Keeping chickens has become an increasingly popular hobby in recent years. One way to ensure that your chickens are well-cared for is to provide them with a safe and comfortable environment. One way to do that is to build a tractor chicken coop. This type of coop allows you to move your chickens around your yard or garden so that they can forage for food while still being protected from predators. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to build your own tractor chicken coop.
Step 1: Gather Materials
The first step in building a tractor chicken coop is to gather materials. You will need several pieces of lumber, galvanized screws, chicken wire, roofing material, and hardware cloth. You can also add a few additional items, such as wheels and handles, to make it easier to move the coop around your yard. Once you have all of your materials, you can get started on the construction process.
Step 2: Build the Frame
Once you have your materials, the first step in building your tractor chicken coop is to build the frame. Start by cutting the lumber to size and then assemble the frame using galvanized screws. You’ll want to build the frame so that it is sturdy and can support the weight of the coop and the chickens. A good size for a tractor chicken coop is 8 feet long by 4 feet wide by 4 feet tall.
Step 3: Add the Chicken Wire
The next step in building your tractor chicken coop is to add the chicken wire. Attach the chicken wire to the frame using galvanized staples. Make sure that the chicken wire is securely attached and that there are no gaps where predators can enter. Cover the sides, top, and bottom of the coop with chicken wire. This will protect your chickens from predators while still allowing them to forage for food.
Step 4: Add the Roofing Material and Hardware Cloth
Once you’ve added the chicken wire, it’s time to add the roofing material and hardware cloth. First, attach the roofing material to the frame using galvanized screws. This will protect your chickens from rain and other elements. Next, attach the hardware cloth to the bottom of the coop. This will prevent predators from digging underneath the coop to get to your chickens. You can also add additional hardware cloth to any areas where predators might be able to enter.
Step 5: Add Wheels and Handles
Finally, you can add wheels and handles to your tractor chicken coop to make it easier to move around your yard. Attach the wheels to the bottom of the coop using galvanized screws and the handles to the top of the coop using galvanized staples. This will allow you to easily move the coop around your yard so that your chickens can forage for food in different areas.
Conclusion
Building a tractor chicken coop is a fun project that can provide your chickens with a safe and comfortable environment. By following these steps, you can build your own tractor chicken coop and provide your chickens with a place to call home.