Building A Mobile Chicken Tractor With Wood

Chicken tractors are a great way to raise a healthy flock of chickens. They provide your chickens with a safe space to spend their days in, which can be moved around the yard. Chicken tractors can be made from a variety of materials, such as PVC, wood, welded wire, and chicken wire. When building a chicken tractor, it is important to consider the durability, movability, and protection that the tractor will provide. Chicken tractors should be large enough to accommodate the number of chickens you plan to keep and should be designed to protect them from predators and the elements. Building a chicken tractor can be a fun and rewarding project that provides your chickens with a comfortable and secure home.

Chicken tractor design

Chicken tractors are a great way to raise a healthy flock of chickens. They allow your chickens to free-range in a protected area, providing them with fresh air and new vegetation to peck at daily. Chicken tractors also help spread manure and remove insects, keeping your field healthy and pest-free.

When designing and building a chicken tractor, there are a few important factors to consider. Firstly, you need to ensure that your chicken tractor is durable and can withstand the elements. Using a solid wood frame and metal roofing can provide more durability, but it will also increase the weight of the tractor, making it harder to move. Alternatively, you can use PVC arches or hoops for the frame, which are lighter and easier to work with, but may require more maintenance in the long run.

The size of your chicken tractor will depend on the number of chickens you plan to house. As a rule of thumb, a chicken requires 1.5 square feet of space. So, for example, an 8 feet by 12 feet shelter can accommodate up to 65-70 meat birds. You also need to consider the purpose of the tractor. If it is only for sleeping and shelter from harsh weather, then a smaller size may suffice. However, if you plan to use it as a permanent residence for egg-laying chickens, you will need more space.

It is also important to provide proper ventilation in your chicken tractor to maintain the respiratory health of your chickens. This can be achieved by covering half of the roof with chicken wire or welded wire, allowing for air circulation while still providing protection from rain and shade from the heat. Additionally, you can add a hinged lid to the roof for easy access and extra ventilation when needed.

Finally, consider the mobility of your chicken tractor. Ensure that it has good-quality tires or wheels that can handle the weight of the tractor and allow for smooth turning and moving. Handles can also be added to make it easier to move the tractor by hand.

By following these design considerations and tips, you can build a functional and aesthetically pleasing chicken tractor that meets the needs of your flock.

Materials and tools

Building a mobile chicken tractor requires a variety of materials and tools, some of which you may already have on hand. Here is a detailed list of what you will need:

Materials:

• Wood: This could be reclaimed wood, scrap wood, or new lumber. Common dimensions used include 2"x4"x94 1/2" studs and 2"x4"x8' pieces.
• Plywood: Used for the top and back of the tractor.
• Chicken wire: To enclose the tractor and keep chickens in and predators out.
• Welded wire: Stronger than chicken wire and used to enclose the tractor if you opt for a more durable option.
• PVC pipes: Used to create arches or hoops that form the skeleton of the tractor. Schedule 40 electrical conduit is a good, inexpensive option.
• Screws: To secure the PVC arches to the wooden frame and to assemble the wood pieces.
• Hardware: Including hinges for the plywood lid and wheels/tires for mobility.
• Paint: To protect the wood and improve the appearance of the tractor.

Tools:

• Drill: For making holes in the wooden frame and PVC pipes.
• Paddle drill bit: Specifically for drilling holes in PVC pipes.
• Screwdriver: For securing screws.
• Saw: To cut wood to the required dimensions.
• Measuring tape: For accurate measurements during construction.
• Paintbrushes/rollers: For applying paint.

Construction

Constructing a mobile chicken tractor out of wood is a great way to provide your chickens with a safe, mobile, and healthy living environment. Here is a step-by-step guide to building one:

First, determine the size of your chicken tractor based on the number of chickens you plan to house. A good rule of thumb is to provide 1.5 square feet of space per chicken. If it's for sleeping and shelter only, an 8 feet by 12 feet structure can accommodate up to 65-70 meat birds.

Next, gather your materials. You will need wood, preferably a lightweight variety like reclaimed wood or salvaged wood, to build the frame. You will also need plywood for the sides and roof, chicken wire or welded wire for enclosure, and wheels for mobility. If you want to save weight, you can consider using PVC pipes for the frame instead of wood.

