Building a Chicken Tractor — FarmPal

Construct a mobile chicken coop that allows chickens to forage while fertilizing and tilling new ground.

Time Required
1-2 days for basic design, more for complex builds
Season
See notes

Benefits

  • •Provides fresh forage for chickens daily
  • •Fertilizes and tills garden beds naturally
  • •Reduces supplemental feed costs
  • •Breaks pest and disease cycles
  • •Maximizes land use

Steps

1
Design for Your Flock

Plan size based on flock (4 sq ft per bird), weight that can be moved easily, and features needed (nesting boxes, roost, door).

  • 💡 A-frame design is simple and sturdy
  • 💡 Consider adding wheels on one end
  • 💡 Keep it small enough to move by yourself or with one helper
2
Gather Materials

Use weather-resistant lumber (cedar, treated wood, or painted), hardware cloth (not chicken wire for predator protection), and sturdy hardware.

  • 💡 1/2 inch hardware cloth is predator-proof
  • 💡 Reclaimed materials keep costs down
  • 💡 Buy extra hardware cloth it tears and wears
3
Build the Frame

Construct a sturdy frame that's light enough to move but strong enough to withstand weather and protect from predators.

  • 💡 Triangular A-frame is stable and sheds rain
  • 💡 Reinforce corners and lifting points
  • 💡 Add handles or rope for easy moving
4
Add Enclosed Section

Create a weatherproof, enclosed sleeping area with nesting boxes and roost bars.

  • 💡 Allow 8-10 inches of roost per bird
  • 💡 Nesting boxes: 1 per 4-5 hens
  • 💡 Ensure access for egg collection and cleaning
5
Install Hardware Cloth and Door

Cover open areas with hardware cloth and create a door for chicken access and your access.

  • 💡 Bury bottom edges or use apron to prevent digging predators
  • 💡 Double-check all connections predators are persistent
  • 💡 Create door that's easy to open while carrying eggs

Tools Needed

Circular saw or hand saw
Power drill and screws
Wire cutters and staple gun
Tape measure and carpenter's square
Safety glasses and gloves
Hammer and J-clips or hog rings for hardware cloth

⚠️ Safety

  • •Wear safety glasses when cutting hardware cloth
  • •Use gloves hardware cloth edges are sharp
  • •Ensure structure is stable and won't collapse
  • •Predator-proof all openings
Seasonal Notes
Build during dry weather. Move tractor daily or every few days. In winter, may need more permanent housing.