If you are looking to raise your own chickens, one of the biggest challenges you may face is how to house them. A chicken tractor can be a great solution to this problem. It is essentially a movable coop that allows your chickens to graze on fresh grass every day while providing them with a safe and secure place to sleep at night. Chicken tractors come in all shapes and sizes, and can be bought pre-made or built from scratch. In this article, we will show you how to build a cheap chicken tractor that is both functional and easy to construct.
Gather Your Materials
The first step in building your chicken tractor is to gather all the materials you will need. Here is a list of materials that you will need to build a basic chicken tractor:
- 4 pieces of 2x4 lumber, each 8 feet long
- 24 feet of 1x2 lumber
- 2 pieces of plywood, each 4x8 feet
- 4 wheels
- 16 hinges
- 1 roll of hardware cloth, 2 feet wide
- 120 screws
- 2-3 hours of your time
Start Building the Frame
The first step in building your chicken tractor is to construct the frame. Start by laying two of the 8-foot pieces of 2x4 lumber on the ground parallel to each other, about 5 feet apart. Then, lay the other two pieces perpendicular to the first two, about 6 feet apart. Use screws to attach the corners of the frame.
Add the Walls and Roof
Once you have constructed the frame, it is time to add the walls and roof. Use the plywood to create two walls and a roof. Cut the plywood to the appropriate size and attach it to the frame using hinges. This will allow you to easily lift the roof for cleaning and maintenance.
Add the Wheels and Hardware Cloth
Next, add the wheels to the bottom of the chicken tractor. This will allow you to easily move the tractor around your yard. Then, staple the hardware cloth to the bottom of the tractor. This will keep predators such as foxes and raccoons out while still allowing your chickens to graze on fresh grass.
Add the Chicken Door
Finally, add a small door to the chicken tractor. This will allow your chickens to come and go as they please during the day. Cut a small hole in one of the walls and attach a door using hinges. You can also add a ramp to the door to make it easier for your chickens to enter and exit.
Conclusion
Building a chicken tractor is a great way to provide your chickens with a safe and secure place to live while also giving them access to fresh grass and a more natural environment. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can build a cheap and functional chicken tractor in just a few hours. With a little bit of effort and some basic tools, you can provide your chickens with a comfortable home that will keep them happy and healthy for years to come.
