What is the largest tractor that I could move by myself?

[Fenika]

Oh, that's good to hear BW.

As for wheels, Dream, if you are going to have your wheels stay on the coop/run, you absolutely need to cover them against the elements. Those little wheels get weathered so fast. I was just eyeing up the wheels on an old dolly- but they are cracked and dying from time spent in the bed of my truck :\\ I think I will bring my wheels into the garage or house so that they last and don't have extreme heat/cold to destroy them. My $12 investment needs last! Plus, I want to use one pair of wheels for the run, then move it to the coop. A little extra work, but not much.

Would 2x2s be sturdy enough long term? That's what I've been trying to figure out for a week!

 

[itsalladream]

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I think that if they were supported well enough, it should be fine. I would think that for a 10' run, having a support at 5', and then braces in all the corners would supply adequate support. Input anyone?

 

[elmo]

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I used 2x2's on my A frame tractor, 8' by 8'. I've been using it since early this summer; so far, so good.

 

[MTFarm]

We use ours pretty much for just overnight, as our hens are ranging during the day. But before that I had a run attached and I moved both.

Will the birds be ranging at all?

If not then you might consider a run and tractor setup depending on your particular situation. We had our tractor from an earlier setup but I was concerned about these birds ranging so I built the run that I could move as well. They're ranging now as I said, so we just use the tractor alone now.

Not the best pic but I can move it pretty easily and I would feel comfortable with 6-8 birds in there since they're really only in there when laying or overnight---all day I would feel different. Our five all roost on only one of the poles currently.

 

[Fenika]

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I used 2x2's on my A frame tractor, 8' by 8'. I've been using it since early this summer; so far, so good.

Oh excellent. Also, I was eye-ing up your A frame a few days ago. It's very nice.

 

[itsalladream]

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I've never seen a set up like yours, but it is intriguing. Do you raise the sides at night? How do they do leaving the bottom of the coop open, as well as having the nest boxes outside? I live on the Gulf Coast (Gulf of Mexico), so our winters aren't severe (snows about once every 7-9 years), so it seems like something like this could work.

I don't think they will be free-ranging outside of the tractor run (except when I'm around), so I would like it big enough for them to be comfortable. Even if I closed in the bottom of the coop, I would have it raised to provide more space closed within the run.

Sorry, my thoughts are scattered right now. At work, dealing with unruly clients, and drinking coffee.

 

[MTFarm]

I usually leave the sides down in the warmer weather but raise them for winter or bad weather. Depending on where it's setting I can also adjust them for shade purposes. The bottom being open has not been a problem at all, we've either lucked out for a long time on predators or the weight and design keeps them out, or both.

The boxes aren't outside, not sure what you're asking there. I guess you're referring to being on the other side of the wall from the roosting area and not being fully enclosed. Haven't been a problem so far. With the birds ranging, I have considered panels for the front that would be optional. We wanted open and 'airy' but also an area for them to roost that would offer weather protection. I've run a light in there at times.

 

[itsalladream]

Yeah, the box I was referring to was outside of the "enclosed" area. I may do something like this, or have a hardware cloth bottom.

 

[ChickieBooBoo]

I have a 5x8 chicken tractor made with 2x4s and shingles on the roof. It takes two guys to move it, but we usually need 3-4 to move it. it heavy