What Size for 25 Meaties

[below_gravity]

I will be ordering 25 meaties in two weeks and would like to be able to put them in a chicken tractor. What size would be appropriate? I was planning on letting then free range but we discovered that we now have a resident fox family when two of my hens went missing...and almost a third who is now missing her tail feathers. We are in the process of "removing" the fox family, but until we can get a hold of them the ladies are on lockdown.

I would like to do coop with attached run. The tractor can be heavier as we have a tractor to move it with if necessary. I would like it to be a tad higher as it will be out in the cow pasture. I am currently looking through all the designs but many of them are way too small for what I think i need. Suggestions/reccomendations are welcome!!! I would like to spend less than $250 if possble. We have lots of "crap" around so it shouldn't be too hard. Im interested in the PVC coup designs that I have seen here before, but again, I was having a hard time finding anything.

 

[patandchickens]

Check in the "Meat Birds Etc" section of the BYC forum, there are LOTS of designs for pvc, hoop, or wooden tractors for 25ish meaties

YOu will be wanting something in the 10x10 or larger range, and it would still be helpful to plan to process some of them earlyish to make more room for the remaining ones as they get larger.

Good luck, have fun,

Pat

 

[below_gravity]

Thanks! Headin over there now!

 

[Zahboo]

I personally would do 16x8 or 16x16. That way you don't have to cut plywood. Then do it 4' tall so you have it the right height of plywood.

Something like this

but larger; would that work for your needs?

 

[below_gravity]

Quote:
Im confursed. I like the pic you have there. Where is the plywood involved? The roof?

 

[Zahboo]

Yes but if its for full time housing they need wind protection on the sides.Not all around but to block drafts and rai.

 

[CoopCrazy]

I made a 8X9 tractor for my meaties .. using 2x4s and cattle panels.. My month olds have been out a few days now and love it..

I made this almost entirely by myself took a few days and a few bruises/bloody hands.. But its done and built like fort knox.. I cut the cattle panels with a grinder then wove the wire together using some massive bolt cutters and it is strong,.. whole thing stood up to 45 mile an hour winds last night \\

 

[below_gravity]

Quote:
Do you have more spec for it? I like the looks if it and the fox sure as sh*t isn't getting through cattle fencing.

 

[CoopCrazy]

Quote:
Do you have more spec for it? I like the looks if it and the fox sure as sh*t isn't getting through cattle fencing.

I will find the thread for it .. if you look up hoophouses in the search feature you should find a bunch also try the tractors in the coops section..

Here is the one I used for inspiration... https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=172799

My cattle panels have very thick quage wire.. which is a pain for bending but made it solid as a brick house when I wove the wire together.. I can get some more close up pics tonight for you and post them tommorow.. I am kinda embaressed by it so wasnt gonna post pics .. But hey i figured it may be ugly but it does a great job.. We will be adding wheels on the back to elevate it off the ground a lil and make for easier moving..