20 Free DIY Chicken Tractor Plans and Ideas (How To)

Discover the joys and benefits of building your own DIY chicken tractor with our insightful and straightforward guide. Whether you wish to provide a comfortable and portable home for your chickens or are keen on enhancing your backyard farming practices, our collection of 20 free DIY chicken tractor plans and ideas is just what you need. Each plan is designed to assist individuals in making functional and efficient spaces for their flocks, using commonly available materials.

Understanding the steps to construct a quality chicken tractor is essential for anyone looking to embark on this rewarding project. Our detailed instructions cover everything from selecting the right materials to the final touches, ensuring your chickens have a safe and cozy movable coop. Furthermore, we answer common questions and provide solutions to typical challenges faced during construction. Get ready to build a practical chicken tractor that will benefit your feathered friends and your garden.

Why Build a DIY Chicken Tractor?

Building a DIY chicken tractor comes with numerous benefits that cater to both your feathered friends and your backyard ecosystem. Here's why you should consider making one:

Space Efficiency: A chicken tractor allows you to raise chickens even in limited spaces. Its mobility means you can easily move it around your backyard, ensuring chickens always have fresh ground to explore.
Pest Control: Chickens are natural foragers. As they move, they eat bugs and weeds, helping control pests in your garden without the use of harmful chemicals.
Soil Enrichment: The regular relocation of the tractor ensures chickens evenly distribute their manure across your yard. This acts as a natural fertilizer, enriching the soil and promoting healthier plant growth.
Predator Protection: Chicken tractors are designed to be secure and predator-proof, offering peace of mind that your chickens are safe from common predators like foxes, hawks, and raccoons.
Cost-Effective: Building a chicken tractor can be more affordable than constructing a permanent coop. Many plans utilize repurposed or budget-friendly materials, making it a cost-effective solution for chicken housing.
Educational: The process of building and maintaining a chicken tractor can be a valuable learning experience. It offers practical lessons in carpentry, animal husbandry, and sustainable gardening.

A DIY chicken tractor provides a versatile, eco-friendly, and enriching environment for your chickens while contributing positively to your backyard's health and productivity.

How to Build a Chicken Tractor

Building a mobile chicken coop, or chicken tractor, doesn’t have to be a daunting task. This guide will walk you through the process of making a lightweight, durable chicken tractor using simple materials. This project is perfect for beginners and seasoned DIYers alike.

Materials Needed

1.5 inch PVC pipe
Chicken wire
Cage wire
Furniture PVC couplers
2x2 lumber for roosts
PVC glue
Zip ties
Tools for cutting and drilling

Steps to Building Your Chicken Tractor

1. Prepare Your Base

Start by making a flat surface to work on. This assures that your chicken tractor's base is level and square, which is crucial for the overall stability of the structure.

Lay out your PVC pipes and couplers on the ground.
Assemble the outer frame first, ensuring each connection is tight and square.

2. Build the Frame

Measure and cut your PVC pipe to size according to the desired dimensions of your coop.
Connect the pipes using the PVC couplers to form the base and the frame of the coop.
Ensure all connections are glued securely to withstand movement and use.

3. Install Support Structures

Cut additional pieces of PVC to build vertical supports around the perimeter of your frame.
Glue these supports into place, maintaining an even distribution around the coop for added stability.

4. Assemble the Roof

Construct the roof frame separately, then attach it to the top of the vertical supports.
Ensure the roof is tightly secured and provides sufficient slope for water runoff.

5. Add the Roosts

Using 2x2 lumber, build roosting bars for your chickens.
Mount these securely inside the coop, allowing enough space for the chickens to perch comfortably.

6. Wrap the Coop

Begin by attaching the chicken wire around the bottom portion of the coop for predator protection.
Use zip ties to pull the wire tight, but be careful not to over-tighten and damage the PVC frame.
Apply the cage wire over the top for added security and shelter.

7. Install the Door

Construct a light door frame out of PVC and attach it using zip ties as hinges for simplicity.
Wrap the door in chicken wire to keep it consistent with the rest of the coop.

8. Final Touches

Trim any excess wire to avoid sharp edges.
Attach a rope or handle to the front of the tractor to easily move it around your yard.

Video Tutorial

For a step-by-step video tutorial, watch our DIY mobile chicken coop on You Tube here.

It pairs well with this written guide, delivering a comprehensive visual perspective to supplement the instructions provided, showcasing the assembly process in an engaging and understandable way.

Following this guide will help you build a lightweight, mobile chicken coop perfect for backyard poultry enthusiasts. The coop is not only easy to move but also provides a secure and comfortable environment for your chickens to thrive in.

FAQs on DIY Chicken Tractor Plans

Building a DIY chicken tractor can be a rewarding project. Here are answers to some common questions to help you get started.

