Quick Answer: How To Build A Meat Chicken Tractor?

How many meat chickens can you have in a tractor?

The number of birds per tractor varies with the breed, but as a rule of thumb, a laying hen needs four square feet of room, while a broiler need two square feet. Thus, a thirty-two-square-foot tractor can hold up to eight layers or sixteen broilers.

How big of a chicken tractor do I need for 25 meat birds?

Not necessary, but if desired, confine the birds to an exercise area which provides between 5 and 10 sq. feet per bird. If you use mobile chicken tractors to raise meat birds you should provide 3 square feet per bird and move the pen at least three times a week.

Can meat birds live in chicken tractor?

Raising Meat Birds In A Tractor. Tractors are a great option to use when raising meat chickens. I have personally raised broad-breasted turkeys and Ranger chicken varieties in a tractor with great success.

What does a chicken tractor need?

But all chicken tractors are comprised of a few basic components: an enclosed nesting area, a chicken “run” covered with wire mesh to exclude predators, and a frame with wheels so you can pull it around.

How much does it cost to build a chicken tractor?

Chicken Coop Costs by Style

Chicken Coop Style	Average Costs
A-Frame	$200 – $300
Tractor	$300 – $500
Walk-In	$300 – $1,000
All-In-One	$1,000 – $3,000

Can chickens live in chicken tractor?

Chicken tractors are movable pens that you can use in your yard or farm. They give chickens access to fresh grass and soil and also help fertilize the soil. We keep all of our chickens in ‘ chicken tractors ‘. If you’ve never heard of chicken tractors, they are just a movable cage that chickens live in part or full time.

How much land do you need for a chicken tractor?

If we move the tractors three times per day (we find this really helps with keeping large numbers of birds clean and mobile), it will take about a quarter acre per tractor or 300 broilers per acre. If you are doing multiple batches per year, you may need other pastures to avoid excessively fertilizing the ground.

How much area do meat chickens need?

Floor Space: At least 1.5 square feet per bird, however, 2 square feet recommended. Litter: Wet and compacted litter is of special concern with meat-type birds. These conditions cause breast sores and leg weaknesses and give the carcasses an undesirable appearance.

At what age do you slaughter chickens?

The chicks take three to four months to reach a good size, and can be butchered as late as 8 months old. After that, they tend to get tough. Many people choose Cornish Cross Hybrids for their meat birds. These birds have been genetically bred to eat, grow and put on weight fast.

How often should I move my chicken tractor?

In order to prevent bare patches the chicken tractor needs to be moved every two-three days.

How many meat chickens does a family of 4 need?

If you’re trying to work out how many chickens you need to supply enough eggs for a family of 4, the golden rule is three chickens per two members of a household. So that means 6 chickens would be plenty. There are a number of factors to take into consideration, however.

Is a chicken tractor considered free range?

In chicken tractors, the chickens are as free – ranging as they are on the ground. While most people build chicken tractors for egg production, you can easily raise chickens for meat in a chicken tractor too.

Do meat chickens need a coop?

How to Choose a Coop for Meat Birds. You will need a coop for your chickens, just like for your laying hens. Coops for meat birds are often larger so that you can raise 50, 100, or more birds at a time. They don’t need roosts because meat birds don’t like to roost.

Can you free range broilers?

Production Free Range Broilers reach about 6 pounds live weight at about 9 to 11 weeks. Free Range Broiler chicks are a slow growing chicken breed which is great for pastured poultry and free range broiler poultry farms.