Building a chicken tractor is a great way to provide your feathered friends with a safe and secure space to roam around, while also protecting your garden and lawn. A chicken tractor allows you to move your flock around easily, giving them access to fresh grass and insects, which is essential for their health and wellbeing. In this article, we will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to build a chicken tractor using free plans.
Materials Needed
Before starting your project, you will need to gather the necessary materials. These are the materials we will be using:
- Plywood sheets
- 2x4 lumber
- Hardware cloth or chicken wire
- 4 wheels
- Door hinges and latches
- Screws and nails
- Power drill
- Saw
- Measuring tape
Once you have all the materials, you are ready to start building your chicken tractor.
The Base
The base of your chicken tractor should be made of plywood sheets. Cut two sheets of plywood to the desired size of your tractor. Make sure to sand any rough edges or splinters. Begin by attaching the two sheets of plywood together using screws at the corners. Next, measure and cut the 2x4 lumber to the length of the base. Attach them to the bottom of the plywood base using screws, spacing them every 12 inches. This will create a sturdy base for your chicken tractor.
The Frame
The frame of your chicken tractor will be made of 2x4 lumber. Begin by cutting two pieces of wood for the sides, and two pieces for the front and back. Measure and cut the angles for the roof support beams. Attach the support beams to the frame using screws. Once the roof support beams are in place, add the hardware cloth or chicken wire to the frame. Make sure to attach it securely, leaving no gaps or holes that predators could enter through.
The Doors and Wheels
Next, it's time to add the doors. Cut a rectangular opening in the front of the chicken tractor for the door. Cut a piece of plywood to fit the opening and attach it to the frame using door hinges. Attach a door latch to keep the door securely closed. For the back piece of the chicken tractor, attach two wheels onto either side to make it easy to move around. Your chicken tractor is now complete and ready for use!
Conclusion
A chicken tractor is a great addition to any backyard, providing your feathered friends with a safe space to roam and forage while protecting your garden and lawn. Building your own chicken tractor is easy, and with these free plans, you can have your own chicken tractor up and running in no time. Happy building!
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