What kind of floor is in your meatie's chicken tractor?

[krcote]

Here is a photo of what we built and used. We had 50 Freedom Rangers in this 2' x 10' x 12' tractor, 1/2 covered by metal roof panels. We moved it every day so they had fresh grass.

 

[bigredfeather]

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Bet you don't have to worry about that tractor blowing away, as it looks very heavy.

 

[krcote]

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Bet you don't have to worry about that tractor blowing away, as it looks very heavy.

Nope! Irene had nothin' on us

The great part is that it is light enough to move with one person if necessary, but it's ideal to have two. Next spring, we will get some wheels on it like we intended to this year.

 

[bigredfeather]

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Bet you don't have to worry about that tractor blowing away, as it looks very heavy.

Nope! Irene had nothin' on us

The great part is that it is light enough to move with one person if necessary, but it's ideal to have two. Next spring, we will get some wheels on it like we intended to this year.

If you considering building another or tractor or 2 in the future, I would recommend one of these. That way you only have to have one set of running gear for multiple tractors.

 

[kfacres]

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Yes, I understand the concept and I intend to take advantage of the benefits it provides. I will increase my garden space next year. The tractor will be placed so the manure is an important source of organic fertilizer for me. I am relieved to know that most all of you just let them stay on the ground and don't have an enclosure at night. I have a large round igloo shaped dome with no bottom in it that I can put in there at night with a red light bulb for a bit of heat until they get used to being outside. They can go in or out at will. The weather will turn colder next week with temps starting downward into the 40s at nights so I think the shock of just tossing them in there might cost me a bird or two if I don't provide a gradual transition.

They are only 2 weeks old today and have been brought inside at night so far. But you all have assured me that I don't need a permanent floor. Hey, I'm all about making this as easy as possible, with keeping in mind that I don't want to lose any birds. So far, had only one die for whatever reason; he was a large healthy looking one, and then there is one with a leg that juts out to the side which I think is broken, so I keep him separate from the others because he was nearly killed by them. Other than that, they look great and are growing like weeds, and very healthy. In fact, they are about as normal as any chicken I've ever seen with regard to their physical condition. So far, so good! Thanks so much for your help.

now wait.. 2 weeks old is a completely different story... even at this young, they need some kind of protection against the elements. I'm not sure where you live, but here in northern IL, I wouldn't put a chicken outside in the elements until they were fully feathered out, including 'head down' if in the winter.... and even then... I think I would give them some shelter...

I guess it depends on where you are, but if you're in part of the world like I am, our grass is pretty well gone, and those birds won't benefit much from being in a tractor at all...

 

[WVDan44]

We still have lush grass, in fact, with all the rain we've had in Sept. the grass is taller than usual because we can't always get it mowed between rains. Our grass will be around well past the time of processing. Because they are so young, these little fellers will need some extra protection against the elements. That's why I'm going to do a combination tractor/movable hutch so they can still have some protection and a bit of heat. I'm using all found materials except for some lumber and transparent roofing I'll need to purchase. I think I can keep them in good health. Transparent roofing will let a good amount of light in and break the wind really well.

That's a great photo of a tractor and it would be great for mature birds. Mine are still looking like squabs LOL but they need to have their own place because they are starting to be able to fly out of low containment when I pop off the lid-- I know, many will not believe that CX's can be that athletic, but I'm telling you, I've really made sure these birds get exercise and lots of TLC. So far we've had no joint problems except for one with an apparent dislocated or broken leg, and only one sudden death syndrome. I ordered 25, they sent 26, I still have 25. Also, I don't feed the round the clock. After the first week I've been taking their feeders away for 10-12 hours and let them get some rest. So, it may take me a bit longer to get them up to butchering weight, but it'll be worth it to not have a bunch of invalid birds on my hands.

 

[kfacres]

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I poor it to our CX birds... let em grow.. the more they eat, the bigger they get.. the faster I can kill em... Those with leg problems.. just become game hens, and are appreciated all the much more... about 5 weeks old, I'm getting the iche for fresh chicken... and this gives me a great reason to satisfy that hunger...

 

[WVDan44]

Hey, that's the only reason I'd go to the trouble of raising these birds. I'm lookin' forward to a tasty dinner. This is my first experience at raising "meat" birds. Back when, we would just pick out an older one and off it whenever we wanted a chicken dinner. Chickens those days were just chickens with the exception that we recognized what the folks called a "dominecker" and once we did get a breed called "Indian River" but as I say, they were just chickens to us. They laid eggs or they didn't and went to the skillet. I'm working out my details with this batch, and the next will be raised outdoors under the stars with as little work as I can get away with. As for this bunch, they are 2 weeks old and average around 3/4 to a pound already, which is about what the feed chart says they ought to be. They should double in size over the next 8-10 days. Thanks for your comments.