Backyard Chicken Tractor Plans

This step by step diy project is about 4×8 backyard chicken tractor plans. I had several requests for a simple chicken tractor that is inexpensive to build and easy to move from one place to another. Therefore, this is a 4×8 tractor with a 4×4 coop integrated in a stylish way. Take a look over the rest of my woodworking plans, if you want to get more building inspiration.

When buying the lumber, you should select the planks with great care, making sure they are straight and without any visible flaws (cracks, knots, twists, decay). Investing in cedar or other weather resistant lumber is a good idea, as it will pay off on the long run. Use a spirit level to plumb and align the components, before inserting the galvanized screws, otherwise the project won’t have a symmetrical look. If you have all the materials and tools required for the project, you could get the job done in about a day. See all my Premium Plans HERE.

 

 

Projects made from these plans

 

 

 

Backyard Chicken Tractor Plans

 

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• A – 4 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 96″ long, 6 pieces – 48″ long FRAME
• B – 7 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 42″ long SUPPORTS
• C – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 41″ long, 1 piece – 45″ long FLOOR FRAME
• D – 1 piece of 3/4″ plywood – 45″x48″ long FLOOR
• E – 2 pieces of 1/2″ plywood – 24″x48″ long, 1 piece – 45″x37 1/2″, 1 piece – 45″x21 1/2″ long, 1 piece – 16″x45″ long WALLS
• F – 6 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 30″ long RAFTERS
• G – 2 pieces of 3/4″ plywood – 30″x56″ long ROOF
• H – 30 sq ft of tar of paper, 30 sq ft of asphalt shingles ROOFING
• I – 2 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 38″ long, 2 pieces – 42″ long DOOR
• J – 2 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 34 3/4″ long, 5 pieces of 1×2 lumber – 16″ long LADDER

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• 13 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 8′
• 2 pieces of 3/4″ plywood – 8′
• 2 pieces of 1/2″ plywood – 4’x8′
• 3 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 8′
• 1 piece of 1×2 lumber – 8′
• 30 ft of tar paper, 30 sq ft of asphalt shingles
• 2 1/2″ screws, 3 1/2″ screws, 1 5/8″ screws
• 4d nails, 6d nails,
• wood filler , wood glue, stain/paint
• chicken wire
• latch
• hinges

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 Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square, Level

 Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander

 Safety Gloves, Safety Glasses

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 One day

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• 4×8 Backyard Chicken Coop Plans

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Chicken tractor – Video!

 

 

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How to build a 4×8 backyard chicken tractor

The first step of the chicken tractor project is to build the skids for the structure. As you can see in the diagram, you should make cuts to both ends of the 2×4 beams, using a jigsaw. In this manner, the tractor will slide easier along the grass.

Next, build the sides for the chicken coop by attaching the vertical supports. Fit the supports to the skids, making sure the corners are square. Drill pilot holes and insert 2 1/2″ screws to lock everything tightly.

Fit the chicken coop supports to the sides of the tractor. Drill pocket holes at both ends of the supports and lock them into place with 2 1/2″ screws. Make sure the corners are square and check if the corners are square.

Continue the project by assembling the frame of the tractor, by joining the two sides together. Cut the supports from 2×4 lumber and drill pocket holes at both ends. Fit the supports as shown in the free plans and insert 2 1/2″ screws to lock them into place. Check if the corners are square.

Use 3/4″ plywood for the chicken coop floor. Use a circular saw to make the notches to the corners of the sheet.

Use 2×4 lumber for the floor support. Drill pilot holes through the frame of the coop and insert 2 1/2″ screws to lock them into place tightly.

Fit the floor to the coop and lock it into place with 1 5/8″ screws, every 8″ along the framing.

Use 2×2 lumber for the rafters. Make a 20.5 degree cut to one end of the rafter. Mark the cut lines on the rafters and then make the notches with a circular saw.

Lay the rafters on a level surface and then attach the 1/2″ plywood gussets to lock them together tightly. Use 1 5/8″ screws to secure the gussets into place tightly.

Fit the trusses to the top of the coop, making sure you place them equally spaced. Plumb the trusses and lock them to the frame with 3 1/2″ screws.

Use 1/2″ plywood for the exterior walls. Mark the cut lines on the plywood sheets and then get the job done with a circular saw.

Fit the walls to the frame of the chicken coop and align the edges flush. Insert 1 5/8″ screws to secure the panels into place, every 8″ along the framing.

Use 1/2″ plywood for the back door. Attach the door to the back opening and then use hinges to lock it to the coop. Fit a latch so you can keep the door locked.

Fit the 3/4″ plywood sheets to the top of the chicken coop. Center the sheets to the rafters and insert 1 5/8″ screws, every 8″ along the framing.

Fit the tar paper to the roof of the coop and then install the asphalt shingles.

Use 2×2 lumber for the ladder frame. Use 2 1/2″ screws to secure them to the coop.

Fit the 1×2 steps to the ladder and secure them into place with 1 5/8″ screws.

Build the frame of the door from 2×2 lumber. Use 1/2″ plywood for the corner gussets and then secure them into place with 15/8″ screws. Staple chicken wire to the door frame.

Fit the door to the front opening of the chicken tractor run. Use hinges to secure the door to the run. Install a latch to lock the door into place tightly.

Staple the chicken wire to the tractor.

Last but not least, you need to take care of the finishing touches. Apply a few coats of paint to the chicken coop to make it stand out and to protect the components from the elements.

Please take a look over PART 2 of the project, so you learn how to learn how to build the nesting box and the doors. I have lots of other chicken coop projects on the site, so take a look over them HERE.

 

 

This woodworking project was about 4×8 backyard chicken tractor plans free. If you want to see more outdoor plans, check out the rest of our step by step projects and follow the instructions to obtain a professional result.