This month I have been busy building a new mobile chicken tractor to be used on the pasture. I have always wanted to have a mobile tractor for layers but things are hectic at times with 8 children and a full time job. The old mobile tractor for the meat birds have been partially damaged over the years and I intend to build a smaller and shorter tractor this time.
Searching over the internet there are hundreds of chicken tractor design but I end up using Justin Rhode’s Chickshaw plan. I made some modification to his plan to suit my needs but over it was a very good starter plan.
Flipping down the door would act as a ramp for the chickens to come out. Notice that I spray paint all hinges with metal paint to minimize rust issue.
Rolling Nest Box
Rather than using milk crates as suggested by Justin, I decide to build a rolling nest box for better egg gathering.Â
Blocking the nest box
The step in front of the nest box can also be flipped upwards at night to prevent the layers poop in side the nest box.
Back of nest box
This is the back where eggs will be rolling out. I use 1″ x 2″ hardware cloth as the bottom of the nest box with a layer of artificial turf on top later.Â
Painting the next box
We paint any wood exposed externally with wood stain.
Mounting the nest box
Mounting the nest box on the back wall of the tractor.Â
Siding
It just happened that I have lots of vinyl sidings around so time to get to work.
Roof
I am using leftover metal roof panel from other projects while I have to purchase a new PVC roof panel.Â
Final Product
The mobile chicken tractor is finished! Notice that I have put a cover for the rolling nest box. I did not use 2 big wheels as suggested in Justin’s plan, instead I used 4 small tires(for wheelbarrow 4.1 x 3.5 4-ply). This would allow me to push or pull the tractor backward or forward easier than 2 wheels.
