Winter proofing a chicken tractor

[KMedley]

So chicken math is already a STRUGGLE for this new chicken owner... I have a coop that comfortably fits 6 chickens - could probably do 8 if I went by the minimum sq ft space/chicken but I want them to be happy and have room. With that said, I have my 6 and there are also these pullets I really want so I found this chicken tractor on Craigslist that is handmade, wooden, with only a hardware cloth bottom. Is there any way I could make the tractor winter proof enough to survive an Upstate NY winter? (Average winter low/high temps of 12-35 degrees)

 

[RojoMarz]

Picture or details of the tractor?

 

[KMedley]

Picture or details of the tractor?

About 3x4’ and hardware cloth bottom. It looks like there are 2 tiny vents at the peaks, but I would make those a bit larger if I were to get it.

 

[rosemarythyme]

That's pretty tiny (think of headroom) and sorely in need of light and ventilation. Where would they roost, and nest? Was the plan to keep them entirely separate or are they going to join the rest of the flock?

If they're all supposed to be in one flock, I'd strongly urge you to consider increasing your coop and run space to allow for more birds first, then get birds once you are set up for it.

 

[RoosterWhisperer]

So chicken math is already a STRUGGLE for this new chicken owner... I have a coop that comfortably fits 6 chickens - could probably do 8 if I went by the minimum sq ft space/chicken but I want them to be happy and have room. With that said, I have my 6 and there are also these pullets I really want so I found this chicken tractor on Craigslist that is handmade, wooden, with only a hardware cloth bottom. Is there any way I could make the tractor winter proof enough to survive an Upstate NY winter? (Average winter low/high temps of 12-35 degrees)

Thats cold...

 

[Ab1010]

If you're going to use that I'd put a window in the top even corrugated plastic would work great. And that's plywood isn't it? Probably not water proof. And the ground will be a sopping mess 8f it rains the chickens will be exposed and have no where to go. You would need to build roosting bars and a place for them to get off the ground and huddle together. I honestly wouldNt do that as a winter thing.

 

[Alaskan]

It doesn't look like a good winter choice to me...

Besides the lack of light, ventilation, and space/head room, that will get completely covered in snow.

 

[KMedley]

That's pretty tiny (think of headroom) and sorely in need of light and ventilation. Where would they roost, and nest? Was the plan to keep them entirely separate or are they going to join the rest of the flock?

If they're all supposed to be in one flock, I'd strongly urge you to consider increasing your coop and run space to allow for more birds first, then get birds once you are set up for it.

Yes, that’s a good point about roosting. The goal would be for them to all be one flock eventually. I’ll keep designing my dream coop and maybe in a year or two can expand properly. Thank you!

 

[KMedley]

It doesn't look like a good winter choice to me...

Besides the lack of light, ventilation, and space/head room, that will get completely covered in snow.

Thank you for the input! I could definitely address the light and ventilation, but as someone else pointed out I don’t think I’d be able to get a proper roosting bar in there :/ I’ll be patient and wait for Spring lol