I'm going to build one of these. I ordered, 1/2 stainless for the floor and 1inch stainless mesh for the sides. I can see how they could get pulled from the side. I already have the plastic, will shield the sides a bit with it. I use the another plastic, called FRP kitchen vinyl to cover tables, to prevent condensation ruining them.
For those interested in using a tractor for quail I recommend having side boards along the sides to protect the quail. I didn't have this on the video, but I have since learned this is a good idea.
Zeb Akers Quail will stand by the edge of the cage and predators will grab them and pull them piece by piece through the wire. The side board adds protection
Did this end up working? I’m having trouble seeing how you’d clean it and collect eggs. I wouldn’t want to kneel on the ground every time I need to grab the eggs.
+Rachel Shen All Depends on what you are working with. We don't have many problems, but we also rely on good guard dogs. A larger determined predator can break through a pvc and even a light wood tractor. Chicken wire will not stop larger predators either, so there is always compromises involved with everything done in life.
Do your feeders and waterers allow the quail to take care of themselves should you decide to go on a 2 week travel vacation? Or do you have to develop a network of interested friends who can take care of each other's animals when someone travels. Kennels will look after dogs and cats, but I worry whether livestock might prevent me from visiting family.
+Ozark Mountain Girl I didn't winter the quail in it, I put them in a large colony cage to over winter in. While this cage was stored by the field edge I didn't see it and hit it with the tractor breaking the feed and water silos. I have not gotten around to fixing it yet.I wish I would have made this cage with 1/2" wire. Regular chicken wire isn't small enough for young quail.
kmonnier The only problem I have had with the poly sheeting is that it is brittle when it is very cold. The stuff is easy to work with and very durable.
Not on this exact tractor as it was a one off with reclaimed materials. I do plan on making a more detailed construction video on some of my other tractors however.
kmonnier Most people keep their quail in wire cages, having the tractor on the ground lets grass come up through the wire and makes a better floor. I have had no problem keeping quail either way. I keep them in the tractor and some hutches with a wire floor. They always have somewhere to go without a wire floor.
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I'm going to build one of these. I ordered, 1/2 stainless for the floor and 1inch stainless mesh for the sides. I can see how they could get pulled from the side. I already have the plastic, will shield the sides a bit with it. I use the another plastic, called FRP kitchen vinyl to cover tables, to prevent condensation ruining them.
Great job on the pen! I LOVE the design. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks
For those interested in using a tractor for quail I recommend having side boards along the sides to protect the quail. I didn't have this on the video, but I have since learned this is a good idea.
I love this setup, especially the bug light! What led you to add side boards to the tractor?
Zeb Akers Quail will stand by the edge of the cage and predators will grab them and pull them piece by piece through the wire. The side board adds protection
Thanks for the quick response! That is awful to hear, though not surprising. I'll keep that in mind if I end up getting some.
What do you mean side boards? How much of the wire would you cover?
Instead of side planks, you were considering using a mesh with smaller eyelets?
Love your work
Thanks
Did this end up working? I’m having trouble seeing how you’d clean it and collect eggs. I wouldn’t want to kneel on the ground every time I need to grab the eggs.
Love the idea for key clips to close the coop door! Does this keep out predators?
+Rachel Shen All Depends on what you are working with. We don't have many problems, but we also rely on good guard dogs. A larger determined predator can break through a pvc and even a light wood tractor. Chicken wire will not stop larger predators either, so there is always compromises involved with everything done in life.
Do your feeders and waterers allow the quail to take care of themselves should you decide to go on a 2 week travel vacation? Or do you have to develop a network of interested friends who can take care of each other's animals when someone travels. Kennels will look after dogs and cats, but I worry whether livestock might prevent me from visiting family.
The capacity isn't enough to go two weeks, probably only one week.
How is this working for you now? Did you winter them in it?
+Ozark Mountain Girl I didn't winter the quail in it, I put them in a large colony cage to over winter in. While this cage was stored by the field edge I didn't see it and hit it with the tractor breaking the feed and water silos. I have not gotten around to fixing it yet.I wish I would have made this cage with 1/2" wire. Regular chicken wire isn't small enough for young quail.
did you have any problem with expansion and contraction of the poly sheeting?
kmonnier The only problem I have had with the poly sheeting is that it is brittle when it is very cold. The stuff is easy to work with and very durable.
Can you do a video on how to make it?
Not on this exact tractor as it was a one off with reclaimed materials. I do plan on making a more detailed construction video on some of my other tractors however.
awesome!!!
Thanks,
Hey, do you have any quail for sale?
Not for several weeks. Putting some eggs in the incubator soon.
did the quail seem bothered at all by walking on wire all the time?
kmonnier Most people keep their quail in wire cages, having the tractor on the ground lets grass come up through the wire and makes a better floor. I have had no problem keeping quail either way. I keep them in the tractor and some hutches with a wire floor. They always have somewhere to go without a wire floor.
thanks, you rock!
Joseph Lewis, I am going to rip this off so hard.
+Al C Go for it.
Can you come to my house and make me one? I am useless at DIY!!!
Sorry, wish someone would build mine!
That wire is not great for their feet or harvesting bugs.
But it keeps them in