Building A Chicken Tractor: Pvc Edition

Chicken tractors are a great way to let your chickens roam and forage for food while keeping them safe and comfortable. They are also an excellent option for those who are just starting with chicken farming as they are inexpensive, easy to build, lightweight, and portable. Chicken tractors made of PVC pipes are durable, rot-free, and can be easily repaired. They can be built in various sizes to suit different chicken quantities and farmer requirements. Building a chicken tractor out of PVC is a feasible DIY project that can be completed in 20-24 hours.

Cutting and assembling the PVC pipes

First, you need to determine the size of your chicken tractor and cut the PVC pipes accordingly. For example, if you are using a 5 1/2-by-7 1/2-foot tarp, you would cut your PVC pipes to 7 1/2 feet in length. You will also need to cut the pipes for the base, top, and door. In this case, cut 22 pieces for the base and 12 for the top and door. Ensure that the corners are also cut at 20 inches due to the adapters for the 3-way corner T's.

Next, you will cut the pipes for the base supports, which are the vertical pieces. Cut 14 pieces to a length of 22 inches each. These will provide structural support and stability to your chicken tractor. After cutting the base supports, you can start assembling the top frame. Take the eight 20-inch pieces and join them together to form a rectangular or square shape, depending on your desired design.

Now, it's time to cut and assemble the cross supports. Cut two pieces to 1 3/4 inches and another two pieces to 17 1/2 inches. Join these pieces together to create a sturdy cross support that will be attached to the top frame. You may also need to cut additional pipes for more cross supports, depending on the size and design of your chicken tractor.

Once you have all the necessary pipes cut to size, you can begin assembling the frame. Start by connecting the base pipes together, forming a rectangle or square. Secure the corners with 3-way corner T-connectors. Then, attach the vertical base supports to the corners, ensuring they are firmly in place. After the base is assembled, you can attach the top frame by connecting it to the vertical base supports.

Finally, add the cross supports to provide rigidity to the structure. Attach them securely to the top frame, ensuring they are properly aligned and fastened. Once the PVC pipe frame is assembled, you can move on to the next steps of building your chicken tractor, such as adding the tarp or mesh covering and any other necessary components.

Adding a tarp or mesh

Firstly, decide on the type of covering you want to use. Tarps are a great option as they are lightweight and inexpensive. If you opt for a tarp, choose one that is durable and water-resistant to protect your chickens from the weather. Cut the tarp to the desired size, ensuring it will fit snugly over your chicken tractor.

Mesh is another popular option that provides good ventilation and protection. If you go for mesh, it is recommended to use welded wire mesh, as chicken wire may be too flimsy and can be difficult to work with. You will need enough mesh to fit crosswise over the hoops of your chicken tractor, with additional length to wrap around the base. For this, you can measure and cut two sections of mesh, each 11 feet long.

Once you have your tarp or mesh ready, it's time to attach it to the tractor. If you are using a tarp, cut PVC pipes to fit the size of your tarp. You can use zip ties or wire to securely attach the tarp to the pipes, creating a sturdy frame. Make sure to smooth any jagged edges to prevent injuries.

For mesh, you can attach it directly to the frame of your chicken tractor. Use nylon string or thin wire to securely lash the mesh to the frame. Start by threading the string or wire through the mesh and the frame, ensuring everything is lined up properly. Curl the mesh around the ends and wire it together to close off the structure.

Finally, remember to regularly inspect your chicken tractor for any vulnerabilities or potential escape routes for your chickens. Check for any loose fittings or damages, and ensure the structure remains sturdy over time.

By following these steps and choosing the right materials, you can successfully add a tarp or mesh covering to your PVC chicken tractor, providing a safe and comfortable environment for your feathered friends.

