Chicken Tractor

[cmhyland]

Yeah, thats what I remembered. I haven't tried it yet. I assume with a heavy wet snowstorm I might have to help the snow off the tarp, but otherwise you have to shovel out the pen anyway.... The one I saw was built the same way, the 2 ends gave more support and the 2 panels were attched to each other in the middle, I think he welded them?

I think if the snow is light and fluffy it will slide off the tarp. Several weeks back we had 3' over night and it was wet and heavy. The stuff sticks to things like paste...
If you have a snow storm that is going to be more than a few inches I would say to make a T brace and put inside to prop up under the tarp.

I think the cattle panels are an excellent solution in areas that don't get heavy snow...

Regards,
Chris

 

[MossRoad]

I wouldn't have thought the snow would stick to an open cattle panel. I thought it would fall right through. And I thought that heavy wire would support snow, too. But there it was. 2' high. A couple panels stayed up and a couple got crushed under the weight. I would think a tarp would just hold the snow more easily and crush it sooner. I suppose it all depends on the consistency of the snow. That wet heavy stuff stuck to everything. It brought down tree limbs. So, if you're going to use the cattle panels, be sure and provide some support under it. That may make all the difference.

 

[dmccarty]

Yeah, thats what I remembered. I haven't tried it yet. I assume with a heavy wet snowstorm I might have to help the snow off the tarp, but otherwise you have to shovel out the pen anyway.... The one I saw was built the same way, the 2 ends gave more support and the 2 panels were attched to each other in the middle, I think he welded them?

Who needs to weld when you have....

ZIP TIES! :thumbsup::laughing::laughing::laughing:

We had a couple bouts of snow this year, nothing major thankfully, and it all slid off the tarp. The tarp is important but also the size of the arch formed by the panel. The gauge of the wire used to build the cattle panels is important too. I know mine are quite hefty and getting them to bend required some effort. I was afraid they would spring back and whack me in the face when I was putting them in the slots to hold them. :shocked:

I never thought of snow collapsing the Tractor Tank. I will certainly watch it when we have snow events and a coating of non stick spray or Fluid Film on the tarp might be useful.

Later,
Dan