractor moved at least twice daily. May be able to provide a kennel area for additional run space but all needs to be able to be movable.

Have you looked through the coops section on here? I think there is a special chicken tractor section.

I saw some chicken tractors on craig's list that were made with wheel chair wheels. I bet they are easier to move around with wheels like that.

 

[jajeanpierre]

I want to get these. I've seen them locally, I think. From what I've read, FF will work in any dish (except metal).

I'm not fond of plastic. I prefer glass or stainless steel but I can't find chicken "stuff" made with stainless steel. All kinds of chemicals leach out of plastic especially if it is acidic. I try for food grade everything, but that isn't always possible.

I'm trying to find a glass hand juicer--you know, one piece of glass with the raised nobby thing to twist the citrus fruit on--for my chicks ff. I think I need to make a trip to the dreaded Walmart.

 

[RustedOak]

Have you looked through the coops section on here?  I think there is a special chicken tractor section. 

I saw some chicken tractors on craig's list that were made with wheel chair wheels.  I bet they are easier to move around with wheels like that.

I have looked through them and am going with the Catahoula style tractor or ark, as some call it. I've just seen mixed reviews online about tractors in general and was looking for some insight/opinions from people who are like minded and I have interaction with.

 

[ClovisMan]

Quote: I think I am going to build one after I am done with my mega-coop and use it specifically as a bachelor pad for when I get roosters. I will not have to put in any extravagant nesting boxes or anything if I use it for the boys.

 

[SusanPC]

Hi again from San Angelo - my hubby and I got one of each (hopefully all pullets), Silver-Laced Wyandotte, Buff Orpington, Barred Plymouth Rock, and Ameracauna (or more likely an EE since they are from Ideal Poultry). We ordered the breeds through a local feed store and they arrived with his bulk order about 1 1/2 weeks ago. They are growing so fast and I am ready to give them some outside time if we could just get a nice warm day again without a cool wind. I have never lived anywhere with such dramatic weather. I am using the metal round feeder with a glass jar for food and the plastic dish with a glass jar for water. Working okay, but lots of pine chips in the water - even though I've already raised it onto a brick. My husband is going to make the water nipples with cups for in their permanent coop. I went to the glass jars because they knocked over the water one day with the plastic jars. I'm loving these babies and can't wait for them to make a home in my yard, their run & coop! I'm a little worried about how hot it gets in this area. The coop and run are located under a shade tree to hopefully give them the most shade possible. Any good tips for the Texas 100+ degree and dry arid heat in this southwest Texas area?

 

[ClovisMan]

SusanPC....Lots of shade and make sure your coop has good airflow/ventilation. You can also freeze water in plastic containers like gatorade bottles and toss them in the coop. I had to do this with my kids rabbit when temps were above 100.

 

[Belott]

You can't go wrong with the Australorps.  They are kind, beautiful,  and great egg layers.  I am getting ready to go to the feed store after I finish my last load of laundry.  I have my list and hope I can stay within my limit!  I went yesterday to my small family-owned store but they had ducks only.  Next week they are getting bantams and silkies.  I don't want those.

Good luck!

Lisa

Good luck getting them chicks Lisa!!!

Be sure and post some pics!

David

 

[Ms Jellybean]

I'm not fond of plastic. I prefer glass or stainless steel but I can't find chicken "stuff" made with stainless steel. All kinds of chemicals leach out of plastic especially if it is acidic. I try for food grade everything, but that isn't always possible.

I'm trying to find a glass hand juicer--you know, one piece of glass with the raised nobby thing to twist the citrus fruit on--for my chicks ff. I think I need to make a trip to the dreaded Walmart.

I've thought about just using a ceramic dog dish. That is the plan for when they get older.

Do they still make those glass juicers? That is a great idea. I'm going shopping later and will look for one.


I ordered my Premier Heat Plate today! I have really committed (even more) to getting chicks now. It's back ordered until April..... That gives me time to get the supplies I need though. April isn't that far away.

Does anyone on here sell Black Copper Marans in my area? I guess I could just go with the MPC order. I really want to save that huge shipping cost though.