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Nov
When keeping chickens in a chicken tractor that you plan to move daily or more, it is crucial to consider the potential for predators to dig underneath the tractor.
In this article, I will discuss the risks of predators digging under the tractor, the measures you can take to prevent it and share some examples and personal experiences from chicken farmers.
Understanding the Risks of Predators Digging Under the Tractor
When keeping chickens in a chicken tractor, it’s important to be aware of the risks of predators digging under the tractor.
Predators like raccoons, foxes, coyotes, and even domestic dogs can pose a serious threat to chickens, and they can dig their way underneath the tractor to gain access to the birds.
In some cases, predators may even tip over the tractor to get to the chickens inside. It’s worth noting that predators can complete the job of digging underneath the tractor in just one night, but even if they don’t finish the job, moving the tractor won’t solve the problem, as the predator will still be able to strike again.
For this reason, it’s essential to take preventive measures to avoid these situations and keep your chickens safe.
Taking Preventive Measures to Protect Your Chickens
To protect chickens from predators, it is essential to take preventive measures. The most common measure is to install a predator skirt around the perimeter of the chicken tractor.
A predator skirt is a 2-foot-long barrier made of chicken or hardware wire that is buried at least 6 inches deep into the ground to prevent predators from digging underneath it.
This skirt should be in place on the ground at all times, except when moving the tractor when it is clipped up on the sides. By installing a predator skirt, farmers can effectively protect their chickens from digging predators.
Another recommended preventive measure is to run an electric fence around the tractor. An electric fence provides an additional layer of protection, as predators will get shocked if they try to climb over it.
However, this method may not be suitable for everyone, as it requires electricity and careful installation. If farmers decide to use an electric fence, they should ensure that it is installed correctly to prevent any harm to themselves or the chickens.
In addition to these measures, farmers can also take other preventive measures, such as keeping the area around the tractor clean and removing any debris that may attract predators.
Farmers should also be vigilant and check the tractor and the perimeter regularly for signs of predator activity.
Examples and Personal Experiences from Chicken Farmers
Learning from the experiences of other chicken farmers can be beneficial when it comes to protecting your chickens from predators.
One farmer shared their experience of putting electric netting around the tractor and turning it on at night when they first started raising meat birds. They did this out of paranoia, but it proved to be an effective solution. The electric netting provided an additional layer of protection and kept the predators at bay.
Another farmer recommended installing a 2-foot piece of chicken wire around the perimeter of the ground to prevent digging, which is similar to how they did it with their coop. This method can be effective as it creates a barrier that is difficult for predators to penetrate.
However, it is important to ensure that the wire is buried at least 6 inches deep into the ground to prevent predators from digging underneath it.
While some farmers have had success with these methods, others have had negative experiences with predators digging under their tractors. For example, one farmer shared that raccoons got under their tractor in ten minutes or less, and they had to run an electric fence around it to keep the predators at bay.
This experience highlights the importance of being vigilant and taking necessary precautions to protect your chickens from predators.
Use Your Best Judgment Based on Where You Live
It is essential to use your best judgment based on where you live when deciding whether to install a predator skirt or not. If you live in an area with a high population of predators, then a predator skirt is highly recommended.
However, if you live in an area with fewer predators, then you may not need to install a predator skirt. Ultimately, the decision to install a predator skirt or not should be based on your local circumstances.
Conclusion
Protecting your chickens from predators is an essential part of raising them, and preventing predators from digging under your chicken tractor is crucial. Installing a predator skirt or running an electric fence around the tractor are effective measures to prevent predators from gaining access to your birds.
Learning from the experiences of other chicken farmers and using your best judgment based on where you live can also be helpful in protecting your chickens. By taking these measures, you can keep your chickens safe and enjoy the benefits of raising them.
