Chickens are pretty low-maintenance pets, but for those of us who want to take it to the next level, backyard chickens can be a great way to do that. With the right planning, it's not difficult to find a spot for your flock that allows you to keep them protected from predators (and keeps them from eating all your veggies) without giving up on the idea of having a garden of your own. But not everyone has a backyard; if you live in an apartment or are just looking for an easy way to get into chicken ownership, you might be considering getting a small DIY chicken coop and keeping your chickens in a portable tent called a "chicken tractor."
DIY chicken tractors are a great way for farmers to let their chickens roam freely in a protected environment. Aside from the obvious benefits of raising chickens, many people find they're less expensive than ever. Some cities have even started to allow backyard chicken farms to help get more fresh eggs into the hands of consumers. If you're interested in keeping chickens or want to learn more about them, this list of DIY chicken tractor plans will give you plenty of ideas for building your own. You might think that a chicken tractor is nothing but an old-fashioned cage with wheels, but these modern designs provide better protection and more freedom for your chickens.
These 18 DIY chicken tractors, also called mobile chicken coops or portable chicken coops, come in various sizes to accommodate different flock sizes.
See More 20 Homemade DIY Pottery Wheel Ideas
Benefits Of DIY Chicken Tractor Plans
There are many benefits associated with DIY chicken tractor plans:
It’s portable – A DIY chicken tractor can easily be moved around your yard so that you can keep track of where they are at all times (and so they don’t destroy everything in sight). Moving them when it comes time to clean their coop is also easier!
Cost savings: Building your DIY chicken tractor will cost you less than purchasing one from the store or a local retailer.
Customization: You can customize your DIY chicken tractors according to what you want and need out of them. This allows you to get exactly what you want without ordering something that may not work for what you need.
Environmentally friendly: Building your DIY chicken tractor is good for the environment because it allows you to recycle materials that might otherwise go into landfills or recycling centres if they were not used again in some way, shape or form by someone else who needed them or wanted them for their reasons.
How To Build A Chicken Tractor:
Get your kids off the couch and into the garden with this simple Chicken Tractor you can build together. With step-by-step instructions, this tractor is a great way to engage your children in learning about farm machinery, safety, and responsibility. This chicken tractor plan is a great way to get your kids involved in the backyard poultry industry. This project uses basic materials and simple construction methods to create a robust and durable chicken tractor that can be easily adjusted to fit your needs.
Chicken Tractor For Laying Hens:
This DIY chicken tractor will add functionality to your backyard, allowing you to move to lay hens from area to area in your yard. This is great for natural fertilization and allows you to rotate your chickens so that their feet don't wear down over time if you have enough land to let them scratch around. A large wheeled box with a wooden floor at the bottom will provide the hens with plenty of shade and nesting boxes at either end for when they want to get eggs.
Little Egg Factory Plan:
We believe a chicken tractor should be functional and beautiful. The Little Egg Factory is both. It is built out of safe, natural materials that attract chickens and make them feel at home. Inside, the loft creates a warm sleeping area for the hens and makes it easy to collect their eggs. This tractor is for long-term use and will provide a safe place for your chicks to grow. The sturdy board and batten design provide an escape-proof loft for your chickens.
Kycklingars 4x10 Tractor Plan:
This hoop tractor gives you more space in your chicken coop and more laying space for your hens. It's perfect for small flock owners and those who love to garden but forget about their chickens. The Kycklingars 4x10 Tractor Plan will help you increase your chicken population and is a great way to expand your chicken coop. It includes everything you need--from the plans to the materials list to the step-by-step instructions for assembly.
DIY Chicken Tractor Plan:
Take your chickens out with you! This mobile coop has been designed to easily move your chickens and their habitat to wherever you need them for more efficient foraging. We have included information about moving it on grass or hard surfaces and how to fit several chickens into the housing. Rugged and easy to build, this chicken tractor will offer protection from predators, a dry place to lay eggs, and enough space for birds that are laying well.
Chicken Menagerie Tractor Plan:
With this chicken coop plan from Backyard Chickens, you'll discover how to build a highly functional and portable chicken coop that includes an incorporated run. Its unique style and design work great for three to four chickens and are perfect for both small and large properties. If you're looking for a compact chicken tractor that can easily be moved from one location to another, check out this free plan from Backyard Chickens today!
Mobile Chicken Coop Idea:
Featuring a practical design, this mobile chicken coop idea uses the premise of a rickshaw. The tractor's weight and center of gravity are supported by two large wheels that sink into the ground. It is best suited for small yards with minimal space, but it can also be used for people who need to move their chickens to larger spaces since the trailer can be towed behind most cars. Since there is no need to turn the tractor, it works very well in urban areas with less space.
