UPDATE: Chicken Tractor? Pasturer? Free-ranger? Design help!

[ADozenGirlz]

I need to build a moveable enclosure for my 15 chickens to be able to get out and enjoy the lawn in the summertime without risking strays digging up my neighbor's yard and being whisked away by the many hawks around here. I'm not even sure what "IT" is called, a tractor? a free-ranger? a portable pasturerer? They have their coop: house & sizeable run, but I want them to be able to get out and forage in the nice weather. Can someone tell me #1: what it's called and #2 how to bulid one and/or post some pictures of their own? It's important to me that it be lightweight and easily movable b/c I want to move it often and by myself throughout the day. I'm thinking a design using PVC would be great in terms of lightweight & affordable. Any suggestions would be appreciated! Thanks!

Here's what our set-up looks like now:

UPDATE:

Here's the LINK TO THE CHICKEN TRACTOR/FORAGER MY HUSBAND MADE FOR ME: https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=43104-chicken-tractor-forager

 

[JoAnn_WI_4-H_Mom]

http://www.oardc.ohio-state.edu/4hpoultry/t02_pageview/Hoop_House.htm

We use the attached with a tarp over it as sliding shelters in an electronet pasture. You may need to cover some portion if it for shade. We used 1/2 in hardware cloth on both ends, framing a door. I can shift it myself, but it is far easier when my son helps.

Are you planning to catch and move the birds from tractor to coop each night?

 

[ADozenGirlz]

Quote:
Wow, that's EXACTLY what I had in mind! Thanks for sharing the link! Maybe if we added some wheels that'd help with portability?
In terms of getting the birds back into the coop at night, they're pretty receptive to the sound of shaking a pail with scratch in it. If I walk into their run with the scratch, they drop EVERYTHING and run in after me.
Do you keep your birds in the coop until a certain time before letting them range so that they can lay eggs or should we consider putting a nesting box in the "ranger"?

 

[JoAnn_WI_4-H_Mom]

We have a nest box in the ranger.

Wheels would make it easier to move, but if you have mink, coons, possums or the like they will grab the birds by the feet and drag them out. I like mine to be flat on the ground. Your concern seems to be more about arial attacks, so maybe wheels would work for you.

The last one we built was about $100, mostly for the hardware cloth. It is surprising how much lighter they are made from chicken wire, but they do not offer as much protection from strong predators. Would still work well for hawks and owls though.

 

[ADozenGirlz]

Quote:
You've been a huge help, thanks!

 

[ADozenGirlz]

WE DID it!

Here's the link to my Page that talks a little bit more about the construction process:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=43104-chicken-tractor-forager

Thanks for all your help!