Building A Chicken Tractor: Using Pallets

Building a chicken tractor out of pallets is a great way to create a movable chicken cage that allows your chickens to free-range while remaining protected from predators. Chicken tractors can be built using upcycled materials such as wooden pallets, chicken wire, and lumber, reducing your carbon footprint and providing a fun project. This task can be challenging, especially when constructing a gate hinge, but with careful planning and the right tools, it can be completed in a couple of hours, resulting in a functional and aesthetically pleasing tractor for your chickens to enjoy.

Choosing pallets and other materials

Choosing Pallets:

When selecting pallets for your chicken tractor, aim for older, sturdy pallets that are still mostly intact. You'll need around four pallets to create the skeleton of your structure. The standard size is about 45" x 35", but you can adjust this based on your preferences and available space. Try to find pallets of the same size to make construction easier. If you're using pallet wood for the base, ensure it's safe for your chickens and heat-treated.

Other Materials:

In addition to pallets, you'll need various materials to construct a functional chicken tractor:

• Wood: 2x4s or 4x4s for framing and adding rigidity to the structure.
• Chicken Wire: Essential for keeping your chickens in and predators out. Purchase wire that matches the height of your tractor to avoid extra cutting.
• Roofing: Corrugated sheet metal or plywood for the roof, with a tarp for winter protection. Ensure there is an overhang to prevent rain from getting inside.
• Hardware: Hinges, latches, and wood screws to assemble the tractor and attach the wire.
• Flooring: Plywood or rubber floor tiles provide a firm and easy-to-clean surface for your chickens.
• Tools: A drill, miter saw, air staple gun or hand-powered stapler, and a hammer will come in handy during construction.

Remember to use materials you already have on hand, like scrap wood or leftover chicken wire from previous projects, to reduce costs and upcycle.

Now that you've chosen your pallets and gathered the necessary materials, you're ready to start building your chicken tractor!

Constructing the base

Firstly, gather your materials. You will need wooden pallets, preferably old and intact ones, to form the skeleton of your structure. The number of pallets depends on their size and the desired size of your chicken tractor. For added rigidity, you will also need 2x4 wooden boards, which can be cut to size.

Once you have your materials, start by laying out your pallets. For added stability, it is recommended to use at least three pallets for the base. Fasten the pallets together securely, ensuring they are braced and won't collapse under the weight. If your pallets are large enough, you can attach wheels at this stage to make your tractor movable.

Next, add the 2x4 wooden boards to the pallets. These boards will provide extra support and rigidity to your structure. Secure them in place with wood screws, ensuring they are firmly attached to the pallets.

Now, you can begin framing the chicken tractor. Using more 2x4s, cut them to the desired height of your tractor and attach them vertically to the base. These will form the corners and support the structure. Ensure these are securely fastened with screws, creating a sturdy frame.

Finally, add a floor to your base. Plywood is a good option, as it provides a firm and easy-to-clean surface for your chickens. Cut the plywood to size and secure it to the frame with screws.

With these steps, you will have a solid and stable base for your chicken tractor, ready to continue building the rest of the structure. Remember always to use the appropriate safety gear and tools when constructing your chicken tractor.

Framing and walls

Selecting the Right Pallets

Start by choosing the right pallets for your project. Look for pallets that are more or less intact, and ideally, try to find four pallets of the same size—a standard pallet size is 45"x35", but you can adjust based on your specific needs. You can often find discarded pallets outside large grocery and department stores. Just be sure to check if the pallet wood is safe for use, as some types may not be suitable for your chickens' habitat.

Creating the Base

The base of your chicken tractor will provide a stable foundation for the entire structure. Use your selected pallets to create this base, attaching them securely together. You can follow the example of one builder who used three pallets for the base and then fastened them to a pre-built base using 2x4s for added rigidity. Ensure the base is sturdy and can withstand the weight of the walls and roof you'll be adding.

Framing the Tractor

Now it's time to start framing the chicken tractor. Using 2x4s, cut them to the desired length to create the frame. You can angle the 2x4s at the corners to form a stable structure. Secure the frame to the base using wood screws and a drill. Be sure to brace the walls to prevent them from collapsing, especially if you're dealing with heavy pallets or high winds in your area.

Adding the Walls

For the walls, you can use a variety of materials. Plywood is a popular choice, offering a solid and durable surface. Cut the plywood to size and attach it to the frame using wood screws. Ensure the walls are securely fastened to the frame and each other to create a sturdy enclosure. You can also add a layer of chicken wire or hardware cloth over the walls for added protection and ventilation. This will help keep predators out while allowing fresh air to circulate.

Constructing the Door

Don't forget to leave an opening for the door! You can use additional pallet wood to frame the doorway and create a small "chicken door" for your feathered friends to come and go as they please. Ensure the door is easily accessible and consider using hinges and a latch for easy opening and closing. You can also add a larger human-sized door for easy access when cleaning or tending to your chickens.

Roof Framing and Ventilation

Once the walls are in place, you can start framing the roof. Similar to the wall framing, use 2x4s to create a sturdy frame for your roof. Angle the 2x4s at the corners and secure them with wood screws. Consider leaving an overhang to protect the walls and interior from rain. For ventilation, you can add triangular gaps over the door and the back of the coop, covered with hardware cloth. This will allow fresh air to circulate while keeping predators out.

Remember, these are just guidelines, and you can adjust the design based on your specific needs and the materials available. Always use the appropriate safety gear and tools when building, and don't be afraid to get creative with your chicken tractor design!

Adding a roof

First, you'll need to cut your wood to size. Using a miter saw, cut 2x4s at a 22-degree angle. You can then attach these to a center beam using 4-inch wood screws. Ensure you affix them from underneath the beam and angle the screws upwards so they firmly attach to the 2x4s.

Next, you'll want to leave an overhang to prevent rain from getting into the chicken tractor. Leave an 8-inch overhang so that rain can easily slide off the roof, keeping your chickens dry during storms.

After the frame is secure, you can add a covering. One option is to use corrugated sheet metal, which can reflect heat in the summer and insulate during the winter. Drill metal screws every 3 inches through the sheet metal and into the roof studs. Alternatively, you can use plywood to cover the roof frame.

If you're looking for a quick and easy solution, you can also attach a tarp to the roof frame. This will provide shade and protection from the rain. Ensure you use an impermeable barrier, such as a doubled-over piece of plastic, to keep your chickens dry.

Now your chicken tractor has a roof, and your chickens have some much-needed shade and protection from the elements!

Doors and hinges

When building a chicken tractor, doors and hinges are important features to consider. You'll want to ensure that your chickens can easily enter and exit the tractor, and that you can access it to clean it.

For the doorway, it's recommended to leave a gap of around 16 inches in the centre. This will allow your chickens to come and go as they please and provide you with ample space to enter for cleaning purposes.

When it comes to hinges, you have a few options. If you want to be a purist, you can attempt to construct your gate hinge out of pallet bits. This can be tricky, as you need to create a mechanism that keeps the gate from being pushed out from the tractor frame while still allowing you to slide the gate on and off for docking against the coop. A more straightforward approach is to use two hinges and a latch to secure the gate.

In terms of materials, you'll need to gather hinges, wood screws, and a drill. It is strongly advised to avoid using a hammer and nails, as this can be frustrating due to nails bending or going in diagonally. Using woodscrews and a drill will result in a sturdier construction.

Additionally, consider adding hardware cloth to the gap over the door and the back of the coop. This will provide ventilation while also keeping predators out and your chickens in. You can cover the hardware cloth with a tarp during winter for added protection and remove it in the summer if desired.

Frequently asked questions