Turn Old Pallets Into a Chicken Tractor:
Do you love chickens? Do you have a few free pallets lying around the yard? If so, then this project is for you. Instructables shows you how to build a chicken tractor from scratch that catches plenty of sun, rain, or snow. The cost is negligible, and the performance is superb! This chicken tractor idea is perfect for families and small-time farmers. Who doesn't have large amounts of space or heavy materials? To build one with pallets and recycle old materials, check out this easy DIY!
Joel Salatin Tractor:
The Joel Salatin Tractor is made from simple and inexpensive materials. If you follow the step-by-step instructions in this guide. You will be able to build your own working tractor that can navigate through your yard and rough terrain. No more having to hire expensive labor to do your dirty work. This tractor can be used for virtually any purpose and is ideal for the small family farm or homestead.
DIY Large Tractor Coop:
Your chickens will be so happy in this large mega tractor coop. It's got enough space to house many hens, and the enclosed run allows them to enjoy the outdoors even when you are away. This large plan has plenty of room to house several adult chickens. The floor is insulated, while the walls and roof are insulated. It's perfect for those who keep their chickens in the garage or outdoors during extreme weather.
Chicken Tractor Plan With Wheels:
This free chicken tractor plan is simple, easy to build, and virtually indestructible. We designed it to be moved and locked into place, making it perfect for chickens who like to scratch. The wheels make moving the best chicken tractor portable. The slats on the sides and top allow fresh air to circulate while protecting the birds from predators. The plans offer detailed instructions for cutting and assembling all the materials. This mobile chicken coop is easy to build and can be moved by a single person.
Broiler Chicken Tractor Plan:
Get your chickens fed, watered, and safely out of the way with this sturdy chicken tractor. This easy-to-build project will protect your poultry from predators and help you clear weeds around your home. The Broiler Chicken Tractor Plan features step-by-step instructions for planning and building a small livestock pen. That can be moved easily from one spot to another, allowing birds to enjoy fresh grass in their own yard while they produce organic eggs for you.
Reclaimed Chicken Coop Plan:
Whether you have a small urban garden or a large suburban spread, a chicken coop is a great addition to any yard. In this easy-to-build guide, you'll learn how to create a functional custom chicken coop that looks great as part of your yard. With this reclaimed wood plan, you'll be able to build an attractive and functional chicken coop that's sure to please the whole family. The coop features multiple nesting boxes, a roosting bar for perching, a locking door and feeder station, easy access to nest box doors, and ample ventilation.
PVC Chicken Tractor Plan:
If you are looking for a chicken tractor to move your birds from one pen to another. This PVC Chicken Tractor Plan is the answer. This step-by-step plan will show you how to build a sturdy and easy-to-move chicken tractor. That comes in at a fraction of what you would pay if you bought one made from wood. You can construct this chicken tractor in the afternoon, and you'll be amazed at how mobile it is.
Roadhouse Chicken Tractor Plan:
Build this handy, durable chicken tractor in just a couple of weekends. Its authentic wood construction and convenient nest-box door make egg collection easy. Internal perches and roosts comfortably accommodate your flock, while the tarp roof keeps their home nice and secure from weather elements. Designed to be moved easily on wheels, this plan is ideal for remote pastures or backyard chicken enthusiasts alike. This unique chicken tractor plan offers your chickens plenty of room to exercise and stretch their legs.
Make A Chicken Tractor:
If you love fresh eggs and want to know where your food comes from, having a backyard flock of chickens is the way to go. You can customize your coop to personalize it for your space and humanely care for your chickens. This guide helps you design, build, and manage your chicken tractor for success. It includes thorough instructions for constructing a simple and affordable chicken run, plus a variety of other options for outdoor housing, such as wagons, crates, and cages.
Barn Tractor Mobile Plan:
Whether you’re looking for a gift for the farmer in your life or just want to give your barnyard a brand new look. This build-it-yourself tractor plan is an excellent choice. The kit comes with all the parts and directions. You'll need to bring this tractor to life, so it’s perfect for skills of all levels! This build-it-yourself tractor plan lets you give your barnyard a brand-new look. With detailed instructions and a parts list, building this tractor is easy for the hobbyist or beginning woodworker.
Simple Chicken Tractor Plan:
Make life easier when raising chickens with a chicken tractor plan. Use it to move your chickens daily and check on them frequently to ensure they're healthy. This breed has been raised from time immemorial and remains one of the most popular breeds of chickens kept by families and small producers. Even though there have been many advances in poultry production in recent years. This old-time favorite remains an excellent choice for those who want eggs and meat.