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How To Build A Chicken Tractor

Posted on June 27, 2013September 13, 2020 by Rosevine Cottage Girls
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A Chicken tractor is a great way to allow your chickens to free-range in safety without fear of predators being able to attack them. This is a really easy design fo using 2×2 and galvanized hardware cloth.

Why We Chose To Use A Chicken Tractor

Contents hide
1 Back To The Drawing Board
1.1 Simplicity Of Design
2 How To Build A Chicken Tractor
2.1 Supplies:
2.2 Assembly:
3 To Beat The Heat
3.1 Related posts:

When we first got chickens we converted an old shed into a chicken coop and allowed them to free-range in a big chicken wire pen. It gave them the ability to graze and forage for bugs without wandering into our neighbor’s yard. That worked for a while but all too soon a hawk and some of our neighbor’s dogs discovered how easy it was to get at our chickens through the wire. 

how to build a chicken tractor

Back To The Drawing Board

Because our old set up was no longer an option we went back to the drawing board and did some research on ways to protect our pens. We knew we wanted to be able to easily move the pen around the yard so that our girls could free range and eat the bugs, but still, look nice. After reaching out to some of our farm friends and lots of brainstorming we settled on the idea of a chicken tractor.


Simplicity Of Design

We chose to do a really simple rectangle shape for our run with a house on the back that could be removed from the rest of the cage and moved separately. This kept the cage light and easy for us girls to move. 

Pin For Later

how to build a chicken tractor photo of chickens in a chicken tractor | how to build a portable chicken pen | rosevinecottagegirls.com

How To Build A Chicken Tractor

Supplies:

  • 2×2’s 
  • Deck Screws
  • Hardware Cloth
  • Wire Cutters
  • 2″ Washers
  • Chicken Wire (optional)
  • Hinges (Use black for a more elegant look, or silver to match the wire)
  • Paint (White or another light color to repel heat) 
  • Shingles
  • Handles (Pick ones that match your hinges)
  • Compound Miter Saw or 
  • Jig Saw
  • Canvas Drop Cloth

Assembly:

  1. Select 4 – 2×2’s (they should be 8 feet long) that are straight. These will be the top and bottom of your run. 
  2. Cut 2×2’s into 17 3′ sections for side slats.
  3. Select 2 of your 8′ sections, and 2 of the 3-foot sections. Using screws secure the 8′ section to the top of the 3′ foot section. 
  4. Repeat on the opposite side. Select 3 more 3′ sections and screw them evenly spaced between either end. 
  5. When that is done, flip it over and place the second 8′ section on top and secure with screws. Set aside.

    how to build a chicken tractor
  6. Select the last 2 8′ foot sections and repeat the process.
  7. Take 5 of the 3′ sections and screw them together to make a frame. Use 3 vertically and two horizontal.
  8. Figure out where you want your doors, you’ll need one to allow your birds access to the coop and one for you to get in to feed and water your chickens.  When you’ve figured where you want them, measure between the outside wall and the support slat. Cut 2×2 to fit in the opening and screw together. 
  9. Paint the frames, with outdoor paint or stain to protect the wood from the weather. 
  10. Once the paint is dry attach the hardware cloth to frames using screws and washers. 
  11. Place the 3′ sections at either end of the 8′ sections, with the wire on the inside of the frames, and screw them together. 
  12. Run wire over the top of the cage and secure it with washers and screws. 
  13. Screw the handle and hinges on to the door.
  14. Insert the doors, and attach hinges to the run. 
  15. If you wish you can add handles to either side of the run so it is easier to lift your chicken tractor. You can also add tires. 

how to build a chicken tractor | a chicken pen with chickens in it. rosevinecottagegirls.com

Now your chickens have a safe place to free-range without being attacked by predators.

To Beat The Heat

I don’t know about your house but in the south, it gets quite hot in the summer. If it gets hot where you live don’t forget to add seasonal shade. Simply add a canvas tarp to the top during the summer to give your birds some shade. Take strips and sew them to the edges of your canvas to use to tie them down to your run so a brisk breeze won’t blow your tarp off and expose the chickens to the hot summer sun. 

 
Check out our Amazon Storefront for all of the chicken keeping supplies you’ll need. 
 
Homesteading books
 
 
Snag your free copy of our book Back To Our Roots filled with tips, advice, on gardening and raising animals and wholesome recipes HERE.
 
This post contains affiliate links.
 

 
Before you go, check these out!
 
  • How To Build A Chicken Feeder
  • How To Build A Chicken Coop
  • Caring For Laying Hens
  • How To Raise Friendly Ducks
  • What To Feed Chickens
  • How To Introduce New Chickens To A Flock

 

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Related posts:

How To Make Vinegar Cleaner -Safe, Natural All Purpose Cleaner
Chicken Scratch
Plow & Hearth Wicker Swing Review + Giveaway

0 thoughts on “How To Build A Chicken Tractor”

  1. Rosevine Cottage Girls says:
    June 27, 2013 at 3:35 am

    Thank you for to Simple Living and letting us share in your link up. Go and check it out at http://networkedblogs.com/Mz1Yo

    Reply
  2. April Tuell says:
    October 26, 2013 at 6:34 am

    I really enjoyed your post. I just found you over at The Homestead Barn Hop and would love for you to come share at my Saturday Spotlight Blog Hop!

    April
    Angels Homestead

    Reply
  3. Kathy Shea Mormino says:
    October 27, 2013 at 7:09 pm

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    Reply
  4. Rosevine Cottege says:
    October 27, 2013 at 9:28 pm

    Thank you! We would be happy to join your link up!

    Reply

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Meet The Rosevine Cottage Girls

Hi we’re the Rosevine Cottage Girls, Brianna, Cheyenne, and Tracy. A Mother and twin daughters living in beautiful middle Tennessee with our veteran dad and husband Mr. Cottage. We’re always up to something here at Rosevine Cottage whether that is redecorating some space in the house, working in the garden, or playing with the animals. Read more…

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