If you have made the decision to raise chickens in your backyard, one of the best investments you can make is buying chicken tractors.
It will keep your hens safe from predators and you can easily manage them without any hassle while you give them access to sunlight, insects, and fresh grass.
But with so many designs and features to choose from, picking the best chicken tractor is something that will make you break a sweat or two.
Below I take a look at the seven steps of choosing the perfect chicken tractor for your flock!
The 7 Steps For The Perfect Chicken Tractors
Choosing a chicken tractor that your chickens will enjoy and you will love using is not an easy task but we will make it easier for you! The following seven steps will help you in selecting the perfect chook tractor.
Assess Your Budget
Since money always comes up, let’s start there.
The price of chicken tractors can range from “I just mortgaged the coop” to “I built this out of scrap wood and leftover fencing.” But really, you can purchase a premade setup for several hundred dollars (or more) or do it yourself for less than $100.
Consider this:
- Do you have things lying around and are you handy with tools?
- Do you need something plug-and-play because you don’t have any time?
- Are you in the middle?
Whatever your response, just make sure that the tractor isn’t the only item on your budget. Feeders, waterers, possibly wheels or handles, and, if you live in an area that gets windy or rainy, hardware cloth or a tarp are all necessary.
From do-it-yourself models under $100 to pre-built luxury models costing over $1000, chicken tractors are available in a variety of price ranges. Determine how much you are willing to spend, but keep in mind:
A cheap tractor may end up costing you more because of later repairs or replacements.
You can get long-term ease and durability if you use premium materials and clever designs.
Study Your Yard
It’s your yard next. Grab a cup of coffee, stroll around it, and take a close look at what you have.
Is the ground uneven or level? Although hills can be traversed with some design adjustments, flat terrain is easier for tractors to maneuver over.
Are you exposed to a lot of sunlight? Shade? Knowing where it hits during the day helps you plan where to move the coop because chickens enjoy both.
Importantly, do you have predators? Your chicken tractors must be safe from hawks, raccoons, stray dogs, and even curious neighborhood children.
Oh, and consider access to water. Carrying a jug of water across the yard every day gets old pretty fast!
Make A Plan
Let’s take a moment to dream. How many chickens do you want to have? Would you prefer a tractor that is extremely light and portable, or one that resembles a fortress?
Create a preliminary draft of your design. This isn’t an architecture class, so don’t worry. On a piece of paper, make a sketch of the below things:
- A sleeping area (roosting bar)
- An area for resting (nesting boxes)
- A little rain protection
- Additionally, there should be plenty of airflow because chickens dislike being stuffy and hot.
Ideas abound on sites like Pinterest, YouTube, and chicken forums. You’ll be glad you started a “chicken tractors inspo” folder.
Build, Buy, Or Commission Your Chicken Tractor
Okay, you have the strategy. How are you going to make it happen now? Three primary options are available to you:
- Construct it yourself: Fantastic if you enjoy doing projects on the weekend and don’t mind getting a little dirty.
- Purchase a pre-made: Excellent for turnkey projects. Just carefully review the measurements and reviews.
- Employ someone to build it: This could be a side project for nearby handymen, carpenters, or even other chicken lovers.
Whichever path you decide on, be sure your chicken tractors are predator-proof, well-ventilated, and easy to clean. If it looks good while doing all of that, bonus points.
Test Everything
Before your hens move in, do a dry run. Literally.
Roll it around the yard. Test how heavy it feels. Make sure the door opens and closes easily, the wheels work, and there aren’t any wobbly bits or gaps in the mesh.
Spray your chook tractor down with the hose and check for leaks. Try reaching in to see if you can easily change water and grab eggs.
Basically, treat it like a test drive. If anything bugs you now, imagine doing it every single day. Better to tweak things before the birds arrive,
Stock And Personalize
It’s time to move the furniture in your chook tractor! To prevent your feeder and waterer from toppling over each time you move the coop, set them up. Include some comfortable nesting places, a roosting bar, and perhaps even a small dust bath area.
To go above and beyond, add some dried herbs to the nesting box, such as mint or lavender; they encourage laying, repel pests, and smell wonderful.
This is your chicken tractor, so use it as much as you can! Paint it, give it a name (for example, “Cluckingham Palace”), put up a sign, and, if you’d like, go all HGTV on a henhouse.
Add Your Chickens And Admire
The exciting part is here: chickens!
When everything is ready in your chicken tractors, it’s time to greet your flock. Let them explore after you gently put them inside. They’ll quickly begin pecking, scratching, and settling in.
To give your chickens fresh grass and insects to peck on, move the tractor once or twice a day. That’s it! Now that you have a chicken tractor, we can bet that your birds are happier than a lot of office workers.
Are You Getting A Chicken Tractor?
Ultimately, creating or selecting the ideal chicken tractor doesn’t have to be difficult. Simply go one step at a time. Recognize your space, know your budget, and create a plan that will benefit both you and your birds.
Giving your flock a secure, wholesome, and contented home is the true victory, regardless of whether you construct it yourself or click “Add to Cart.” Additionally, you’ll know that a fresh egg was created with love (and possibly some YouTube tutorials) every time you crack one.
Go forth and chicken now with chicken tractors!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Tractors, Chook Tractors & Pet Chickens
Q. How many chickens can I keep in a chicken tractor?
A. Simply put, the number of chickens your chicken tractor can house depends on its size. Aim for 2–4 square feet per chicken in the coop area and 8–10 square feet in the run. More space means happier, healthier pet chickens and better egg production.
Q. Do I need to move the chicken tractor every day?
A. At its core, moving your chicken tractor daily or every other day gives your flock fresh grass and prevents waste buildup. For smaller chook tractors or larger flocks, daily moves are best. If you skip this step, you’ll end up with bare patches and grumpy hens.
Q. Can I use a chicken tractor year-round?
A. Yes, but you’ll need to tweak your setup for the seasons. Add insulation and wind breaks in winter, and boost shade and airflow in summer. Chicken tractors can work all year as long as your pet chickens have food, water, and shelter from extreme weather.
Q. What’s the best material for a chicken tractor?
A. Think of it like this: lightweight wood (pine or cedar) and PVC are popular for frames, with hardware cloth for predator-proofing. Avoid regular chicken wire for safety. Choose materials that are sturdy, weather-resistant, and easy to clean.
Q. Are chicken tractors predator-proof?
A. Chicken tractors can be very secure if built right. Use hardware cloth instead of chicken wire, add locks, and consider no-dig skirts to stop digging predators. Don’t cut corners-your pet chickens’ safety depends on it!
Q. What’s the difference between a chicken tractor and a regular chicken coop?
A. A chicken tractor is a mobile coop you can move around your yard, giving your flock fresh grass and bugs daily. Regular coops stay put. Chook tractors are perfect for backyard chicken keepers who want healthy, active hens and easy yard cleanup.
Q. How do I make moving my chicken tractor easier?
A. Add wheels and handles! Lightweight materials help, too. Test your chook tractor before adding chickens-if it’s tough to move empty, it’ll be worse with a full flock.
Q. Can I build my own chicken tractor, or should I buy one?
A. Both options work! DIY chicken tractors can save money and let you customize, while pre-made chook tractors save time and effort. Choose what fits your skills, budget, and backyard.
Q. Will my pet chickens like living in a chicken tractor?
A. Absolutely! Most pet chickens love the fresh grass, bugs, and sunlight a chook tractor provides. Just make sure they have enough space, shade, and protection from predators, and you’ll have a happy, healthy flock.
