Tractor or Run?

[4roosandahen]

Ok, looking for some advice from all you experienced Chicken People in regards to Chicken habitats.

1.What do you guys think would be best for my backyard chickies? A permenant run or a tractor set up?

(I'm so confused!) I plan on only keeping 3 at my house then the others(4) will go out to the farm.

2.What is a easy and less expensive coop to make for them? Ideas and thoughts please....

3. Is it worth having some at the house or should I keep them all together at the farm(one is a bantam and oh so cute so I was hoping to keep it here with a couple of friends)?

Any advice is welcome! Please fire away your ideas....... I eagerly await them with my hammer ready

 

[tvtaber]

I prefer a run just bacause you can make it more secure. A tractor can be moved around but dogs, etc, can get in if they are determined. As for the coop, any structure of appropriate size can be used, so long as it is ventilated. We use a Rubbermaid storage shed with ventilation windows and pop-hole cut in the sides. We screwed the roost in (made from 2x2s and stair risers) one side and the nest boxes sit on the other. We are in a mild climate, so this works well for us.

If I was going to build a coop, I would make a dirt floor so I would not have to clean the litter out every 2-3 weeks (see "deep litter method" in the search). You can go a year with that technique with no side effects. Then again, it makes such nice compost I would probably clean it out anyway!

 

[tvtaber]

Oh yeah, about where to keep who... a flock is two or more, so put them where it makes sense to you. if the bantam should be home, then keep a sister or two there for her and move the rest to the farm. Just plan for more than you have now becuase your flock will undoubtedly grow!