up:: La Finka - Projects MOC
tags:: #lafinka #project
skills:: #carpentry
lead:: @Niko
status:: #status/idea
start:: #y/2024/fall
estimated completion:: #y/2024/fall

Project - Overview

ToDo:: Write Overview

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Purpose

The purpose of this project is to create a mobile chicken tractor for 8-12 chickens, integrating permaculture practices and promoting sustainable poultry farming at La Finka. This aligns with our mission of sustainability and innovation in agriculture.

Objectives

• To construct a mobile chicken tractor that supports 8-12 chickens.
• Ensure easy access for egg collection, feeding, and cleaning.
• Design the tractor to be easily movable across different areas of the property.

Background Info

The need for a mobile chicken housing solution was identified to enhance our permaculture landscape, provide organic pest control, and produce eggs for the community. Since we have large property that is under different states of development it would be ideal to be able to move the chickens to where they are needed most.

A chicken tractor is not only mobile, but acts as a compost making machine.

Listen to permaculture master Geoff Lawton explain the functional use of Chicken Tractor.

Project - Details

Scope

The project includes the design, construction, and implementation of a mobile chicken tractor. It excludes permanent structures and is solely focused on the mobility aspect to allow pasture rotation.

Milestones

A - Design Phase

• Complete the design and blueprints of the chicken tractor, ensuring all requirements for mobility and accessibility are met.
  • Nest Box
  • Roost
  • Ease of access / cleaning
  • Storage of materials

B - Construction Phase

• Construct the chicken tractor using sustainable materials and practices.

C - Implementation Phase

• Introduce chickens to the tractor and begin integration into the farm's ecosystem.

Tasks

• Finalize design by [specific date].
• Acquire all materials by [specific date].
• Complete construction by [specific date].

Project - Resources

Budget

Estimated Budget - $800

Materials & Tools

• Lumber [tasktype:: acq]
• Wire mesh [tasktype:: acq]
• Wheels [tasktype:: acq]
• Hinges and latches [tasktype:: acq]
• Automatic door [tasktype:: acq]
  • Automatic Door
• Electric Fence [tasktype:: acq]
  • https://www.premier1supplies.com/poultry/fencing.php?fence_id=30
  • https://www.premier1supplies.com/c/poultry-supplies/electric-netting

Equipment

• Saw - Hammer - Drill

Design Notes

• Chicken Nest Box
  • Size: Min 12" x 12"
  • Include lip to hold nesting material in place
  • Ease of access to grab eggs
• Roost - Flat Bar (1x4 / 2x4 Lengthwise)
• Ventilation
• Automatic Feeder
• Automatic Watering
• Cleaning Access

References / Examples:

• Portable Chicken Coop Designs
• https://youtu.be/a6GIX1BuhtM
• Access to roost
• https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/the-coop-de-grass.48524/
• MAIN PAGE: Backyard Chickens
• [The Chicken Chick]](https://the-chicken-chick.com/)

Documentation and Media

Photos and Videos:

Links or embedded media showing progress or highlights.

• Initial Sketches & Designs

Documents:

Links to relevant documents, such as plans, blueprints, and research papers.

• Link to Design
• Link to Construction Guide

Technologies

• Insert_Technologies_Required

Questions / Unknowns:

• Determining the best materials for long-lasting mobility.
• Ensuring the structure is predator-proof.

Collaboration and Participation

How to Get Involved

Community members can contribute by assisting in the design feedback, construction, and care of the chickens once the project is operational. Volunteers for construction are welcome and needed. Please contact for more details.

Potential Partnerships

• Tractor Supply Store?