A chicken tractor coop is a movable, bottomless cage that is used to enclose chickens in a specified area without allowing them to free range. It is called a \"tractor\" because it can be moved from one place to another, thus allowing the chickens to dine on fresh grass and insects after a specified period. This article seeks to explore more about chicken tractor coops.
History of Chicken Tractor Coop
The history of chicken tractors dates back to the 19th century when Russian peasants used sleds to move their chickens across the snow-covered terrains. The sleds had a rooftop, which provided shelter to the chickens. Later, many farmers adopted the chicken tractor technique as it was not only several times cheaper when constructing a permanent chicken house but also helped in fertilizing the garden with the chicken manure. This technique has been adopted in modern times in small urban gardens and homesteads, and it is still effective.
Components of a Chicken Tractor Coop
The design of a chicken tractor coop is simple and straightforward. A typical chicken tractor coop comprises a wooden frame structure, wire mesh (or chicken wire), an access door, and a roof. The wire mesh should be sturdy enough to protect the chickens from predators. The bottomless cage should be about the size of a rectangular truck bed to allow exclusive movement, comfortable perching space, feeding space, and dust baths. A movable, lightweight tractor also needs to have wheels to be used to aid in the movement of the coop.
Advantages of Using a Chicken Tractor Coop
There are numerous advantages of using a chicken tractor coop. Firstly, it encourages healthy grazing, as the chickens have access to fresh air, food, and water. Secondly, chicken tractors improve soil fertility as they can be easily moved to different areas, meaning that the chickens' manure fertilizes different areas of the homestead. Thirdly, chicken tractors are easy and cheap to construct, hence are a cost-effective alternative to permanent chicken houses. Lastly, the enclosure reduces the chances of predator attacks, since the bottomless coop can be moved to a safer place in case of an attack.
Disadvantages of Using a Chicken Tractor Coop
While there are many advantages to using a chicken tractor coop, several disadvantages come along with it. Firstly, small chicken tractors are limiting in holding large flocks of birds, and housing that too many birds may lead to overcrowding, which may result in diseases. Secondly, large chicken tractors are cumbersome in maneuvering, and the coop's construction becomes more complicated as it grows in size. Lastly, chicken tractors require regular movement to prevent the chickens from overgrazing any particular area, and this movement may require additional labor.
Conclusion
In conclusion, chicken tractor coops are a lucrative investment to any gardener or homeowner, regardless of location or size. It is a simple yet effective technique of raising chickens in a healthy and safe environment while protecting them from predators. With the advantages outweighing the disadvantages, it is evident that chicken tractors are a viable alternative to permanent chicken houses.
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