So we started with a chicken tractor and.....

[Omran]

That is a very very beautiful coop, well built and really nice looking

 

[Splinty]

Quote:
He did have wheels on the back but took them off when we decided to leave it in one spot. He used 3/4 inch plywood for the sleeping area to make it more winter proof. He also used 3/4 inch for the roof. If he used lighter wood it would be lighter but we never know what kind of winter we might have here on Long Island so he opt for thicker wood. He also had hernia surgery 2 years ago and still needs to get one more operation.

 

[Splinty]

Quote:
Thank you.

I'll be sure to let my husband know. This was his first big building project.

 

[Lee]

Geez! Been there and done that. I have a problem with over building and my first "tractor" was gut busting to move around. I parked it next to the apple tree, removed the wire from the sides and the chickens use it for a jungle gym during the day. In hindsight I wish I had ripped the 2x4's in half. My next tractor I used 2"x2"'s. Much better.

 

[Splinty]

Quote:
That's what he's going to do. He's going to remove the wire on one side and extend the run. Before he built it he said he wanted to make sure it lasted a real long time. I kept telling him it looks really heavy but he assured me it was still light as he was building it.

men

 

[Elite Silkies]

That is really nice !

 

[froggie71]

Too cute! Looks great!

 

[farmerinKC]

That is a very nice tractor-it will be extra nice with an extended run!

My son built a coop style tractor for us and within two weeks I realized we needed to make it stationary. It was too hard to move and the chickens were quickly destroying our grass. Luckily your run is already tall enough to stand up in-ours wasn't. My son had to make many modifications.

Lots to learn with these chickens!

 

[Splinty]

Quote:
There is sooo much to learn. I'm happy I found this forum. Everyone is so helpful and nice here.

 

[Mikey D]

Quote:
He did have wheels on the back but took them off when we decided to leave it in one spot. He used 3/4 inch plywood for the sleeping area to make it more winter proof. He also used 3/4 inch for the roof. If he used lighter wood it would be lighter but we never know what kind of winter we might have here on Long Island so he opt for thicker wood. He also had hernia surgery 2 years ago and still needs to get one more operation.

Splinty.

The coop looks excellent! Cudos on the job (and you are getting that from a shop teacher!) If you still want to make it a tractor, move the wheels from the end to about a third from the end. This way you (read: Hubby) will only be lifting 1/3 of the total weight. You'll have to drop them down a tad and it will settle into the turf and be a tad tough to get moving but it is do-able.

Again A+!

Mikey