Chicken coop tractors, also known as What Does Chicken Jerky Taste Like arks, are simply mobile chicken coops that can be moved around with convenience. In most cases, there are wheels attached to the bottom so that the entire coop can easily be transferred from place to place.
Portable coops are often used for pastured chickens. As these organic chickens require grass for nutrition, the owner can then relocate the chicken coop tractor to a new stretch of land every week or so. Using this method, the chickens would be able to feed on fresh patches of grass, rather than the ones that have already been pecked at. The moving process is quick, simple, and requires minimal effort from the owner.
If you’re looking to buy or build a chicken coop tractor, then you’ll definitely find that there are numerous chicken ark plans that are available. Still, there are several factors that need to be considered, including size, style, and usage. How many chickens do you have? Will you need some spaces for the hens to lay eggs or the roosters to nest? Would you prefer a chicken coop that takes on the appearance of a barn, or would you rather choose the plain design of wood?
These choices are up to you, but if you’re intending to build your own portable chicken coop, remember that the appearance won’t be especially nice unless you choose to add more spice to it.
If you’re looking to build your own portable chicken coop, then you have two options: use a previously created plan, or design your own. However, unless you’re an experienced carpenter or familiar with chicken tractor plans, it’s probably not the best idea to do so. Still, keep several important details in mind when you’re looking for the perfect chicken tractor.
The amount of room that different breeds of chickens require may vary. Thus, you should do a little research, but the general rule is that each chicken should have at least 2 to 3 square feet of space for themselves. Say you have 40 chickens, meaning that they’ll need about 80 to 120 square feet in total.
If possible, always choose a plan that has more room rather than less. An 11′ by 11′ frame would be nice, or even a 12′ by 12′. Although they might not be able to communicate it to you, they do enjoy the extra running room.
Again, a bit of research will help lots. As temperatures change within the different seasons, you need to be sure that your chickens don’t get too hot or cold. A thermometer is always a good idea. Due to the needs of your chickens, you will probably need to get some heating pads or lamps with the colder weather, and cooling vents in the summer. This is all to maintain the ideal temperature, even with the weather changes.
As chickens love to peck at things, their coop will be no different. Look at some potential materials that are more sturdy, rather than porous. Plywood can be used, as it is flexible and rather hard to damage, but still inexpensive.
You will probably need to purchase some chicken wire so that the chickens can still obtain their fresh air without escaping. Lastly, once you’re done building the portable chicken coop, the chickens require bedding of some sort. There are a variety of selections, but never use cedar shavings, as they’re harmful to chickens.
The building or choosing process may be difficult, but it’s well worth it in the end. With the chicken coop tractor, the chickens will love the fresh grass and bugs to munch on, and you only need to take a little bit of time every week to relocate them, bringing both you and your chickens a little less stress, and a little more happiness.
