Chicken Tractor

My mom and dad came down for Easter and my dad brought with him his design for a chicken tractor. You may be wondering, "What in the world is a CHICKEN TRACTOR??"  It's essentially an open bottomed cage for chickens.  You put them on grass, and they scratch, peck, eat bugs, grass, and fertilize your yard.  Every day or so, you move the tractor, to a fresh spot and repeat.  

Most of the plans dad and I looked at were made out of wood, and dad wanted something that was bit more lightweight and manageable for a little lady like myself.  So, dad, being the mechanical engineer that he is, designed a tractor out of PVC.  Originally, it was to be 6x20 hoop-house style.  Our plans quickly changed...

It set up very quickly, but we soon realized after putting the first 20 foot section of wire on, we needed bracing.  

So, we all put our heads together, and decided to make it into a 6'x10' chicken tractor framed like a house.  It turned out great.  The key to great designs is having the ability to be flexible and roll with the punches.  

I then went out and bought 25 Cornish Rock broiler chicks.  They are the little yellow ones above.

Gandolf had to inspect his new charges...

I also bought 8 Cuckoo Marans at the same time (the little black ones).  

Gandolf really loves his job.  He is so sweet with them.  They cuddled up in and around his arms and tummy to stay warm.  He was sure not to move.  The CR broilers quickly grew, and now, at 3 weeks old, were ready for their transition to the chicken tractor.  Pyper and Raegan helped me last night.

We sat out there for about an hour watching the chicks peck, scratch, eat, and poo.  Fun times on the farm.  Especially when Pyper asked when we're going to eat them.  Gotta love a girl who knows where her food comes from!