I Need Chicken Tractor Help!!!

[oceanjean]

I can't figure out how to make a chicken tractor... It's really complicated. Help? Anyone?

 

[DaddyBird]

A tractor is simply a coop with wheels so you can move it around the yard. The secret formula is coop + wheels + handles = chicken tractor.

There are some threads on the site with coop and tractor designs and pictures. I would go check them out for ideas.

 

[oceanjean]

I'm worried that if I leave the bottom without any wire that a chicken will be on the ground and get squashed while I move it somewhere else. I want them to be able to peck and scratch the ground. Kind of like these at http://www.eggcartn.com/ . The only problem is that I don't have nearly enough money to buy one... It's $1,000.00 for just the mini! Is there some trick to moving them without the chickens vulnerable to becoming pancakes? Like doing it while the chickens are asleep or something?

 

[oceanjean]

A tractor is simply a coop with wheels so you can move it around the yard. The secret formula is coop + wheels + handles = chicken tractor.

There are some threads on the site with coop and tractor designs and pictures. I would go check them out for ideas.

Thanks!!!

 

[kacklinkelly]

Hope this helps - we spent less than $200 on ours. We had some
of the wood. Bought the 2x4's and I believe could have gotten
away with smaller supports because this thing is heavy. Hubby
built it solid so coyote/dogs couldn't knock it over. Outside our
block wall is desert area. We have no wire on the under side,
so far so good. Close it up at night and they are snug and
safe. Bottom portion is the small hole wire. Stronger than
chicken wire. Not sure if you can see in the photo but
the wire is attached with screws/nuts and are very secure.
Our son's dog has attempted to jump on it several times
"to play with the chickens - yeah right" without issue.

I did alot of research on the internet and found a plan that
my hubby thought worked for our yard. Dimensions are
approx 5 feet tall and 8 feet long. Our 3 girls have
roughly 40 square feet of space on the bottom. Their
nest box is up top (15 gallon container that a tree came in.
he cut it out, sanded the rough sides, made it comfy for them and filled it with bedding) They
are not picky. Ours don't hardly use the roost - they nestle
together on the floor near to where the ramp opens up.
Silly birds.

Since this picture, he has added wheels that he puts on
and takes off. Also added handles
(metal poles that slide in & out) each time he moves it.
There are lots of ways to do these. He doesn't mind doing
things the hard way. It's so solid that I can't move it myself.
Have seen some that children can move. Not sure how safe
they are if you have predators to contend with.

We have also added tarp to provide shade for the girls.
They haven't complained so far

. You will be surprised
to find lots of things that people have repurposed for a coop or
tractor. Doesn't have to be expensive.
Enjoy the process and make it yours.

 

[oceanjean]

Hope this helps - we spent less than $200 on ours. We had some
of the wood. Bought the 2x4's and I believe could have gotten
away with smaller supports because this thing is heavy. Hubby
built it solid so coyote/dogs couldn't knock it over. Outside our
block wall is desert area. We have no wire on the under side,
so far so good. Close it up at night and they are snug and
safe. Bottom portion is the small hole wire. Stronger than
chicken wire. Not sure if you can see in the photo but
the wire is attached with screws/nuts and are very secure.
Our son's dog has attempted to jump on it several times
"to play with the chickens - yeah right" without issue.

I did alot of research on the internet and found a plan that
my hubby thought worked for our yard. Dimensions are
approx 5 feet tall and 8 feet long. Our 3 girls have
roughly 40 square feet of space on the bottom. Their
nest box is up top (15 gallon container that a tree came in.
he cut it out, sanded the rough sides, made it comfy for them and filled it with bedding) They
are not picky. Ours don't hardly use the roost - they nestle
together on the floor near to where the ramp opens up.
Silly birds.

Since this picture, he has added wheels that he puts on
and takes off. Also added handles
(metal poles that slide in & out) each time he moves it.
There are lots of ways to do these. He doesn't mind doing
things the hard way. It's so solid that I can't move it myself.
Have seen some that children can move. Not sure how safe
they are if you have predators to contend with.

We have also added tarp to provide shade for the girls.
They haven't complained so far

. You will be surprised
to find lots of things that people have repurposed for a coop or
tractor. Doesn't have to be expensive.
Enjoy the process and make it yours.

Where's the awesome post button? Don't forget to post this awesome tractor in https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/801083/chicken-tractor-and-coop-design-listings#post_11570983
One question: How do you get the eggs?

 

[kacklinkelly]

Thanks,
the door that's open is where the nest box is placed.
We open the door to get to the eggs daily.
I'll take a picture for you tomorrow if you want to see it.

We repurposed as much as we could. Might be a little
rough for some, but it works for us. This is our first
time with back yard chickens. There are a few things I
would do differently next time around. Can give you more
info if you want it. Just let me know.

The 3 girls give us 2 eggs almost daily. Our olive egger
is a slacker and not laying regularly yet. (she's 38 weeks
old - what the...)

 

[oceanjean]

Also, what's the pipe for? sorry if i'm annoying...

what the what?

 

[oceanjean]

And yes please, I'd love the pic and info.

 

[cknkids]

MoonShadows posted this link earlier today http://ana-white.com/2012/05/plans/frame-chicken-coop

I was looking desperately for this type of instruction a year ago. My only recommendation would be to use 1/2" hardware cloth not chickenwire.
Good luck and enjoy!