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Whenever I hear a new term I want to learn as much about it as I can. I was talking with a friend recently and the term chicken tractor came up. I used the word so naturally and my friend had no idea what I was talking about. So, I thought I wonder who else needs to know?
What Are Chicken Tractors?
If you have never heard of the term before, you may be wondering what exactly does it mean? Although, in your mind you may be picturing a big tractor in the shape of a chicken, this is not the case.
A chicken tractor is simply a movable chicken coop (I know, less interesting). Unlike a heavier, fixed in place chicken coop. Most of these DIY chicken tractors are just an A-frame that is lightly built. It can be moved about the yard, usually by one person. You’ll notice these pens can be moved around your yard and don’t need a floor.
What Are They For?
Think of chicken tractors as the RV of the poultry world. The tractor is moved around the yard to help the chickens get fresh food.
This term also comes from the fact that the chickens work like a tractor. Using their feet, the scratching movement loosens the top layer of the earth. This is a really great way to make the ground garden ready.
So, if you already have a flock or if you’re thinking of some of your own backyard chickens, these plans could save you some money (money you can spend on more chickens, of course).
What are the Benefits?
Your chickens will have access to grass and soil and all of the little bugs that come along with them. Park them in your garden area over winter and get started tilling early.
If the tractor is moved every 24 hours, you get the benefit of natural fertilizer. That means you have chicken manure exactly where you may need it.
You chickens will also get protection against potential predators. You’ll have less with rodents or snakes getting to your eggs.
All of these plans are great too because you can customize them for average sized chickens, large breeds, and even smaller breeds like Frizzle silkies or Bantam chickens.
The Plans
And while this is not exactly a chicken tractor, you can use these plans as the run section if you are building a larger living space for your chickens. And finish off your whole setup with these DIY chicken feeders.
This chicken tractor is a DIY plan with materials that are super inexpensive!
If you want a single structure, you will love this simple A-frame plan.
These simple, step-by-step plans will have your chickens in their new chicken tractor in no time!
Here’s a quick afternoon project that is really easy to put together. Your chickens will love their new home.
DIY chicken tractor plans are available and I love this resource for doing it all yourself. You’ll love this A-frame coop with a larger grazing area combo chicken tractor.
This chicken tractor can probably be built with supplies you already have lying around your homestead.
You can learn how to build a chicken tractor all on your own, no fancy materials needed.