Standing door flip top tractor help

[Jjdesmo11]

I made a chicken tractor for my momma hen and babies out of scrap wood at the house. It’s 3 ft high and we made a door at the end. Well its is a hassle to get in and out and I’d like to be able to flip the top back and walk in standing up. Any good construction tips or pictures to help?

 

[pennyJo1960]

mine is made a conduit got it free off craigs list but has a flip off door in front replaced that but it is 4 ft high I am 5 foot but my BF 5"11 goes in after the birds for me as I have spine problems bad like the front opening the best

 

[Jjdesmo11]

Thank you! I’ll see if my husband can rig something up if I make it work I’ll post a picture

 

[PirateGirl]

If one side plus the top opens, you will need to reinforce the corners of the 3 stationary sides where they attach to each other. A 2x4 in each corner (either at the top or at the ground) at a 45 degree angle should do it.

 

[Jjdesmo11]

I can picture what you mean but don’t understand why it would need to be at a 45degree angle. Im sure I could latch it down somehow to secure it

 

[PirateGirl]

hmm... let me find a picture to illustrate. Essentially once you open a side and the top, you will be left with a 3 sided structure, and it won't be sturdy anymore. If you plan on only the top opening and NOT the end, it becomes a non-issue with the small size of your tractor and ignore the suggestion of needing corner braces.

Here is a picture I found on the internet of how to brace the corners of your run. This will make the whole thing significantly sturdier when you open it up.

 

[PirateGirl]

This will also make it sturdier while you are moving it and help to avoid any twisting apart.

 

[Jjdesmo11]

Oh great ok thank you! I understand. Good idea! I’ll show my husband. I’m not skilled at cutting angles yet

 

[pennyJo1960]

I will head out take photos of the front on mine make it easier

 

[Jjdesmo11]

I will head out take photos of the front on mine make it easier

Thanks!