Effortless DIY: Mobile Poultry House Construction

A mobile poultry house is a movable structure that provides shelter, protection, and comfort for your backyard chickens. It is also known as a chicken tractor, a chicken coop on wheels, or a portable chicken coop. A mobile poultry house has many benefits over a fixed chicken coop, such as:

• It allows you to rotate your chickens to fresh pasture, which improves their health and reduces the risk of diseases and parasites.
• It reduces the need for cleaning and maintenance, as the chicken droppings are spread evenly over the ground and act as natural fertilizer.
• It saves space and money, as you can use a smaller area and fewer materials to build a mobile poultry house than a fixed one.
• It gives you more flexibility and control over your chicken management, as you can move the mobile poultry house to different locations according to the weather, predators, or your preferences.

In this article, we will show you how to build a mobile poultry house for your backyard chickens in 5 easy steps. We will also provide you with some tips and tricks to make your mobile poultry house more efficient and comfortable for your chickens. Let’s get started!

DIY: Mobile Poultry House Construction

Step 1: Choose the Right Design and Size for Your Mobile Poultry House

The first step to building a mobile poultry house is to choose the right design and size for your needs. There are many different designs and styles of mobile poultry houses available online, such as:

• A-frame chicken tractor: This is a simple and lightweight design that consists of a triangular frame covered with wire mesh and roofing material. It provides enough space for a few chickens and can be easily moved by one person.
• Hoop house chicken tractor: This is a more spacious and sturdy design that consists of a curved frame made of PVC pipes or metal hoops covered with wire mesh and tarp. It provides more room for your chickens and can accommodate a feeder, a waterer, and a nesting box inside. It can be moved by two people or attached to a vehicle.
• Box-shaped chicken tractor: This is a more complex and durable design that consists of a rectangular frame made of wood or metal covered with wire mesh and siding. It provides the most protection and comfort for your chickens and can include a floor, windows, doors, vents, and wheels. It can be moved by a vehicle or a trailer.

The size of your mobile poultry house depends on the number and breed of your chickens, the amount of space you have, and the frequency of moving.

As a general rule, you should provide at least 4 square feet of floor space and 10 square feet of pasture space per chicken. You should also consider the weight and dimensions of your mobile poultry house, as it should be easy to move and fit through gates and fences.

Step 2: Gather the Materials and Tools for Your Mobile Poultry House

The second step to building a mobile poultry house is to gather the materials and tools you will need. The materials you will need depend on the design and size of your mobile poultry house, but some of the common ones are:

• Wood or metal for the frame
• Wire mesh or hardware cloth for the walls
• Roofing material such as metal, plastic, or tarp for the roof
• Hinges, screws, nails, bolts, and washers for the joints and attachments
• Wheels, axles, and handles for the mobility
• Feeder, waterer, and nesting box for the inside

The tools you will need depend on the materials you use, but some of the common ones are:

• Saw, drill, hammer, screwdriver, wrench, and pliers for the cutting and assembling
• Tape measure, level, square, and pencil for the measuring and marking
• Wire cutter, staple gun, and scissors for the trimming and securing
• Gloves, goggles, and mask for the safety

Step 3: Build the Frame and Attach the Wheels for Your Mobile Poultry House

The third step to building a mobile poultry house is to build the frame and attach the wheels. The frame is the skeleton of your mobile poultry house and provides the shape and structure. The wheels are the essential feature that makes your mobile poultry house movable and adaptable.

To build the frame, you will need to cut the wood or metal pieces according to your design and size. You will then need to assemble them using hinges, screws, nails, bolts, and washers. You will need to make sure that the frame is sturdy, stable, and level. You will also need to leave some openings for the doors, windows, and vents.

To attach the wheels, you will need to drill holes in the frame and insert the axles. You will then need to secure the wheels to the axles using washers and nuts. You will need to make sure that the wheels are aligned, balanced, and functional. You will also need to add some handles to the frame to make it easier to move.

Step 4: Cover the Frame with Wire Mesh and Roofing Material for Your Mobile Poultry House

The fourth step to building a mobile poultry house is to cover the frame with wire mesh and roofing material. The wire mesh and roofing material are the skin of your mobile poultry house and provide the protection and comfort for your chickens.

The wire mesh allows the air and light to enter and prevents the predators and pests from entering. The roofing material shields the chickens from the rain, wind, and sun.

To cover the frame with wire mesh, you will need to cut the wire mesh or hardware cloth according to your design and size. You will then need to attach it to the frame using staples, screws, or ties.

You will need to make sure that the wire mesh is tight, secure, and free of gaps and sharp edges. You will also need to cut some holes in the wire mesh for the doors, windows, and vents.

To cover the frame with roofing material, you will need to cut the roofing material according to your design and size. You will then need to attach it to the frame using screws, nails, or clips.

You will need to make sure that the roofing material is waterproof, durable, and overlapping. You will also need to add some insulation or ventilation to the roof to regulate the temperature and humidity.

Step 5: Add the Feeder, Waterer, and Nesting Box for Your Mobile Poultry House

The fifth and final step to building a mobile poultry house is to add the feeder, waterer, and nesting box. The feeder, waterer, and nesting box are the accessories of your mobile poultry house and provide the food, water, and eggs for your chickens. The feeder and waterer should be easy to fill, clean, and access. The nesting box should be cozy, dark, and private.

To add the feeder, waterer, and nesting box, you will need to choose the type, size, and location of each. You will then need to attach them to the frame or the floor using screws, hooks, or brackets.

You will need to make sure that they are stable, secure, and convenient. You will also need to add some bedding, such as straw, wood shavings, or paper, to the nesting box to make it more comfortable.

Ensuring your hens have a comfortable and conducive space for laying eggs is crucial. Discover The Ultimate Guide: How to Make a Chicken Laying Cage for Healthy Hens

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