Here is a spin on the Ultimate PVC Chicken tractor sent to me by the builder.
Very well done with some unique design features. I had emailed the designer asking if he wanted to be named, but have not received a reply, so I will only post his pictures at this time.
This is why I like PVC for building chicken tractors. It is very adaptable, strong and light weight. The chicken tractor can be designed to the individuals own needs.
I would love to get more pictures of PVC chicken tractors or coops, and would also be open to other designs as well. I believe the more options that are presented the better a choice can be made to match the needs of the chicken connoisseur. So please send some pictures my way, the more the better. If you don’t want your pictures posted, I will honor your wishes, but still send them as I would still love to see the chicken tractors.
Great chicken tractor design. The best design I have seen out there. It is exactly what I was looking for. Thanks so much for sharing it and helping me built my own chicken tractor. I just ordered your automatic waterer on e-bay.
Could you give me one hint how to attach the wheels at the end of the tractor?
What happens when it is rainy. YOu don’t mind having the chicken feed get wet?
Could you use 1″ pipe, instead of the 2″ for the back end (nesting boxes etc). I am worried mine would get too heavy to pull around with all those 2″ pipes. Our property is a bit hilly.
Thanks, for my Ultimate Chicken Tractot rear wheels I used a pipe I had lying around as the axle. On each end I bolted lawn Mower wheel lugs that screw into a nut that was welded in the end of the pipe.
My chickens are free range, so the only time I feed them is when they remain locked up, or if I need them back in the cage. I don’t feed chicken crumbles, only real grains. If they don’t eat everything and they get wet I dump them on the ground and the chickens clean them up. Real grains don’t get ruined by water, and they are healthier as well. In Missouri we get rain about once a week, in Hawaii it may be a bigger issue and w might warrant a roof over the feed bowls.
On very hilly property the Ultimate chicken tractor might be too much. It is pretty heavy, and it might be hard to find a flat enough area to park it being as it is 14′ long. I think 1″ is too small, and it wouldn’t be durable. 1 1/2″ should work and would loose some weight. You could also shorten the coop or run to make it lighter and work better on hilly ground.
I am building the Ultimate Ultimate PVC chicken tractor I think. Question on roost(perch)- I am using 2″ pvc pipe – is that ok for roost or is a wood easier for them to grab. I heard rumor that can fall of while sleeping at night? I am making taller with door so I can walkin. Also going to put in a 30 gal feeder that has wheels. On bottom I and putting two pvc tubes to put on feeder. I will send you pictures when completed. I am using plastic roofing for the siding and roof that is white and does let the light through. I also have two ducks I would like to put with the chickens and realize they will need nesting box near the ground.
Do I need a ramp for the chickens or should they be able to fly to perch?
I found this study which suggests 2″ ( 2.375″ diameter = 60.325 mm may be too big. Suggestion is 1.5″ pipe may be better? Any comments?
http://www.yourchickens.co.uk/care-and-advice/the_perfect_perch_1_2842822
Another question about the location of the nesting buckets verses the perches. Below says the perches should be above the nesting boxes. My deisgn is still in the flex state as nothing glued yet.
http://www.mypetchicken.com/backyard-chickens/chicken-help/Why-are-my-chickens-sleeping-in-their-nest-boxes-H160.aspx
Thanks- first time raising chickens.
I would love some pics when complete, good luck with your build. I used 1.5″ Pvc pipe going sideways inside the coop on the ultimate as a second perch and to be used as a perch to get up to the nest boxes. For most chickens and any I have raised this isn’t necessary, they can get up there without it but I still think it is a good idea. I wouldn’t worry about chickens falling off there perch at night.
It seems some chickens will always sleep in the nest boxes. It is possible higher perches may help, but it has not worked for me so I don’t worry about it.