Creating a door

To create a door for your chicken tractor, you will need to cut and assemble PVC pipes. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Planning and Materials

First, decide on the size and design of your door. You will need enough PVC pipes to create a frame with enough support. For a basic rectangular design, you will need two longer pipes for the top and bottom, and two shorter pipes for the sides. You will also need connectors for the corners, and a hinge for the door. You can use a hinge pin or adjustable hinges, depending on your design.

Cutting the Pipes

Using a hacksaw or power cutting tool, cut the PVC pipes according to your measurements. Mark the pipes with a marker and measuring tape before cutting to ensure accuracy.

Assembling the Frame

Assemble the pipes to form the door frame. Connect the corners securely with PVC glue or adhesive. Ensure that the frame is sturdy and stable.

Installing the Frame

Remove any pre-existing doors or frames. Position the new door frame in the doorway, ensuring it is level and plumb. Mark the locations for the fixings (screws) and drill pilot holes. Insert wall plugs into the drilled holes and screw the frame securely into place.

Attaching the Door

Attach the hinge to the door and the frame, ensuring proper alignment. If using a hinge pin, insert the pin through the hinge to secure the door. If using adjustable hinges, fine-tune the alignment by adjusting the screws on the hinges.

Finishing Touches

Seal the edges of the frame with silicone caulk or sealant to prevent drafts and moisture. Install a handle and lock, and any other desired hardware. Smooth any sharp edges and ensure the door opens and closes smoothly.

Your PVC chicken tractor door is now complete! This durable and lightweight door will provide easy access to your chickens and their enclosure.

Security enhancements

When building a chicken tractor out of PVC, there are several security enhancements you can implement to protect your flock from predators. Here are some detailed instructions and ideas to fortify your chicken tractor:

Firstly, consider installing a no-dig skirt around the perimeter of your chicken tractor. This is a lightweight and portable solution that can be easily moved and secured with bricks or other weights. The recommended width of the no-dig skirt is 12 inches to effectively prevent digging predators from infiltrating. You can use wood scraps, hardware cloth, or similar materials to construct the skirt. Ensure that there are no gaps by accounting for overlap on each corner.

Another option is to use welded wire or hardware cloth for extra security. You can attach this to the outside of your chicken tractor using zip ties. Covering the top and sides with wire mesh or chicken wire will help protect your chickens from hawks and other aerial predators. Ensure that the wire is sturdy and has appropriate spacing to prevent raccoons or other animals from reaching in. Avoid using wire on the ground as it can harm the chickens' feet and prevent them from scratching naturally.

Additionally, you can implement multiple layers of protection. For example, you could have a portable electric fence surrounding a large foraging area for your chickens. This will provide an extra barrier against predators and can be powered by a solar unit.

If you reside in a high-predator area, consider getting a livestock guardian dog (LGD). However, this decision requires careful consideration, as LGDs are typically large dogs that need to be kept occupied and can be a significant responsibility.

Finally, a more natural approach involves spraying coyote or wolf urine around your chicken tractor. This territorial marking may deter smaller predators like foxes, raccoons, or weasels, as they will sense the presence of a larger predator.

Remember to regularly inspect your chicken tractor for vulnerabilities and perform maintenance to ensure the structure remains sturdy and secure.

Maintenance

PVC chicken tractors are easy to maintain. They are rot-free, durable, and lightweight, making them perfect for outdoor use. Regular cleaning and checking for any damages or loose fittings are key maintenance practices. Ensure that you inspect the structure regularly for vulnerabilities and that it remains sturdy.

PVC chicken tractors can be moved daily or every few days to prevent overgrazing and provide chickens with fresh vegetation, insects, and grass. The frequency of moving the tractor may vary depending on the size of your tractor and the number of chickens.

Chicken wire is too flimsy to hang over the arches, so consider using welded wire mesh instead. You can also use bird netting from your home centre in place of chicken wire, which can be difficult to work with. Ensure that the mesh is securely attached to the tractor with zip ties.

To enhance security, you can add predator-proof locks and reinforced wire mesh to your tractor.

Frequently asked questions