Hey all. I just wanted to share a newly finished project. I had built a tractor about the same time I built a separate coop. I found the tractor to be a bit impractical because I am not that comfortable with corralling my hens into the tractor from their fenced area (which has their coop). So, I decided to coopify my tractor and build a nesting box and a roosting area on the tractor so it would be more of a complete unit.
I just finished it up today. the pictures show the original, and then a few steps into the modifications. I was a little too concentrated for every-step-of-the-way photos.
I haven't tested it out yet with the hens, but will soon. I also need to work in the food and watering systems.
I am especially proud if the sliding door idea, a little change from the hinged door. And also the roof.
Coopifying the chicken tractor with recycled wood.
Above is a trap door located at the base of the roosting area, so wood shavings can be swept out. Below that is a view of the nesting area, where hens lay eggs. Since the photo, I added a 2x2 between the two pieces of wood to keep the shavings from falling out. I also installed a platform with another 2x2 so the hens can jump up to the opening of the nesting box, or jump higher to reach the roosting area.
The opening to the coop/tractor, before I installed the door.
A look inside the coop at the lower roosting perches.
The other side of the coop.
Top panel is hinged for access.
Inside coop, the high perch.
Almost finished. I installed sliding doors on this side.
Slide open.
Finished chicken tractor/coop. The top doors below the roof open by sliding. That allows access to the roosting area for cleaning. Then below that there is a flap that allows the wood shavings to be scooped out. Below that is the nesting box where the hens lay, and below that is the door to allow the hens to enter and leave.
I just finished it up today. the pictures show the original, and then a few steps into the modifications. I was a little too concentrated for every-step-of-the-way photos.
I haven't tested it out yet with the hens, but will soon. I also need to work in the food and watering systems.
I am especially proud if the sliding door idea, a little change from the hinged door. And also the roof.
Coopifying the chicken tractor with recycled wood.
Above is a trap door located at the base of the roosting area, so wood shavings can be swept out. Below that is a view of the nesting area, where hens lay eggs. Since the photo, I added a 2x2 between the two pieces of wood to keep the shavings from falling out. I also installed a platform with another 2x2 so the hens can jump up to the opening of the nesting box, or jump higher to reach the roosting area.
The opening to the coop/tractor, before I installed the door.
A look inside the coop at the lower roosting perches.
The other side of the coop.
Top panel is hinged for access.
Inside coop, the high perch.
Almost finished. I installed sliding doors on this side.
Slide open.
Finished chicken tractor/coop. The top doors below the roof open by sliding. That allows access to the roosting area for cleaning. Then below that there is a flap that allows the wood shavings to be scooped out. Below that is the nesting box where the hens lay, and below that is the door to allow the hens to enter and leave.
