A chicken tractor is a movable chicken coop that allows your birds to peck and scratch on fresh grass every day. Moving it around your garden or backyard can bring new life to your soil, improve your lawn, and provide your chickens with a constantly changing environment. However, moving a chicken tractor is not always easy, especially if it's bulky or heavy. In this article, you'll learn how to move a chicken tractor safely and efficiently.
Assess Your Chicken Tractor
The first step in moving a chicken tractor is to assess its weight, size, and structure. Depending on the materials used to build your chicken tractor, it can be easy or challenging to move around. If your chicken tractor is too heavy for you to move alone, you may need some help. Also, make sure that your chicken tractor has no loose parts or damages that could make it unsafe to move.
Empty Your Chicken Tractor
Before moving your chicken tractor, empty it of all its contents, including waterers, feeders, and bedding. Not only will this make it lighter and easier to move, but it will also prevent the waterers and feeders from spilling and getting damaged in the process. Gather all your chickens and put them in a secure place while you move the chicken tractor to prevent them from being injured.
Pick the Right Location
Picking the right location to move your chicken tractor is crucial. Look for a spot that is flat, dry, and free of debris, rocks, and holes. It's also essential to ensure that the terrain can support the weight of your chicken tractor. If your chicken tractor is too heavy and the terrain is too soft or uneven, you may need to relocate it to another spot or reinforce the ground with gravel or wood chips.
Move Your Chicken Tractor
Now it's time to move your chicken tractor. The best way to do this is by using a dolly, a sturdy cart, or a tractor. Place the dolly or cart under the front end of your chicken tractor, lift it up slightly, and then push it forward. As you move the chicken tractor, push it gently and avoid jerky movements that could destabilize it. If you're using a tractor, make sure to attach the chicken tractor securely to the tractor's towing hitch and move slowly and carefully.
Conclusion
Moving a chicken tractor may seem daunting, but with the right tools and techniques, it can be a breeze. Remember always to assess your chicken tractor's weight and structure, empty it before moving it, pick the right location, and move it safely and gently. By following these steps, you'll be able to move your chicken tractor with ease and give your chickens a fresh new environment to explore every day!