Claire Thompson
Hoop-style chicken tractors are a great, cost-effective option for chicken farmers. They are similar to greenhouses in appearance and are covered with a heavy-duty tarp or plastic to protect the chickens from wind and rain. The hoop part of the coop is usually made with cattle panels or PVC piping attached to a wooden bottom frame. The coop is then covered with chicken wire to keep the chickens in and predators out. Some other materials that can be used to cover the coop include old feed sacks, black rubber floor mats, or linoleum strapped down over a tarp.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ease of construction | Easy to build, especially with pre-built kits |
| Cost | Cost-effective due to simple design and less internal structure |
| Ventilation | Good ventilation due to tarp or plastic covering |
| Weather protection | Covered with heavy-duty tarp or plastic to protect from rain and wind |
| Portability | Moveable, lightweight design with bottom frame acting as a skid for mobility |
| Predator protection | Predator-proof with chicken wire and anti-digging wire skirting |
| Durability | Durable, especially with rot-resistant materials like black locust |
| Temperature regulation | Difficult to regulate temperature due to plastic covering and floorless design |
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Using a cattle panel
A hoop-style chicken tractor, or hoop coop, is a type of chicken enclosure that resembles an arch-shaped greenhouse. It is made by bending lightweight metal into a semicircle and attaching it to a bottom frame, which is then covered with a heavy-duty tarp or plastic. This design is more affordable than other chicken coop styles because it requires less internal structure to be sturdy.
When using a cattle panel to create a hoop coop, you can make your coop as deep as you like by simply attaching more panels together with zip ties, wiring, or clips. For example, with one 16'x4' cattle panel, you could have a 10' wide by 5' high by 4' deep coop. With two panels, the coop would be 8' deep, and so on.
To build a hoop coop with a cattle panel, start by placing your desired number of cattle panels flat on the ground beside each other. Attach them together along the long side with zip ties, clips, or wiring, depending on how strong you need the structure to be. Next, roll the entire structure over and lay it close to where the coop will be located. Use T-posts and ratchet straps to hold the bottom in place while you work. Position a piece of pressure-treated wood along what will be the front and screw it into one of your side pieces. Repeat this process on the other side, and then attach a board to the back of your bowed panel. Once the board is attached, you can release the straps, and your basic structure is complete.
To prevent predators from entering your hoop coop, you can attach hardware cloth to the sides and back of your structure. Make sure to also cover any gaps at the bottom of the door with an extra board to prevent animals from entering. If you live in an area with large predators like bears and wolves, consider using solid wood supports and strong wire instead of zip ties. Electric fencing can also be effective in keeping predators out of your hoop coop.
To provide shelter from the rain and sun, you can cover your hoop coop with a tarp. First, lay a sill plate sealer gasket on any hardware cloth seam that the tarp will be covering to prevent chafing. Then, use pipe installation to protect the tarp from tears from the rough edges when tucked under and screwed. You can also use a piece of cheap linoleum strapped down over the tarp with ratchet straps to add longevity and durability.
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Covering with a tarp
Tarps are a popular option for covering hoop-style chicken tractors. They are a cost-effective solution, especially for those on a tight budget. However, they may not last more than one or two seasons. To increase the durability of the tarp, you can place a large piece of cheap linoleum over it, strapped down with ratchet straps.
When covering your hoop coop with a tarp, it is important to consider the following steps:
Firstly, ensure that you have a sturdy frame to support the tarp. A popular choice for the frame is a cattle panel, which can be attached to wooden pieces that serve as the base for the coop. You can also opt for a PVC hoop frame.
Before covering with the tarp, consider adding a layer of chicken wire or hardware cloth to enhance predator protection. This will provide an additional layer of protection for your chickens.
To prevent the tarp from tearing due to sharp edges, it is recommended to lay a sill plate sealer gasket on any hardware cloth seams that the tarp will cover. This will protect the tarp from wear and tear.
When you are ready to apply the tarp, start by laying it over the frame. Secure the tarp using long strips of wood screwed to the frame. You may need to trim the tarp for a proper fit. Ensure that there are no staples within 24 inches of the tarp's edge to prevent tearing.
