![](https://goodchickengardens.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/untitledwddadadwd-1024x576.png)
Vision: 3d Model
What’s nice about having the model is that once it was made, all I had to do was count the boards to get a materials list. As I put it together outside, I could come back and see where each piece went just like a lego set!
Parts List
Item | Qty | Price Per |
---|---|---|
2x4x8 | 27 | $4 |
4x4x8 Paneling | 3 | $22 |
2x2x8 Furring Strip | 3 | $2 |
1/4 Inch Hardware Cloth | 1 | $50 |
Outdoor Primer | 1 gal | $20 |
Outdoor Paint | 1 gal | $20 |
Nails | Big Box | $25 |
Hinges (2 pack) | 1 | $5 |
Latch | 1 | $7 |
Clasp | 1 | $5 |
Getting Started
This post is not meant to be an all inclusive guide, but I will give a rundown on the steps that I took to build this Chicken Tractor.
First and Foremost, paint all the boards! Paint the boards with primer now and they will last a lot longer in the weather. This is an easy way to protect your investment!
(timelapse)
Once the Paint is dried it’s time to start building the frame. I struggled to find a place flat enough in the lawn and ended up setting up my foundation on the porch. I made sure to measure the width of the stairs so I could carry it off at some point!
I tacked the base of the frame with two nails per joint. in the future when it’s time to add the hardware cloth, I actually took the first parts of the frame off so I could sandwich the cloth underneath it. It worked well!
![](https://goodchickengardens.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/20231010_152433-576x1024.jpg)
![](https://goodchickengardens.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/20231018_130109-576x1024.jpg)
![](https://goodchickengardens.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/20231020_183913-576x1024.jpg)
Tips
~ Overestimate the wood by a few 2×4’s. They are useful to have around and it’s not the end of the world when you make a bad cut.
~ Try to reuse material. in my case I was able to salvage some hard ware cloth from scraps my sister had left over from another project.
~ We got a solar powered automatic coop door with a remote, so we can look out our kitchen window and see if we need to manually open or close the door!
Final Chicken Tractor
![](https://goodchickengardens.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/20231021_105252-576x1024.jpg)
This project was pretty big and involved a lot of planning. Creating the model in Blender first really made it easier to actually build without wasting material. Some final notes I’d like to mention
- Bottom runner Boards
- I will add some pressure treated boards for the frame to sit on to prevent the frame from rotting.
- WHEELS
- This tractor is way too heavy to move even with two people. I am going to add wheels to one side so it can be tilted and moved.
Final Thoughts
I enjoy doing DIY projects like these even thought they are somewhat challenging. I spent maybe 16 hours total on this build, really dragging my feet a lot of the time. Even though it was challenging I feel I have increased my construction, 3d modelling, planning, and budgeting skills which is the real value in my eyes. I am more confident in these abilities and I can already think of other projects I can do with my strengthened skills. Stay tuned to read about them!