What is a chicken tractor?

A chicken tractor is a movable chicken coop lacking a floor. It allows chickens to graze on fresh grass, pick at insects, and enjoy the soil, all while staying protected from predators.

Why use a chicken tractor instead of a stationary coop?

Fresh grazing: Chickens can access fresh grass and insects, which improves their diet and happiness.
Pest control: They naturally reduce pests in your garden.
Fertilization: As the tractor moves, it distributes chicken manure evenly, naturally fertilizing your lawn.
Prevents overgrazing: Moving the coop prevents chickens from overgrazing or damaging one area of your yard.

What materials are needed to build a chicken tractor?

Common materials include:

PVC pipes or lumber for the frame
Chicken wire or hardware cloth for protection
Hinges and latches for doors
Wheels for mobility
Tools for cutting and assembling materials

How large should a chicken tractor be?

The size depends on how many chickens you have. A general rule is to provide about 10 square feet per chicken to ensure they have enough space to move around comfortably.

Can I build a chicken tractor if I'm new to DIY projects?

Yes! Many chicken tractor plans are designed with beginners in mind. Look for plans that require basic tools and materials, and don't hesitate to ask for help at your local hardware store.

How often should I move the chicken tractor?

It's best to it daily or every few days, depending on the size of your yard and the number of chickens. This prevents damage to your grass and ensures chickens always have fresh ground to explore.

Can a chicken tractor be used in all seasons?

In milder climates, a chicken tractor can be used year-round. However, in areas with harsh winters, you may need to provide additional shelter or move your chickens to a more permanent coop during colder months.

What should I do if my yard is too small for a chicken tractor?

Consider a compact design or a vertical coop. Some chicken tractor plans are specifically designed for small spaces, offering the benefits of mobility without requiring a large footprint.

How can I protect my chickens from predators in a chicken tractor?

Ensure the chicken tractor is well-secured with sturdy materials like hardware cloth instead of chicken wire, as it's more difficult for predators to penetrate. Also, consider adding a skirt around the base or securing the bottom with pegs or weights.

20 Free DIY Chicken Tractor Plans and Ideas (How To)

Discover 20 free DIY chicken tractor plans and ideas to build a mobile coop for your flock. Learn how to build and customize your own with ease.

1. How to Make a Chicken Tractor

Explore the practical world of DIY poultry care with our guide to making chicken tractor designs. This concise resource provides clear dimensions and insightful photos to aid in constructing your own chicken tractor, optimal for raising healthy, free-range meat chickens.

Designed with simplicity in mind, our guide details the construction of space-efficient tractors that comfortably house up to 25 broilers. From essential materials like chicken wire and plywood to handy tips on mobility, we cover all you need to start. Visit Reformstead for a comprehensive look at DIY chicken tractor plans and bring your homesteading projects to life.

2. Build a Chicken Tractor for Meat Birds

Looking to raise your own meat birds with ease and efficiency? A DIY chicken tractor is an excellent solution, providing a movable home that keeps your birds healthy and safe. At Mama on the Homestead, you'll find a straightforward guide for crafting a 10'x5'x2' chicken tractor, perfect for breeds like Cornish Cross and Red Rangers.

This setup promotes cleanliness, offers protection, and ensures your chickens enjoy fresh ground daily. With simple materials and detailed steps, you can build a predator-proof, sustainable habitat for your meat birds. Start your journey to food security today with this engaging and useful DIY project!

3. DIY Mobile Chicken Coop

Simplify poultry movement with our chicken tractor plans with wheels, enhancing mobility and flexibility. Elevate your backyard poultry experience with this DIY chicken tractor plan that combines protection and the freedom of free-ranging for your chickens. Discover a mobile coop design that reduces cleaning efforts, prevents grass destruction, and enriches your pasture, all while fostering a healthier flock.

This plan details an easy construction process for a 7-by-3-foot coop suitable for up to 14 chickens, ensuring nighttime safety and ample space for egg-laying. Embrace a sustainable approach by visiting Backyard Poultry for the full plan and build a happier home for your feathered friends.

4. Redesigned Original Pvc Chicken Tractor

Discover the innovative makeover of the Original PVC Chicken Tractor, now redesigned for enhanced functionality. This versatile structure is not only perfect for raising chicks and rabbits but also comes with significant improvements for easier maintenance and better utility. Key upgrades include a wire floor for rabbits, fenced feed bowl shelves, a new backdoor design, and a lighter build that eliminates the need for plywood.

Plus, an adapted frame allows the addition of an automatic chicken watering bucket. For a step-by-step guide on constructing this cost-effective and easy-to-build chicken tractor, visit JL Missouri. Ideal for those looking to raise poultry or rabbits with efficiency, this redesign prioritizes practicality and accessibility.

