PVC Chicken tractor with shadecloth

[sonstoffie]

Good day,

We have invested in portable electrified poultry netting to fence off an area for geese and chickens.

The next step is to build a safe portable coop/tractor for the chickens were they can stay overnight (within the fenced off area), protected from the elements of nature. A chicken run is not required, we want them to range freely during the day within the fenced off area.

Some resources with coop/tractor ideas include the below:

• https://www.pvcplans.com/pvc-plans
• https://project.theownerbuildernetwork.co/2017/01/27/pvc-chicken-tractor/

We are leaning towards a PVC frame design with a thick shade cloth and perhaps a lightweight material like poly carb sheets for a roof. No wire around the frame, just shade cloth.

Please share your thoughts.

We live in a sub-tropical climate with abundant sunshine and lots of rain in summer.

Thanks
Christine

 

[21hens-incharge]

First thoughts...

PVC doesn't hold up well in the elements.
It would be prone to being blown away if not strongly anchored.
Shade cloth lets rain and wind in.
Poly panels can act as wind sails and rip off or aid in the whole structure being blown over.

Predators in your area?

 

[sonstoffie]

First thoughts...

PVC doesn't hold up well in the elements.
It would be prone to being blown away if not strongly anchored.
Shade cloth lets rain and wind in.
Poly panels can act as wind sails and rip off or aid in the whole structure being blown over.

Predators in your area?

Thank you for your thoughts, it is valuable.

Yes, we have predators and hope to keep them out with the electrified netting (height: 1.12m)...? To name some we have seen: caracal, jackals, genets, serval wild cat, African wild cat and civet.

 

[ChaosMom]

Thank you for your thoughts, it is valuable.

Yes, we have predators and hope to keep them out with the electrified netting (height: 1.12m)...? To name some we have seen: caracal, jackals, genets, serval wild cat, African wild cat and civet.

I can’t be the only person who clicked on your profile to see your location! Best of luck with your plans.