Women CAN build tractors.

[ChickyLaura]

I keep trying to do things myself. I have things drawn out, and measured, I even go to Home Depot or TSC to get what I need. But I just can't seem to get things the way I want them to. That's when my DH steps in to help. I am blessed to have him. I'm sure I'd eventually get it done, but I get so darn frustrated!

 

[zephyrcreek]

A good hint is to check at your local lumber yard for "cull" packages. The employees go through and pick out the less desirable lumbere and group it together at a reduced price. At Lowes it usually starts at 50% off, and if it's still there a few weeks later they will mark it 75% off. While the material may not be perfect for building a house, it works great for building chicken stuff.

 

[Kung Foo Chicken]

My D'uccle coop was supposed to be a tractor but, I made it so heavy it was too hard to move.

 

[chicmom]

Wow, that looks great! I wish I could build my own.....you have inspired me--maybe I will! I think my husband would just laugh at me.....

 

[Shelly_WNC]

Your tractor coop looks great and obviously it's serving it's functional purpose. I especially love the poop drawer/pull out - I will want one of those two.

I am taking on the task of building my own coop too. My SO was very helpful in buying the lumber so I am very grateful for that, but he isn't actually helpful in building it. Actually he criticizes me so much it upsets me. And it isn't about how 'perfect' my framing is, because actually I have it very perfect. It other things like how I hold the nail and if I'm wearing gloves. So, though I love him dearly and he would build the whole thing for me if I asked - instead i prefer to work on it alone and get the sense of accomplishment myself. It seems peaceful to me to be in the work shed build the coop and knowing that my chickens are going to be safe in what I build for them.

So I give you KUDOs on the work you have done!!!! and all the other folks out there building their beloved chickens and nice 'house'.

 

[kristenm1975]

Hell yes, women can build tractors. I've built 12 of them.

I purchased the tools, am in love with my miter saw and my handy dandy drill, and delight in the fact that twelve families out there are using the chicken tractors I built for them. That's a wonderful thought. I'm finally getting to use of them myself, although I got the ugly one.

Here's a few pictures of my woman-built tractors:

first one:

favorite one:

ugly one, now in my own use:

These are the Catawba Converticoops, although the last one has been altered considerably by the use of OSB, ugh. Usable, but undesirable. It's held up for quite a while with two coats of paint and is still sturdy and dependable, but I'd always go with the regular wood. I built this ugly one at the request of a customer, but she never did come to collect it so I'm using it until I get a big stationary coop built in the fenced back yard.

 

[ranchhand]

Quote:
Great tractors! And I am with you on OSB. Have a whole lot of it, but give me real wood anyday!

 

[cluckcluck42]

Quote:
Great tractor OP!!! And these triangular ones are cool, do you have a little coop inside? Do you have any pics of the inside? Hubby and I are going to be building a tractor JUST like the OP's for us but I was thinking of one like this posting for selling to customers. Very nice!!!!!!!

 

[kristenm1975]

Hey cluckcluck42, I'd totally support you in making the Catawba to sell. I had a blast. It wasn't a super big income booster, but it sure beat the hell out of my day job at the time. I purchased the design online, and found it to be incredibly well put together, everything explained nicely, good illustrations and supply lists, careful use of resources. A big A+ all the way on this one.

Here's a shot of the inside of the Catawba:

 

[NHN]

That is so cool. How did you attach the 2 by 4's together? Nails or screws?