Chicken Tractor Design Help

[TinyHandsHomestead105]

I've been pretty interested in the scovitch chicken tractor design, and I'll be doing some upgrades/modifications to them to accommodate layers/breeding groups. Wanted to know if anyone has used PVC instead of conduit for the piping on top half OR if anyone can give me easy tips on bending the conduit. Also, I'd love to see picture examples of everyone's tractor designs for layers. Nest box placement, roost placement.... whatever works best as I know those were mainly designed with meat chickens in mind. We just need them for easy moving.

 

[wrathsfarm]

Have you looked here?https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/categories/tractor-coops.17/

 

[TinyHandsHomestead105]

I will take a look! Thanks

 

[jimboms]

I used PVC instead of EMT on my suscovich tractor, has had no problem. Survived getting flipped in 60 mph winds one time (thankfully no birds in it at that point).

 

[jimboms]

I would HIGHLY recommend using the pneumatic stapler on your mesh as he recommended. A bobcat (I assume) just got my two layers a few days ago. Ripped a whole bunch of the hardware cloth right off the wood.

 

[3bird]

I've been pretty interested in the scovitch chicken tractor design, and I'll be doing some upgrades/modifications to them to accommodate layers/breeding groups. Wanted to know if anyone has used PVC instead of conduit for the piping on top half OR if anyone can give me easy tips on bending the conduit. Also, I'd love to see picture examples of everyone's tractor designs for layers. Nest box placement, roost placement.... whatever works best as I know those were mainly designed with meat chickens in mind. We just need them for easy moving.

What did you end up doing. I'm bending conduit now and failing miserably.

 

[Mother of Chaos]

What did you end up doing. I'm bending conduit now and failing miserably.

You're far braver than I am!

It looks like the poster hasn't been here for more than a year, though (Aug 2024.)

 

[3bird]

You're far braver than I am!

It looks like the poster hasn't been here for more than a year, though (Aug 2024.)

I think either I messed up something in the building of the base or the plans are wrong (they are absolutely wrong in one place). My solution was to join two pieces of 5' conduit with a 90-degree angle (flat top) and then bend the 45-degree angles at 10.5" from the bottom instead of 5" as it says in the plans. This fit my base, which is 5'10" wide (as opposed to the 6' the plans indicate. The picture below shows my assembly.

 

[Mother of Chaos]

I think either I messed up something in the building of the base or the plans are wrong (they are absolutely wrong in one place). My solution was to join two pieces of 5' conduit with a 90-degree angle (flat top) and then bend the 45-degree angles at 10.5" from the bottom instead of 5" as it says in the plans. This fit my base, which is 5'10" wide (as opposed to the 6' the plans indicate. The picture below shows my assembly.
View attachment 4218164

I know that member aart did a lot of conduit bending on runs, with beautiful results, but she sadly passed away this spring.

I don’t know the names of any current members off the top of my head who have expertise with this.

I wonder if a thread title specifically mentioning conduit bending would flush anyone out?

 

[3bird]

I know that member aart did a lot of conduit bending on runs, with beautiful results, but she sadly passed away this spring.

I don’t know the names of any current members off the top of my head who have expertise with this.

I wonder if a thread title specifically mentioning conduit bending would flush anyone out?

I think we're all set for now with the way we bent these. I actually like joining the 90-degree with the elbow, as it makes for a great connection point for the ridgepole.

Once we finish, we'll post a thread.

Thanks for all your help!