By following these steps, you can effectively cover your hoop-style chicken tractor with a tarp, providing your chickens with a protected and well-ventilated space.
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Chicken wire
When using chicken wire for a hoop-style chicken tractor, it is important to consider the size of the mesh. The mesh size should be small enough to prevent chickens from escaping and to protect them from potential predators. Typically, 1-inch or 2-inch mesh sizes are suitable for chicken wire.
To install chicken wire on a hoop-style tractor, you can use fencing staples or thin wire to secure it to the frame and cattle panels. It is also important to ensure that the wire is taut and properly tensioned to prevent sagging. Additionally, you may need to trim the wire to fit the shape of the hoop and cut out sections for doors or entrances.
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Plastic sheeting
When using plastic sheeting, it is important to ensure that it is pulled taut to prevent wind from getting underneath, which could chill your chickens at night. You should also leave a small overhang to prevent rainwater from running into the chicken tractor. Additionally, plastic sheeting can be draped over the top and curved sides of the tractor, providing ample coverage.
Overall, plastic sheeting is a cost-effective and practical option for covering your hoop-style chicken tractor, providing protection from the elements while also allowing for adequate ventilation.
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Metal framing
Hoop-style chicken tractors are a great option for farmers and ranchers. They are usually made from lightweight metal bent into a semicircle or arch, attached to a bottom frame, and covered with a heavy-duty tarp or plastic.
If you're looking to build a hoop-style chicken tractor with a metal frame, here's a step-by-step guide:
Planning and Materials
First, decide on the size and dimensions of your chicken tractor. This will determine the amount and length of materials you need. For the metal framing, you will need lightweight metal piping that can be bent into an arch or semicircle. Ensure you have enough piping to create a sturdy frame, including vertical support poles and horizontal piping to reinforce the structure. You will also need a bottom frame, which can be made from wood, such as 2x4s or 4x4s, to create a sturdy base for the metal framing.
Other materials include:
- Galvanized fencing staples
- Loxit rings and tool
- Decking screws of various lengths
- Pipe insulation
- Heavy-duty bolt latches and hinges
- A door handle
- A heavy-duty tarp
- Hardware cloth
- Turf/sod stakes
- Wire mesh or chicken wire
- Plywood or roofing panels
Construction
- Construct a sturdy base using wood. You can attach wheels to the base to make it mobile.
- Build the metal framing. Cut and bend the metal piping to form an arch or semicircle, ensuring it fits securely on the base. Use vertical support poles and horizontal piping for reinforcement.
- Attach the metal framing to the base using screws and bolts. Ensure all connections are secure and sturdy.
- If desired, add a door frame and door using wood or plywood. You can also use wire mesh or chicken wire to create an open-air design, providing ventilation and mite prevention.
- Cover the metal framing with a heavy-duty tarp or plastic sheeting. This will protect the chickens from rain and wind. Secure the tarp using long strips of wood screwed to the frame.
- Finally, add any necessary insulation, such as straw bales, and accessories like roosting bars, water containers, and dust bathing areas.
By following these steps, you can create a functional and sturdy hoop-style chicken tractor with a metal frame. This design provides ample space and ventilation for your chickens while also offering protection from predators and the elements.
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Frequently asked questions
A heavy-duty tarp or plastic is used to cover hoop-style chicken tractors.
Covering the hoop-style chicken tractor with a tarp or plastic provides protection from wind, rain, and sun.
To prevent chafing of the tarp, lay a sill plate sealer gasket on any hardware cloth seam that the tarp will cover. Use pipe insulation to protect the tarp from tears. Using two layers of tarp will also help prolong its life.
Yes, some people use chicken wire or PVC for the frame, and then cover it with a tarp or plastic. Others use old feed sacks, lengths of tarp, or black rubber floor mat material for the walls.
Hoop-style chicken tractors with their plastic covering and floorless design can be challenging to keep warm in cold climates. Additional insulation or heating sources may be required.
