Need building advice..

[andreanar]

Im planning to build this coop this spring. My problem is, I want to put it on wheels. I'd like to build it on a trailer, but Im too poor to buy a trailer. Can I make a trailer? I really need a way to easily move it from one part of the yard to another. But the coop I build will be pretty big, bigger than what is pictured below, so It will def need a good support for the wheels. I have no building experience.

 

[PirateGirl]

This article has a how to section on how to set up your wheels/axles etc. I'd look up how to build a cart or how to build a wagon to understand how to set up the wheels to be able to handle your load.

https://www.justmeasuringup.com/utility-wagon/

 

[andreanar]

This article has a how to section on how to set up your wheels/axles etc. I'd look up how to build a cart or how to build a wagon to understand how to set up the wheels to be able to handle your load.

https://www.justmeasuringup.com/utility-wagon/

Thanks, Ill check it out. I get my head spinning when I do too much google searching! ugh

 

[Aunt Angus]

I love your plan! I am too much of a novice to pull it off. If you do figure out a way to build one, be sure to check craigslist and facebook for parts. When I was building my coop, I found a lot of materials for cheap (and even for free, sometimes). I remember seeing items that would def help in creating a trailer, like large wheels, framing, auto parts, etc.

I wish you the best of luck, and I do hope you post pics of your process! I'm sure a lot of BYCers would benefit!

 

[kwhites634]

Im planning to build this coop this spring. My problem is, I want to put it on wheels. I'd like to build it on a trailer, but Im too poor to buy a trailer. Can I make a trailer? I really need a way to easily move it from one part of the yard to another. But the coop I build will be pretty big, bigger than what is pictured below, so It will def need a good support for the wheels. I have no building experience.
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You wanting to move it by hand, or with something like a lawn tractor? You can use old axles/wheels/tires off scrap cars, but the size trailer you're talking about would likely be too heavy to be moving by hand.

I bet if you went to Youtube & searched for "DIY trailer" you'd see so many videos you wouldn't know what to do with them all. Youtube knows everything.

 

[CanadaEh]

Im planning to build this coop this spring. My problem is, I want to put it on wheels. I'd like to build it on a trailer, but Im too poor to buy a trailer. Can I make a trailer? I really need a way to easily move it from one part of the yard to another. But the coop I build will be pretty big, bigger than what is pictured below, so It will def need a good support for the wheels. I have no building experience.
View attachment 1592396

I am thinking to do the same - a mobile coop for meat birds. You don't need a trailer, and you don't need 4 wheels unless you are on even ground and/or have tractor to move it. Two bicycle wheels work good AND you want to make it light to be able to move by hand. Check these 2 youtube videos:

 

[andreanar]

You wanting to move it by hand, or with something like a lawn tractor? You can use old axles/wheels/tires off scrap cars, but the size trailer you're talking about would likely be too heavy to be moving by hand.

I bet if you went to Youtube & searched for "DIY trailer" you'd see so many videos you wouldn't know what to do with them all. Youtube knows everything.

I would love to move it by hand, but I plan on it being around 6'w x 10'L, so Im thinking Ill need to move it by lawn mower. Ill check youtube for sure. I just want some do's and donts from ppl that have tried and failed/succeeded. What not to try or what worked.

 

[PirateGirl]

I agree with @kwhites634 about weight. I have a relatively small coop, about 4ftX5ft and only 3ft tall at the highest point. Even on wheels, there's no way I could easily move it by hand. Coops get heavy fast.

 

[andreanar]

I am thinking to do the same - a mobile coop for meat birds. You don't need a trailer, and you don't need 4 wheels unless you are on even ground and/or have tractor to move it. Two bicycle wheels work good AND you want to make it light to be able to move by hand. Check these 2 youtube videos:

I would have no trouble if I was making a small, light coop. But mine will be quite larger.

 

[CanadaEh]

I would love to move it by hand, but I plan on it being around 6'w x 10'L, so Im thinking Ill need to move it by lawn mower. Ill check youtube for sure. I just want some do's and donts from ppl that have tried and failed/succeeded. What not to try or what worked.

the one in the first video above is 6'x6'. The guy claims it has enough space for 40 chickens given they only going there to roost at night (it would be a different story if they had to spend any day hours in there during harsh winter weather). I am pretty sure you could build it bigger by building it lighter - e.g. using 2x2"s instead of 2x4"s for framing.

Here is another idea of movable coop/tractor, which needs a pretty flat ground though being 10'x12' and sitting on the ground rather than elevated.