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Chicken Tractor
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Next, attach the wire along the top spine and rungs with wire zip ties. Fold excess wire under and secure tightly at the bottom with ties. (or excess wire could be cut flush with the base of the tractor and secured with ties. |
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Repeat this process for the other side.
Next, cut a section of wire for the end, and attach with the ties. When securing the wire, be sure there are no areas that a chick could get through or get stick in.
Next make a door for the open end by measuring and cutting the last piece of wire, and cutting the remaining 10� section of � � PVC to the length of the open end. Attach the wire at the top with wire ties, and following down one half of the opening. Attach the cut piece of PVC to the flap. The remaining half of the wire serves as the opening; the tied half serves as the hinge. I bought clips to hold the door closed, but they have not been needed. |
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The door can be held or clipped open, and gravity keeps it closed. |
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Depending on the weather, you could simply put a tarp at one end for shade, leaving 2/3 of the tractor open wire; or cover the whole thing with plastic sheeting, taping it on.
We used 2 heat light fixtures equipped with 250W heat bulbs for heat. PLEASE be sure your fixture is approved for the larger wattage! The heights of the lamps can be adjusted as the birds grow or the temperature changes. With this set up on an earth floor we were able to keep week old chicks very warm and cozy outside during snowy weather that dipped into the 20�s at night. |
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What you end up with is a 5� X 10� X 4� tall moveable structure that easily holds 25 broilers to finish. With the plastic removed and adding a tarp at one end for shade it can be used during the summer months also. I�m already starting plans for my next one, it will be twice as large and taller so it�s easier to move around in. (Although it is my youngest daughter�s job to feed the chicks, and she has no trouble with the height-she�s 9). Here�s a pic of the completed project. |
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