Tractor Suggestions?

[amaranth320]

It's been ages since I've had a reason to frequent this forum, but after three chickenless years, we've moved out of an HOA and into the country, so we've got four pullets (two EEs, a speckled Sussex, and a Buff Orpington). Woohoo! Finally! My husband and I are finishing up their coop (4'Hx4'Dx8'L) that will have a small permanent run attached. I'd love to let the girls free range, but we have an active hawk population in the area, so I want to build a tractor. I'm a small person, so it needs to be lightweight and easy for one woman to move. We have a fenced yard to keep out dogs, and the girls would only be in the tractor during the day when we're around, so it wouldn't need to protect against nocturnal predators, since they'll be in their coop or permanent run at night. It's mostly the daytime hawks I'm worried about the tractor protecting them from. I've looked at some PVC options, but I'm not sure how well those hold up. What are the best lightweight, easy to move tractor options?

 

[Lazy Farmer]

Homemade will provide every need you desire. Just a little ambition and motivation, and you can build a simple tractor. Later you can build a more advanced one after learning from creating the first.

 

[lcwmt]

FWIW, PVC pipe will not hold up over time. If you have it use it but be prepared to replace as you tweak your design.
We made a "tractor" from irrigation pipe, attached to a base framework of 2x4 s. The pipe makes a hoop structure, the whole thing is covered with wire and about 1/2 shade cloth. It has a double door on one short end, a half door on the opposite end, handles on both ends and 4 pneumatic tires. I'm small and older and can move the thing around our place easily. We bought a commercially made coop (big mistake) and created a lower penned level for it with a door that docks to the tractor. The coop is also wheeled. This combination gives the chickens a lot of flexibility. No matter where we move either unit, they know where "home" is. Good luck, have fun. There's a wealth of info here on BYC that can help you figure out what to do to start.

 

[ronott1]

It's been ages since I've had a reason to frequent this forum, but after three chickenless years, we've moved out of an HOA and into the country, so we've got four pullets (two EEs, a speckled Sussex, and a Buff Orpington). Woohoo! Finally! My husband and I are finishing up their coop (4'Hx4'Dx8'L) that will have a small permanent run attached. I'd love to let the girls free range, but we have an active hawk population in the area, so I want to build a tractor. I'm a small person, so it needs to be lightweight and easy for one woman to move. We have a fenced yard to keep out dogs, and the girls would only be in the tractor during the day when we're around, so it wouldn't need to protect against nocturnal predators, since they'll be in their coop or permanent run at night. It's mostly the daytime hawks I'm worried about the tractor protecting them from. I've looked at some PVC options, but I'm not sure how well those hold up. What are the best lightweight, easy to move tractor options?

Go hear for ideas, instructions and often plans for tractor coops:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/category/tractor-coops.17/