wsmoak
Songster
When we built the first chicken tractor, we made the typical mistake of using 2x4 lumber, and even though it's only 4'x8', it's *way* too heavy to move. (Mistake #2: no wheels!)
The second one is *much* better, built of 1x2's, (ripped 2x4's in half on the table saw,) has wheels and works great. I don't like the fixed wheels that kick the back end of it up off the ground because it leaves a space the local rat snakes can get through and snack on young birds. (We have *really* big rat snakes here.)
So, here's the third iteration:
A full 5'x10' and 3' tall to accomodate turkeys, which I'd like to try in the spring.
A large door that I can get through, smaller roof openings that aren't so heavy to lift, and pivoting wheels.
Here are some more detailed pics:
Below are the pocket screw holes made by a Kreg jig. Fabulous little thing that makes butt joints like these much stronger, not to mention easier. Without it, you'd have to screw through the outside of the rail into the end of the cross brace, and it's much more likely that one or the other would split.
It is awaiting an appointment with the paint sprayer, needs a couple of hinges to attach the side door, and the roof panels attached, then we're done.
-Wendy
The second one is *much* better, built of 1x2's, (ripped 2x4's in half on the table saw,) has wheels and works great. I don't like the fixed wheels that kick the back end of it up off the ground because it leaves a space the local rat snakes can get through and snack on young birds. (We have *really* big rat snakes here.)
So, here's the third iteration:
A full 5'x10' and 3' tall to accomodate turkeys, which I'd like to try in the spring.
A large door that I can get through, smaller roof openings that aren't so heavy to lift, and pivoting wheels.
Here are some more detailed pics:
Below are the pocket screw holes made by a Kreg jig. Fabulous little thing that makes butt joints like these much stronger, not to mention easier. Without it, you'd have to screw through the outside of the rail into the end of the cross brace, and it's much more likely that one or the other would split.
It is awaiting an appointment with the paint sprayer, needs a couple of hinges to attach the side door, and the roof panels attached, then we're done.
-Wendy
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