Start by building the base frame and the top frame. Use four 2"x4"x94 1/2" studs for each frame, standing them on their edge and screwing them together in an overlapping manner to maintain the 8' square dimensions. Cut three 2x4x8' pieces to 93" length for the top frame and screw them in place at equal intervals across the frame.

Drill holes in the base frame for the wheels and handles. Insert pipe or wood handles and secure them with larger pieces of pipe or wood on the ends to prevent slippage. Place the wheels strategically to allow for smooth turning and movement.

Cover the back of the frame (the side with handles) with a sheet of plywood, screwing it in place around the perimeter. For the roof, you can use either plywood or chicken wire, depending on your preference and the presence of other animals that might roam on top. If using plywood, hinge two pieces of plywood to the center support piece of the top frame.

Enclose the sides with chicken wire or welded wire to keep your chickens in and predators out. Ensure there is proper ventilation to maintain the respiratory health of your chickens. You can add an optional roost by attaching two 22" 2x4 pieces to the sides of the frame toward the back and placing a dowel or pipe for the chickens to roost on.

Finally, consider adding accessories like nesting boxes with exterior access, a heat lamp, and a tarp for colder nights.

Your mobile chicken tractor is now ready for use! Remember to annually check the structure for any loose screws, staples, or hinges, and perform maintenance as needed.

Maintenance

Maintaining the health of a chicken tractor is crucial to ensure its longevity and the safety of your flock. Here are some maintenance tips to keep in mind:

Materials and Durability:

Chicken tractors made from solid wood frames and metal roofing tend to be more durable and require less maintenance than those constructed from less expensive materials like PVC and tarps. While wood ensures durability, it also makes the tractor heavier and less mobile. To enhance mobility, consider adding lawnmower wheels to the back portion of the frame. Alternatively, Alumi-Coops, made from lightweight and durable aluminium, are a good option as they won't rust or break down easily.

Regular Checks and Cleaning:

Annually inspect your chicken tractor for any loose screws, staples, or hinges and ensure they are tight and secure. Before using the tractor each spring, pressure wash it, and repaint the roosting bars and nesting boxes to prevent lice and mites. Exterior access to nesting boxes is recommended to facilitate easier cleaning and workflow.

Ventilation:

Proper ventilation is essential to maintain the respiratory health of your flock. Ensure that your chicken tractor design provides adequate ventilation, especially during hot summers and cold winters.

Protection from Predators:

Chicken tractors are more vulnerable to predators than coops inside barns. To enhance security, consider using welded wire instead of chicken wire, and add hardware cloth underneath the tractor to protect against egg-eating snakes. Moving the tractor daily can also help confuse predators.

Winterization:

If the temperature drops below 20°F, you will need to winterize your chicken tractor. Place the tractor in a sunny and sheltered spot, and add insulation to the interior of the roosting area. You can also close off the roosting area from below with plywood and add a thick layer of straw or pine shavings for warmth.

Mobility:

Chicken tractors are designed to be mobile, allowing you to move your flock to fresh grass regularly. Ensure that your tractor has good-quality tires and hardware to facilitate smooth turning and movement.

By following these maintenance guidelines and regularly checking your chicken tractor, you can ensure a safe and healthy environment for your flock.

Chicken health

Next, consider the weight of your chicken tractor. While solid wood frames are durable, they can be heavy and difficult to move. If you opt for a lighter design, you'll be able to move the tractor more easily, giving your chickens access to fresh air, new scenery, and the benefits of free-ranging. This will also allow you to utilise the natural behaviours of chickens to fertilise the ground with their manure, improving soil health and reducing the need for artificial fertilisers.

To protect your chickens from predators, consider using welded wire or chicken wire to cover open parts of the frame. An electric fence can also be effective, but it will add to the cost. Regular maintenance is important to ensure the safety of your flock; annually check screws, staples, and hinges, and pressure wash the tractor before using it in the spring. Repaint roosting bars and nesting boxes to keep lice and mites away.

Finally, consider adding a heat lamp to your chicken tractor and covering it with a tarp on cool nights, allowing you to move chicks into the tractor at around two weeks old.

Frequently asked questions