How to Build 2 Chicken Tractors in 4 hours for under 100 dollars

Рет қаралды 196,365

7 жыл бұрын

Kevin builds 2 new chicken tractors for the cornish cross chickens. He walks you through step by step to show you how to build one for yourself! Building chicken coops and chicken tractors can be expensive and time consuming. But, it doesn't have to be. Build 2 chicken tractors to raise 50 meat chickens for less than $100.
Raising pastured chickens does not have be to complicated. Portable chicken coops and portable chicken tractors make things very easy. Kevin's plans for how to build 2 chicken tractors in less than 4 hours for under 100 dollars is the way to go.
Tools Used to build the tractors:
Kreg Pocket Hole Jig: amzn.to/2o1wThh
Black & Decker 20v Drill: amzn.to/2ngSjdp
Staple Gun: amzn.to/2oIxaZi
Air Compressor: amzn.to/2p5RbFP
Zip Ties: amzn.to/2nh0nuz
Cage Clips (J Clips): amzn.to/2oFfkHe
Cage Clip Pliers: amzn.to/2oF0fp4
Videos Referenced In This Video:
Off Grid with Doug & Stacy
• CHICKEN COOP FOR $50 A...
Cog Hill Farm & Homestead
• Video
Books to consider reading:
Pastured Poultry Profits (Joel Salatin): amzn.to/2nhaz6v
You Can Farm (Joel Salatin): amzn.to/2oe0gPI
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***** About Living Traditions Homestead *****
Living Traditions Homestead is committed to living a more traditional and sustainable way of life. We believe the world has gotten too “busy” and that people are missing out on many of the true blessings that God has given us. We started as a small homestead in Gilbert, AZ and after the city grew up around us, decided it was time to take a big leap of faith by moving our family half way across the country to the Missouri Ozarks. We hope you will check back frequently to see how the homestead is progressing.

Пікірлер: 199

@littlefluffybum2073 4 жыл бұрын

I have realized in the past day or so. I will need to be very careful when bending the panels or just let my husband do it. Just an FYI... If the side you are holding slips off the boards it will knock you backward...... Please don't ask how I know.. Thanks...

@cathyadams512 4 жыл бұрын

I plan on taking some baling twine and tieing mine. I hope it works!

@JulieAshleyLouisiana 4 жыл бұрын

This video was crucial to me! It literally changed how I do things and made my life so much better. The important part starts at 3:45 when you describe using the kreg pocket hole jig to join boards. My builds were transformed by this seemingly off hand advice. Thank you so much for the amazing amount of great videos that you take the time to share!

@jeffbowers4647 3 жыл бұрын

I’ve had tractors in the past and moved to a large coop and run but now looking to go back to the tractors as we don’t raise as many meat birds so the free food(grass) is the way to go. Your tractors are so great. Easy, cheap and not so heavy that the grandsons can’t move it by themselves. Thanks for a great video!

@sharonbyers3982 5 жыл бұрын

Very well spoken instructions, all the info we need without a bunch of blah, blah, blah...Thanks Kevin!!

@karengates8508 4 жыл бұрын

It’s 05/18/2020, and I just realized while SURFING thru YOU TUBE, this was the very first LIVING TRADITIONS HOMESTEAD video that I WATCHED...and I’m still watching!!!!! 💜🙏🏻💜🙏🏻

@kennycharles6041 2 жыл бұрын

When you started unfolding the camouflage tarp, I knew where you were going with it. Nice one!

@scottyg4605 4 жыл бұрын

Your right, I know that they say 1.5 sq foot per bird (21 birds per tractor 8x4) but that's the very Least amount of space per normal size birds. Those broilers your growing are a lot bigger and heavier in size of normal birds. Personally I'd give them at least 2 sq feet (16 birds per tractor) of space which means more room to move, more accessible grass (free food). Also a happy bird is a busy bird and a foraging busy bird is a Big bird 👍👍 great job.

@timgiles9413 2 жыл бұрын

minus the feeder and waterer space also

@josephfeinburg3915 4 жыл бұрын

Actually I think that 1/2" hardware cloth instead of chicken wire which will stop the predators from getting through the chicken wire.

@karenandrews1051 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you for this excellent video. I've been searching for a good instructional video to help us. You gave dimensions and how to put the whole thing together. We made one and our little chicks are out of their brooder house and happily picking and scratching in the fresh grass this very minute. We'll be making another one soon.

@kayleneroberts5467 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the step by step video. Very well done. Thank you 😊

@cynthiacynthia5952 Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for taking the time to show us how you built it. I'm going to make one this weekend. I was patiently waiting to find something inexpensive for my ladies. I'm a newbie, and excited about this venture. 😊

@joychoquette4928 Жыл бұрын

We just completed out tractor today using your plans--thanks very much! It turned out great and was very easy to put together. Thank you!

@kellymong5265 2 жыл бұрын

I'm learning so much from you two!! Thank you, thank you!!!

@donaldwesthoff8971 6 жыл бұрын

Just an observation, you should use black Zip Ties. White zip ties break down in the UV light of the sun, the black zip ties are designed for sun exposure.

@AuntieEm30805 3 жыл бұрын

Learned something new thanks!

@Jinjerbread317 2 жыл бұрын

I did not know that. Thanks.

@dinavoutour7796 2 жыл бұрын

I did not know that about the difference in white and black zip ties. That explains why the ones on our shade closet on the camper shed keep breaking! Thanks!

@robertbickel6476 Жыл бұрын

UV protects color. It doesn't protect plastic. Black just lasts longer in UV light.

@stephenbradley6258 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing this great video on building chicken tractors, I'm enjoying watching and learning. Thanks and have a great day.

