Chicken tractors, also known as chicken pens, are a great way to keep chickens in a limited space and provide them with fresh grass and bugs to eat, while also allowing them to move around freely. Building a small chicken tractor is an affordable and easy project that you can do in a weekend using basic tools and supplies. In this article, we will show you step-by-step how to build your own small chicken tractor for your backyard flock.
Materials
To build a small chicken tractor, you will need the following materials:
- 4 2x4s (8 feet long)
- 4 1x4s (8 feet long)
- 1 roll of 4-foot-tall chicken wire
- 1 roll of hardware cloth (3 feet wide)
- 16 exterior-grade screws (3 inches long)
- 16 exterior-grade screws (1½ inches long)
- 2 gate hinges
- 1 gate latch
Tools
You will also need the following tools:
- Tape measure
- Saw (hand or power)
- Drill
- Screwdriver bit
- Staple gun
- Wire cutter
Instructions
Step 1: Build the frame
Cut the 2x4s into four 4-foot pieces and four 2-foot pieces. Screw two 4-foot pieces and two 2-foot pieces together to create a rectangular frame. Repeat this step to build a second frame that is identical to the first.
Step 2: Connect the frames
Attach the two frames together with two 8-foot long 1x4s, one at the top and one at the bottom. Screw the 1x4s to the frames using the 3-inch screws. This will create the main body of the chicken tractor.
Step 3: Add the cover
Cover the top of the chicken tractor with the chicken wire. Staple the wire to the top of the frame, leaving a 2-inch overhang on each side. Cut off the excess wire using the wire cutter. Cover the floor of the chicken tractor with the hardware cloth and staple it in place, making sure there are no gaps where predators can sneak in.
Step 4: Add the door
Cut a piece of the chicken wire that is slightly larger than the main opening. Attach it to the frame using the 1½-inch screws, leaving one side unattached so it can be used as a door. Attach the gate hinges to one side of the door and to the frame. Attach the gate latch to the other side, so that you can easily open and close the door to access the chickens inside.
Conclusion
Building a small chicken tractor is an easy and affordable DIY project that can be done in a weekend. By following these simple steps and using basic tools and supplies, you can create a safe and comfortable home for your backyard flock. With a little bit of effort and creativity, you can have a happy and healthy flock of chickens, while also enjoying the sustainable benefits of raising your own eggs and meat.