My new chicken tractor

[aart]

Old thread alert...Looks like this member hasn't been active since 6-2013.

@bailey43 you still monitoring BYC??

 

[NeTexasDude]

great job.... saw a company in Conway AR that sells some coops JUST like this, but with a different wheel set up. Does these wheels work good? This coop is much more eye appealing than my tank and probably weighs half. Mine is over 1000 lbs but does NOT flex one centimeter. I'm trying to figure a wheel system so I can pull it with out digging up yard either direction.

 

[TropBeaucoup]

Hey NeTexasDude - just an FYI that this post is outdated. I had asked him a question to and somebody from the site picked up that it was an outdated thread. So I don't think you will be hearing back!! On another note, maybe we can swap thoughts on another thread? We are also building a chicken coop tractor!

 

[Danny2912]

Hi, I really like your design. I already have a small house. I would love to know how you did the run part.
I like the idea of the big tires. I would just be sure to air them up frequently. Once they break loose from the rim, you have a problem.
Thanks, Danny.

 

[javalady62]

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Hello everyone I'm new to chickens and we got 6 chicks back on easter.
I was wanting to build a chicken tractor for several reasons.
First I rent my house and didn't want a coop that was too hard to take with me if I move.
Second I have a big yard and liked the idea of being able to move the tractor every few days to a fresh patch of grass.
Third I like the idea of not having to clean the run .
So I have been looking at all of the coop pictures here and elsewhere on the net to get some good ideas.
I came up with a 4x10 coop and run.The coop is 4x4 with 3 nesting boxes elevated 18 inches above the run.
My biggest concern was what type of wheels to put on it.I've seen several with smaller lawn mower type wheels.
which to me don't seem like they would roll very good.I wanted a bigger tire that would roll easy and didn't want a cantilever system to raise the wheels.So I bought 2 trailer jacks on sale at nothern tools for $20 each and 2 wheel barrel wheels from amazon for $40 for both of them.I took the bottom wheel off the jack and cut the bracket down some.Then drilled a hole to mount the wheel barrel wheel.I couldn't be happier with the way they work.It takes less that a minute the lift the tractor about 6 inches off the ground and it moves real easy on the grass.I'm guessing my tractor weighs about 350 to 400 lbs.
For a handle to move it I have a large wooden dowel that slides into two angled 2x4's My door on the run is in the front so I need a handle the was removeable.I didn't take to many pics of the construction and still need some pics of the finished inside to post.
This coop was a joy to build and it took me about 4 days to finish.

 

[javalady62]

Hello there. I want this kind of wheels! I just can't find them ready made, so could you please give pictures on the connection or joining of the wheels to the bottom of the jack ?

 

[raingarden]

You probably want larger wheels than what comes standard on the boat trailer tongue jack. You can try removing the standard wheel and running a bolt through both sides of the yoke. The new bold will need to be long enough to accomodate the yoke plus the new wheel. The new wheel will be attached off to he side of the yoke instead of being sandwiched inside the yoke. It will not be as strong that way, but may be strong enough. The other option is to take the jacks and new wheels to a welding shop.

 

[Krugerrand]

Here is a newer thread of somebody who copied this idea:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/check-out-my-chicken-tractor.1456418/post-24496139

This user hasn't been around in over 6-months. But, there are some more pictures that might be helpful. Per the thread, Harbor Freight or Tractor Supply were the intended stores for buying the wheels.

Hello there. I want this kind of wheels! I just can't find them ready made, so could you please give pictures on the connection or joining of the wheels to the bottom of the jack ?

 

[Sasafras496]

Any chance you have design/plans put together for this? How has this held up? We are looking to get back into chickens and I will only do a tractor.

 

[TokoBird]

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Hello everyone I'm new to chickens and we got 6 chicks back on easter.
I was wanting to build a chicken tractor for several reasons.
First I rent my house and didn't want a coop that was too hard to take with me if I move.
Second I have a big yard and liked the idea of being able to move the tractor every few days to a fresh patch of grass.
Third I like the idea of not having to clean the run .
So I have been looking at all of the coop pictures here and elsewhere on the net to get some good ideas.
I came up with a 4x10 coop and run.The coop is 4x4 with 3 nesting boxes elevated 18 inches above the run.
My biggest concern was what type of wheels to put on it.I've seen several with smaller lawn mower type wheels.
which to me don't seem like they would roll very good.I wanted a bigger tire that would roll easy and didn't want a cantilever system to raise the wheels.So I bought 2 trailer jacks on sale at nothern tools for $20 each and 2 wheel barrel wheels from amazon for $40 for both of them.I took the bottom wheel off the jack and cut the bracket down some.Then drilled a hole to mount the wheel barrel wheel.I couldn't be happier with the way they work.It takes less that a minute the lift the tractor about 6 inches off the ground and it moves real easy on the grass.I'm guessing my tractor weighs about 350 to 400 lbs.
For a handle to move it I have a large wooden dowel that slides into two angled 2x4's My door on the run is in the front so I need a handle the was removeable.I didn't take to many pics of the construction and still need some pics of the finished inside to post.
This coop was a joy to build and it took me about 4 days to finish.

I want to build this exact coop holy cow! The drafted plans I drew look almost exactly like this.
THANK YOU!