Take an old stock tank, 3 aluminum satellite dishes, a couple of iron wagon wheels, a rear wheel from a riding mower, 2 never flat bicycle wheels, a couple of cattle panels, 2 x 4's, welded wire, chicken wire, T-111 siding, styrofoam insulation, discarded commercial gym set (PVC with metal pipe inserts), etc., etc.

After losing 3 different flocks over the past 2 years to raccoons and coyotes on the very nights that I didn't lock the chickens up I knew something different was needed. Also figured into this decision was the fact that by mid-summer the entire garden pen area (about 2000 sq. ft.) was cleaned of any vegetation that was eatable. A mobile enclosed coop and run seemed to be the answer.



I used the stock tank in this configuration (first picture) last year for baby chicks so decided to re-build this. Removed and replaced the wall studs with longer studs allowing me to stand up inside the coop. The satellite dish was re-installed and styrofoam insulation was fitted between each of the aluminum ribs. The center of the dish was enlarged for the turbine mounting which would come later.

The siding was installed and two double egg nests were constructed. The second satellite dish was installed over the original which securely holds the styrofoam in place and also provides some overhang to further protect everything. To facilitate moving this monster around I placed the iron wagon wheels on each side of the coop. These were built with a pivot mount so that with the aid of a short piece of pipe I could pivot each wheel down for about 3 inches of ground clearance.

I also felt that their weight would be helpful in the Texas winds.



The 5' X 7' run was built out of the gym set and covered with welded wire and then 1" chicken wire. This run was securely bolted to the tank and a pivotable, steerable mower wheel was installed on the front of the run and has proven to be a solid unit and easily moved with a riding mower.



To allow a little more roaming room for the ladies I took the third satellite dish and circled it with 2 cattle panels and a small garden galvanized gate. The top and sides were covered with 1" chicken wire with the goal of keeping the wild birds and other varmints out.



A small chicken opening was cut in the very back and that can be backed up to the chicken tractor which has a small hinged gate on the right side next to the front
wheel.


A view of the interior.


A view of one of the nest boxes open.

I've found the best way to move the chicken tractor is to close the chickens in the tank (sliding door between the tank and pen). This way I don't have to worry about a chicken leg getting caught in the wire while moving. When it's time to move I just make sure to close the gate after the ladies have retired for the night.