The concept of free-range chickens is great, but it does include its dangers. Your girls are going to be exposed to nature, the neighbor’s dog, raccoons, you name it!
A chicken tractor is a great solution to get your chickens outside and happy, scratching in the dirt and eating grass and bugs. It also keeps your chickens constantly exposed to new environments without wearing down the grass and leaving permanent lawn impressions.
How to Build a Chicken Tractor
What you’ll need:
Materials:
- Two 10’ 2x4s
- Ten 8′ 2x4s
- Two sheets (4’x8’) of 3/8” thick plywood
- 3’ wide, 36’ long chicken wire
- Four hinges 2-1/2″ L x 2″ W
- Ten, 1/2” diameter x 8” long sticks from a tree (for chickens steps)
- One, 26” x 6’ Green PVC Corrugated Roof Panel
- Two, 5” wheels and lug bolts
Tools:
- 3 ½”, 2 3/4” and 1″ wood screws
- Chicken wire staples
- Drill
- Miter Saw
- Tape Measure
- Wire Snips
- Utility Knife
Directions:
1. Start by making the frame.
- Start with 2, 10’ 2x4s for the base.
- Cut 2, 29” 2x4s for the front vertical support and attach. (3 1/2″ wood screws)
- Cut 2, 5’ 2x4s for the rear vertical support and attach. (3 1/2″ wood screws)
- Cut 2, 45.5″ 2x4s for the upper lateral cross supports and attach. (3 1/2″ wood screws)
2. Finishing making the frame of the hen house.
- Cut 2, 5’ 2x4s for the rear vertical support.
- Cut 2, 18″ 2x4s for the top lateral support and attach. (3 1/2″ wood screws) Note that there will be a space between the vertical support and the base 2×4. This is where the wheels will go.
- Cut 2, 45.5″ 2×4 for the rear lateral cross supports and attach. (3 1/2″wood screws)
3. Build the floor and outside walls of the hen house.
- Cut 2, plywood rectangles 24”x 19” for the floor and attach. (1″ wood screws)
- Cut 2, plywood rectangles 31”x 24 ½” for the side walls and attach. (1″ wood screws)
4. Build the final walls of the hen house.
- Use 1 sheet (4’x8’) of 3/8” thick plywood, cut in half for two 4’ parts
- Mark the center top of each part, cut at a 45-degree angle to make a roof peak
- Cut a 14”x18” rectangle in one of the parts for a door, save the cut our portion for the door
- Attach the corners of the walls (1″ wood screws)
- Cut a 24 ¾” 2×4 for the top brace and attach (2 3/4″ wood screws)
- Cut 2, 3/8” plywood rectangles 31”x 24 ½” for the ceilings, attach
5. Finish the roof.
- Cut 26”x 6’ Green PVC Corrugated Roof Panel in half, attach to the roof with 4 screws. (1″ wood screws)
6. Add the door.
- Use one hinge 2-1/2″ L x 2″ W, add optional latch and attach
7. Add the ladder.
- Cut 1, 55” 2×4 for the step
- Cut 10, 1/2” diameter x 8” long sticks for the steps, attach sticks evenly along the 55″ 2×4 (1″ wood screws)
8. Secure the ladder.
- Use one hinge 2-1/2″ L x 2″ W to attach at the bottom entry of the enclosure
9. Add wheels to the front.
- Cut 2, 2x4s, 12”
- Cut 2, 2x4s, 6”
- Drill hole in the frame beneath the hen house, add wheels on each side and attach (3 1/2″ wood screws)
10. Optional chicken perch for the inside of hen house.
- Cut 1” diameter x 4” long stick, secure at the ends (2 3/4″ wood screws)
11. Wrap in chicken wire.
- Be sure to leave the front side open (opposite of the enclosure) as there will be a separate door in this space
- Wire the top as well (wire staples to secure)
12. Add the tractor door.
- Cut 2, 4′ 2x4s
- Cut 2, 11 1/2″ 2x4s attach to make a rectangle for the door. (3 1/2″ wood screws)
- Cut 1, 45 1/2″ 2×4 for support and attach 19” above the ground. (3 1/2″ wood screws)
- Add chicken wire
- Attach to support with 2 hinges
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