5. Making a Chicken Tractor

Embarking on a journey to raise your own meat birds? Discover how to build a DIY Chicken Tractor with ease and efficiency. A chicken tractor offers the perfect balance of free-ranging benefits and predator protection for your flock. Learn the step-by-step process of constructing a durable, mobile coop using hog panels and simple tools for under $200. Perfect for ensuring the best diet and life for your birds before butchering. For a detailed guide, visit Burch Acres.

6. A Frame Chicken Coop Tractor

Make your poultry farming more efficient with chicken tractor plans suitable for any backyard size. Discover the joy of building your own A-Frame Chicken Coop Tractor with easy-to-follow plans from Ana White. Designed to be simple, portable, and cost-effective, these plans are perfect for housing 2-4 chickens. With built-in nesting boxes and perches, your feathered friends will thrive in their new home. Plus, with a construction cost of about $100, it’s an affordable project for any aspiring chicken keeper. Start making a comfortable, movable coop for your backyard today.

7. Movable Chicken Tractor Plans

Revolutionize your chicken-keeping experience with the ChickShaw, a lightweight, mobile chicken coop expertly designed for effortless relocation around your homestead. Inspired by the efficiency of rickshaws, this coop ingeniously shifts most weight to the center, making it a breeze for any individual to maneuver.

The ChickShaw, a creation by Abundant Permaculture, caters to various flock sizes, ensuring your birds always have fresh grass underfoot. Featuring built-in perches, mesh flooring for self-cleaning, and easily accessible nesting boxes, your feathered friends will thrive, promoting a more natural and sustainable way of life for both you and your chickens. Discover the simplicity and benefits of mobile chicken housing with ChickShaw.

8. DIY Chicken Tractor on Wheels

Embarking on an egg-hunting adventure led to the creation of BG's Little Egg Factory. From overcoming city ordinances to constructing a cozy, safe coop for his feathery friends, this story is a testament to creativity and perseverance.

Discover tips on choosing the best hens for egg laying, making a cost-effective and aesthetic coop, and engaging in a rewarding project with your family. Ideal for chicken enthusiasts aiming to provide a secure and loving home for their chicks, this guide offers practical advice on every step of the journey.

9. DIY Light Weight Chicken Tractor

Discover how to build your own chicken habitat with the Kycklingars 4x10 Tractor. An inventive and budget-friendly solution, this tractor provides ample space, security, and comfort for your poultry. Drawing from various ideas, this design integrates the best features to build an optimized environment.

The structure is lightweight, easy to move, and includes safety enhancements against predators. Explore detailed instructions, materials needed, and customization tips for making a poultry paradise. Perfect for DIY enthusiasts aiming to enhance their backyard chicken experience. For step-by-step guidance, visit Backyard Chickens.

10. Make Your Own Chicken Tractor

Step-by-step guide on building a chicken tractor to provide a safe and movable home for your poultry. Discover an inventive approach to farming with cattle panels on Lazy B Farm's Blog. Learn from our hands-on experience making a versatile, portable farm structure suitable not just for poultry but also as a dog kennel or children's playhouse.

Our step-by-step journey covers everything from construction using simple tools to practical additions like tarps for weather protection and wheels for mobility. This engaging guide provides clear, practical insights for making your own multifunctional farm structure, ensuring you're prepared to tackle such a project with confidence and creativity.

11. DIY Chicken Tractor for Backyard

Get creative with your coop by exploring these innovative chicken tractor ideas perfect for modern farms. Embarking on a chicken-keeping journey can be both exciting and challenging. For those fascinated by the idea of building a customized coop for their feathery friends, the adventure of one chicken enthusiast, as detailed on Backyard Chickens, is a testament to the dedication required.

From initially housing a few chickens to expanding into a larger, more complex structure, this story is filled with practical insights, creative solutions, and the occasional hiccup that comes with DIY projects. If you're pondering a coop for your backyard brood, this narrative offers valuable lessons on planning, building, and adapting to ensure a safe, comfortable home for your chickens.

12. Make Your Own Chicken Tractor

For those interested in sustainable poultry farming, building a chicken tractor can be a cost-effective and enriching DIY project. Designed for around five layers and potential chick-raising, this A-frame structure includes open flooring for natural scratching and a sheltered roost with accessible nesting boxes.

Crafted with mobility in mind, it’s a one-day build with options for material modifications to lower costs. Perfect for keeping your chickens healthy while fertilizing your land, this guide emphasizes simplicity and functionality in backyard farming.

13. How to Build a Frame Chicken Tractor

For those venturing into chicken keeping, an A-Frame Chicken Tractor can be a practical addition to your setup. Easy to follow instructions from Ana White guide you through making a mobile coop, perfect for providing your chickens with fresh grazing areas.

