So you've decided to start raising your own meat chickens huh? Well that is a good move for sure! But you also need to stop and think about where you are going to keep these chickens! You're looking to create the best possible environment for your chickens so you can produce the best possible meat you can. There is nothing better than having a fresh roasted chicken on the table, that you know exactly what went into it. There is no guessing the history behind this chicken! So here are some step by step plans to help you get started building a chicken tractor!
THE PLAN
This design will be able to hold 50 meat chickens. Each chicken requires 2 square feet to be comfortable. This tractor will be 10'x10'x2' high. This is 100 square feet. 100/2=50. You can adjust these plans to suit your needs.
SHOPPING LIST
12-1x4x10
4- 1x4x8
1 1/4" screws
50' worth of wire 2' high. Holes no bigger than 2"x3"
10' piece of wire 4' wide for top
4-sheets of tin, we used sheets 2'x10', or something similar to cover about half of tractor
Hinge and latch
staples
4- 1x4x8
1 1/4" screws
50' worth of wire 2' high. Holes no bigger than 2"x3"
10' piece of wire 4' wide for top
4-sheets of tin, we used sheets 2'x10', or something similar to cover about half of tractor
Hinge and latch
staples
TOOL LIST
These aren't all required, but make things easier
Meat bird
Cheap to build chicken tractor
Cheap to build chicken tractor
Miter saw, or circular saw(there are some angled cuts)
Drill with proper bit
Hammer
Tin Snips or dykes(to cut wire)
Square
Drill with proper bit
Hammer
Tin Snips or dykes(to cut wire)
Square
THE BUILD
Lay out 4 10' boards making a square, and fasten at each corner
Take 2 of your 8' boards and cut each into 4 2' long sections, cutting each at 45 degrees
Add one of those boards you just cut to each inside corner making a brace, and screw securely
Now that you have one complete, braced, square create an identical second one.
Now cut another 8' board into 4 2 foot pieces
Take 2 of your 8' boards and cut each into 4 2' long sections, cutting each at 45 degrees
Add one of those boards you just cut to each inside corner making a brace, and screw securely
Now that you have one complete, braced, square create an identical second one.
Now cut another 8' board into 4 2 foot pieces
Attach one to each corner being flush to the corner, and with bottom
Now flip this over and set inside other square and attach. Now you have the frame in place
Now flip this over and set inside other square and attach. Now you have the frame in place
Take your 2' wide wire and wrap all around the sides and staple in place. If you are using tin or something else sturdy, you could only wire where your tin is not going to be. Now your sides are done.
Now take a 1x10' and screw 27 1/2" from each side. Make a door 2'x10', add wire to center, and mount with hinges to board you just mounted.
That 4' piece of wire goes on top just after the door
Now tin up the last section on top and match it down on the bottom
And your done!
Hopefully you found this article helpful, and we hope your interested in learning more. We are leaning towards living a more self sufficient lifestyle.
Check out our Blog section at http://www.greenthumbfarming.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Zach_M_Marlow
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