- Jun 9, 2010
- 47
- 0
- 22
I'd like to do a batch of broilers this fall, if possible. As of now I do not have a coop or tractor set up for them, so I'd like some suggestions on what would work for moderately cold, wet weather. I live in Portland, Oregon, and in late fall we tend to get a lot of rain, but it doesn't usually dip below freezing until later in winter. In fact, the average temps in December are between 35 and 45 degrees.
I don't think using a portable tractor would make a lot of sense, because our ground gets quite soft and muddy in our lawn area, plus I don't want to have to get drenched twice a day to move it. I can make a chain link dog run up by our house where the ground is firmer, and cover the top with a camping canopy. I can give the broilers grass cuttings, weeds and alfalfa since they won't be on pasture. I can put sand in the run, or dri-stall and pine shavings, and try to keep up with the poop.
My big question is what to do about a coop. I know a lot of people keep their meaties in a pen/run without shelter, but I'm looking at Freedom Rangers or Red Broilers and I don't know if they require more shelter, especially as it gets in the thirties. I really don't want to put a lot of money into a temp. shelter, so I'm wondering if I could make a frame out of PVC (filling the PVC with water to weight it down) and tie tarps to the top and sides? Or even make a little hoop coop and cover it in tarps?
I'd love to do broilers now rather than wait until spring, I just want to do it right! Thank you for any input & suggestions.
Andrea
I don't think using a portable tractor would make a lot of sense, because our ground gets quite soft and muddy in our lawn area, plus I don't want to have to get drenched twice a day to move it. I can make a chain link dog run up by our house where the ground is firmer, and cover the top with a camping canopy. I can give the broilers grass cuttings, weeds and alfalfa since they won't be on pasture. I can put sand in the run, or dri-stall and pine shavings, and try to keep up with the poop.
My big question is what to do about a coop. I know a lot of people keep their meaties in a pen/run without shelter, but I'm looking at Freedom Rangers or Red Broilers and I don't know if they require more shelter, especially as it gets in the thirties. I really don't want to put a lot of money into a temp. shelter, so I'm wondering if I could make a frame out of PVC (filling the PVC with water to weight it down) and tie tarps to the top and sides? Or even make a little hoop coop and cover it in tarps?
I'd love to do broilers now rather than wait until spring, I just want to do it right! Thank you for any input & suggestions.
Andrea