With a total material cost of approximately $75 to $85 and a time investment of a weekend, this intermediate-level project enhances your backyard aesthetics while maintaining functionality. Features like a flip-up panel for easy access and the option to expand make it versatile. Paint it to blend with your backyard for a seamless integration.

14. Build Your Own Chicken Tractor

Discover a simple yet effective way to keep your chickens safe and happy outdoors. Jon's homemade chicken tractor design ensures your coop can move to fresh grass, protecting your flock from predators. Requiring only basic supplies like 2x4s, plywood scraps, and chicken wire, this project is doable in about 2 hours. Complete with sunshade, doors for easy access, and a removable roosting pole, it's a game-changer for any backyard flock. Learn how to build your own at Simply Resourceful.

15. DIY Mobile Chicken Tractor

Find large chicken tractor plans that cater to more birds while ensuring their comfort and safety. Embarking on a mission to blend the benefits of free-range with safe chicken keeping, we crafted an innovative A-frame chicken tractor. Our design ensures your hens feast on nature's bounty, providing you with nutrient-rich eggs. It's an affordable, beautiful, and durable solution for any homesteader. Ready to offer your flock the best of both worlds without breaking the bank? Learn about our journey and grab the build plans at Green Willow Homestead.

16. Easy to Build a Chicken Tractor

Elevate your backyard farming with a DIY chicken tractor! Perfect for meat chickens, a chicken tractor promotes healthier, happier birds by allowing them to graze on fresh grass and bugs daily while naturally fertilizing your lawn. No cleanup is needed! Inspired by Joel Salatin's successful method, learn how to construct your 4×8 enclosure, providing ample space for 18-20 chickens. Embrace a sustainable approach to raising chickens organically and holistically. For a detailed guide, visit Weed 'Em and Reap.

17. Reclaimed Chicken Tractor Building Plans

Optimize space and efficiency with mobile chicken tractor plans, ideal for dynamic farming environments. Discover an inspiring guide on crafting a chicken coop from reclaimed materials, demonstrating sustainability in action. Learn how a blend of pallets, fencing, and various found items, alongside a modest budget for hardware, culminated in a cozy home for eight chickens.

Navigate through design challenges dictated by available resources, leading to a unique "Stair Step" rooftop and a secure, spacious run area wrapped in hardware cloth. Marvel at the practicality of wheels for mobility and delve into the details of construction, from natural roosts to easily accessible nesting boxes. For an in-depth exploration, visit Backyard Chickens. This account offers practical insights and lessons in efficient, eco-friendly coop construction.

18. Hawk Hill’s Collapsible Chicken Tractor

Discover the ultimate guide to crafting a portable, fold-flat chicken tractor that's both lightweight and robust! At Hawk Hill, learn how to construct a chicken tractor that's easy to move, and store, and keeps your chickens secure. Offering free plans, this DIY project is designed for practicality and efficiency, ensuring your flock is happy, and your budget remains intact. Whether it's for meat birds or a cozy retreat for your laying hens, this guide makes building a chicken tractor accessible and engaging. Ideal for those embracing a hands-on approach to poultry care.

19. DIY Wooden Barn Tractor

Discover the innovative design of a Barn Tractor (Mobile Home) for chickens, a project inspired by an intern at the Kerr Center, scaled up for more space. This detailed guide offers step-by-step instructions on building a spacious feathered friends' residence with convenient access and optimized for standard lumber sizes to minimize cutting.

From laying the base to attaching wheels for easy mobility, every phase is meticulously described, ensuring a robust and mobile habitat. For an engaging and informative read on crafting this chicken "mobile home," visit BackYard Chickens.

20. Easy DIY Chicken Tractor

Discover the simplicity of building a small-scale DIY chicken tractor with this easy-to-follow guide inspired by Joel Salatin's designs, but perfect for backyard farmers. Utilizing treated lumber for durability and hardware cloth for protection, this tutorial ensures a lightweight yet sturdy structure for your feathered friends.

Ideal for those aiming for free-range benefits without daily moves, it includes clever features like a hinged door and minimal hardware cloth cuts to ease assembly. Explore the entire process and access free plans to kickstart your project at SowtheLand. Perfect for raising happy, healthy chickens with freedom to roam.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, our exploration of 20 free DIY chicken tractor plans and ideas offers a comprehensive guide for anyone looking to enhance their backyard farming experience. Building a chicken tractor not only benefits your chickens by providing them with fresh pasture but also enriches your garden soil.

By following the outlined steps and considering the FAQs, even those new to DIY can successfully build a chicken tractor, making sustainable farming more accessible. Remember, the size, materials, and design can be adapted to fit your specific needs, ensuring both your chickens and your garden thrive. Happy building!