Keeping hens for eggs or meat is an enjoyable experience. It's a healthy hobby that provides you with fresh eggs and meat and is an excellent way to teach children where their food comes from. If you're planning to keep chickens, a chicken tractor is a perfect choice. This mobile chicken coop can house chickens, protect them from predators, and give them access to fresh grass and sunshine. In this article, we'll guide you on how to make a PVC chicken tractor.
Materials and Tools
Firstly, you'll need the following materials:
- 12 feet x 10 feet chicken wire
- 10 feet x 10 feet outdoor tarp
- 8 PVC pipes, 10 feet long and 1-inch diameter
- 8 PVC corner fittings
- 4 PVC \"T\" fittings
- 2 PVC \"X\" fittings
- 4 PVC end caps
- 16 metal stakes
- zip ties
- Drill
- Saw
- Measuring tape
Instructions
Here's a step-by-step guide to make a PVC chicken tractor:
- Cut four PVC pipes into four eight-foot lengths. These pipes will form the top and bottom sections of the structure. Cut the remaining four pipes into six-foot lengths, which will form the sides of the chicken tractor.
- Take one of the eight-foot lengths and add a \"T\" fitting at each end. Then, add one of the six-foot lengths at each end of the \"T\" fittings, creating a square shaped frame. Repeat the same for the second eight-foot length.
- Connect the two eight-foot frames with two of the 10-foot pieces of PVC to form the top of the chicken tractor.
- Take the remaining four of the six-foot sections and add an \"X\" fitting at each end. These will be the corners of the chicken tractor. Then, connect two of these sections with a \"T\" fitting to create a rectangular frame. Repeat the same for the other two sections.
- Connect the two rectangular frames by joining the ends of each section using \"T\" fittings, making sure to leave one end open. This open end is where the chickens will enter and exit.
- Now, drill small holes in the bottom sides of the rectangular frame and attach the chicken wire to the bottom half of the structure. Use zip ties to secure the wire to the frame.
- Attach the tarp over half of the structure (one third of the length) using zip ties on the top and sides. This creates a shelter from sunlight, rain, and other elements for your chickens.
- Use metal stakes to secure the tractor to the ground. You can attach the stakes to the \"X\" fittings. Ensure that it's adequately anchored to prevent it from being blown away by heavy winds.
Advantages of a PVC Chicken Tractor
There are several benefits to a PVC chicken tractor. Firstly, it provides mobility. You can move it around your garden to ensure your chickens have access to green grass and fresh insects to keep them healthy. Secondly, the open bottom configuration provides natural foraging environments while keeping predators at bay. Lastly, the PVC materials are easily accessible and inexpensive.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a PVC chicken tractor is an excellent choice for those who want to maintain a small flock of chickens. It's a simple, inexpensive, and effective way to provide your chickens with a safe environment. By following our instructions, you can create a durable and easy-to-move structure that will keep your chickens healthy and happy.
