Our chicken tractor

[tampitt]

After about a month, we were able to move the girls in Saturday night and they've been doing good. Hoping tonight they will go in by themselves when it starts to get dark.

 

[wgcrochet]

man that is really nice did ya'll make it your self

 

[barred-rocks-rock]

thats pretty awesome .in a day or two ill try to post some picture of my a-frame coop that we made for my barred rock pullets

 

[werecatrising]

Very nice!

 

[SpunkyTheMonkey]

Quote:
i wouldn't bet the farm on it happening first time but don't worry if they don't...they will in the end.

 

[CityChook]

You might consider leaving them inside their house for a few days to get used to it. They will learn that this is "home" and will be more likely to put themselves to bed.

I also only feed treats in the coop. That way, when I call them, they come running. Very convenient for when I have to leave and don't want to leave them free ranging.

Cute coop.

 

[tampitt]

Quote:
yes my husband designed and built it himself.

 

[chaoschicken]

That's very nice. Your hubby did a great job on it.

 

[Jerad0]

howe stable is your coop in the wind?

 

[coderpitt]

Initally it wasn't too stable with cross-wind or pushing, so that's why I made the kick stand out of 4x4's with a 2x4 base and spread the rear axles to full 3'.

I designed it using photos of other coops and ideas from several things. I put in a removable floor so it could be hardware wire during the summer, then a sheet of plywood in the winter.

I used wheels off a Harborfreight (HF) 1000-lb garden cart, but the rear axle i had to make. The frame is treated 2"x4"s that have been ripped to 2"x2" because they cost the same as 2x2 here. No good sources for recycled wood that I was aware of so I had to buy new lumber. The siding is rough cut cedar and has been sealed with bher fence finish.

Right now it's got a HF solar powered light, but I don't need to much lights. I haven't tabulated the cost, but it was cheaper than premades but more than I would have liked. I guestimate about 600-700$ after everything. I could have saved some money by using waferboard, or plywood, but hey the wife doesn't ask for much, and so I figured I would make something no one could complain about.

Sincerely,
Coderpitt (husband of Tampitt)