Hoop coop grow out pen

[montain_dweller]

I am planning to build a portable hoop coop to use as a grow out pen for my younger birds. Those that do not show laying potential or are simply uneesed in my layer flock will be butchered at the appropriate age.
I am looking for feedback on desin ideas, why people have had success with as well as what they have struggled with.
I do have predators, however I mange them well and they stay away most of the time. Winters are cold and windy, summers are cool and sunny.

 

[HEChicken]

I love my hoop coop - it is not portable though as it is made from livestock panels and lumber that together get heavy in a hurry. I imagine if you use PVC pipe and chicken wire, it would be possible to make it portable. I love that rain and snow don't collect on it to cause it to cave in, as can happen with a dog run covered with a tarp. And, it was straightforward and easy to put together with very little help. I plan to build another this spring. If you are interested in design ideas, there is a link in my signature to photos and description of the building process of my hoop coop.

 

[colburg]

You can build and move any size hoop coop. It's just a matter of whether you want to move it by hand, 4-wheeler, truck, or tractor.

How many chickens are you wanting to keep in there?

My hoop coop is 32'x13', made with 10 cattle panels, some wood and tin. It has 4 tires that lift it for easy moving. I can move it by hand, but my wife can't.

A pretty detailed description of the build is here https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/707319/50-chicken-chicken-tractor-pics-and-progress

 

[montain_dweller]

Going to build it so the base is on skis and can be drug around. By hand preferably, but I can move it with my truck if needs.
Thanks for the detailed build as well, have you had issues with predators digging under?

 

[colburg]

No, but we have an 8' game fence around our orchard, which is where they spend most of their time. I've only seen skunks and raccoons, and 1 fox in the orchard. But, even when in the pasture, I've never seen an attempted digging.

 

[montain_dweller]

I am planning no more then 25-50 birds. 50 being absolute max. The cattle panel idea is awesome, where does one source them?

 

[colburg]

Tractor supply, Sutherlands, Gebo's, and McCoys around here. Most any farm and ranch supply store will have them in stock.