Why a Chicken Tractor Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated (Or Expensive)

 If you’re raising backyard chickens, you’ve probably heard of a chicken tractor — a movable coop that lets your birds forage fresh grass daily while staying protected. But here’s the good news: you don’t need a fancy setup or a big budget to build one.


In fact, the best chicken tractors are the ones that keep things simple.





🛠️ Function Over Frills



At its core, a chicken tractor has three basic jobs:


  1. Keep your chickens in
  2. Keep predators out
  3. Hold up to the weather



That’s it.


Sure, you can add wheels, nesting boxes, or even solar-powered doors later on. But if you’re just getting started, all you need is a sturdy frame, secure wire mesh, and a simple tarp or roof for shelter.





🐔 Why a Tractor Works



Unlike a fixed coop, a chicken tractor can be moved daily or weekly to fresh pasture. That means your flock gets access to bugs, grass, and soil — which boosts their health and improves the quality of their eggs or meat. It also keeps the ground from getting overused or messy.


Plus, it cuts down your feed bill and gives your chickens a more natural lifestyle.





🌧️ Don’t Skimp on These



Even if you’re building your tractor on a tight budget, make sure to invest in:


  • Sturdy hardware cloth or welded wire – Chicken wire isn’t predator-proof.
  • A secure latch – Raccoons are smarter than you think.
  • A weatherproof roof – Rain, wind, and snow happen.



Good airflow is also key, especially during hot months.





🧠 Simple Ideas, Big Results



We’ve seen tractors made from old trampoline frames, salvaged wood, PVC pipe, and even garden arbors. You can build one with basic tools and a weekend of work.


At Open Sky Poultry, we believe raising chickens should be accessible, rewarding, and real — not overcomplicated.


So start with what you have. Keep it secure. Keep it mobile. And watch your birds thrive.


Here is a picture of the first one we every made. Don't let it's rugged look fool you. This has protected chickens for years and housed many meat birds. This one in particular is good for 10-14 birds at a time. You can see how the simple design evolved over the years. That is the wonderful thing about hobby farming-you get to change and adapt with your lifestyle and needs.









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