@crystalwilliams9125 Жыл бұрын

Love that I can rewatch this video as needed for instructions! Building one right now!!

@robdaugherty2010 6 жыл бұрын

Another great video. Thanks, and God bless!!!

@joylouise5417 6 жыл бұрын

Excellent explanations and especially visuals. New subscriber-glad I found you!

@peytonbaker3883 6 жыл бұрын

I like this one i also saw the video of the one from Doug and Stacey and i think i will do one like this for my chickens

@hennypenny7381 6 жыл бұрын

Love this design! Looks like an easy build. I think I would put perches across the bottom for them. Perfect! :-)

@conradhomestead4518 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing! Very helpful. We need to add some of these on our homestead. God bless.

@marthabenner6528 2 жыл бұрын

I love this one, and the bigger houses. The changes I would make are few and have much to do with our economy at this time. I would not use the wood, and just use the cattle panels and hog clips for the frame. With an extra short bit of the panel at the base under the door to give it a stable shape, only one or two squares worth. And add a skirt of garden fencing with weights all around to keep out the digging predators. 2 feet of that really small chicken wire lining the bottom from the inside (so they don't get stuck again.) A few tent pegs so the wind doesn't take it, because it would be much lighter without the wood base. A few small carabiners or O-clips to hold the door closed. And a gravity fed cup watering system. Everything else is perfect. A small one for the chickens and a big one for the turkeys, and none for the ducks, at least four a few years. We have black bear, bobcat, fox, coon, skunk, red tail hawk, Monster rats, snakes, and red coyote (which is actually a breed of smaller red wolf.) The ones we mostly worry about are the coon, and the skunk, the coon wipped out several flocks, and the skunk killed my favorite nesting hen last week and keeps digging new holes into the chicken house. We're restarting from near scratch because we are down to four birds now. And all the houses we have tried the next predator to come through figures out how to get around. I am determined to see the flock make it threw a year mostly intact.

@abb2438 2 жыл бұрын

Do you have a good dog or two running loose? We had problems with a similar assortment of predators until we got a Pyrenees x bloodhound x pitbull who does the guardian thing very efficiently. The only thing he misses is rat-snakes, so we handle that ourselves.

@MsISAAC7 6 жыл бұрын

you got my support papa texas , i'm watching all your videos

@hooray32140 4 жыл бұрын

I love these videos! Thank you for the information!

@glenncollins294 Жыл бұрын

I like your design. Thanks Glenn

@ritabrunetti381 Жыл бұрын

Hello Patara. Thanks for sharing this video. Always good to hear info that we should be aware of. Have a great day. Be well. 🥰

@Windyhillfarm71 6 жыл бұрын

Great tractor, that is the way we are going to build ours. Great video

@2409forus 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks a bunch from our Itty Bitty City Farm in N.Central TN

@microhomesteadecology 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome and simple design!

@nancytimberlake5363 10 ай бұрын

This is the simply easy looking

@rebeccaplumlee9601 Жыл бұрын

Holy Moly, Kevin with a beard! I thought I'd been watching a long time...now I realize I have a few vids to go back thru

@athia37 4 жыл бұрын

Awesome ! You do a grear job !

@CogHillFarm 7 жыл бұрын

Awesome guys!!!! This was great! And thank y'all!!!!

@LivingTraditionsHomestead 7 жыл бұрын

+Cog Hill Farm & Homestead Thanks! I really like your tractor design as well. I was really torn about whether or not to build one that was tall enough to walk in. It would definitely have its advantages.

@sheilamclaughlin963 5 жыл бұрын

Hog rings, do it once, woods, predators they’ll be there keep the 22 handy

@silvertonguedaywalker9116 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Darlings What a fatastic idea x i first saw the Fences on ROOTS AND REFUGE x

@royparman1498 5 жыл бұрын

The teeth of a comb are also handy for holding a staple/nail while you get it set into the wood, and easy to retract when it's no longer needed, thumbs saved.

@Jinjerbread317 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you

@larrylee4919 3 жыл бұрын

New subscriber watching from the beginning. I very much appreciate your use of a microphone! 👍

@thefirstnoob5577 5 жыл бұрын

Looks great.

@Drakesfamily6 6 жыл бұрын

We too live in the Missouri Ozarks!! We are just starting our homestead (we call it a tiny family farm!) We are hoping to make a chicken tractor for our hens (as soon as we add them to our farm, that is!) so thank you for the helpful video!

@jordanwilkinson7368 Жыл бұрын

Y'all have stepped up your videography!

@rhondamontiel3827 6 жыл бұрын

Great job Kevin... come do a couple for me!!!

@justsehat 5 жыл бұрын

Great idea

@dahmanahmed 3 жыл бұрын

great job, thx for this idea

@MarkWYoung-ky4uc Жыл бұрын

I like this design the most of any I've seen.

@j.j.lisaadams8133 Жыл бұрын

Love Doug and Stacy!

@hoplobear6900 4 жыл бұрын

How about sticks for them to roost on? Saw a notch on both ends of the right length of a branch or dowel to snap onto the cattle panel wire.

@AMOORI 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome Idea sir

@sallysmith7675 6 жыл бұрын

I have really enjoyed your step-by-step chicken tractor. I will probably soon be using it soon. Also, I have subscribed as well.

@LivingTraditionsHomestead 6 жыл бұрын

Make sure you let us know how it goes. We ended up making just a couple of changes on the design. Check out this video to see them. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/pZ2Zo6eImqiYg3U.html Good luck!

@FarmishKindofLife 7 жыл бұрын

We haven't used chicken tractors since our first year at this farm...but dang...now you have me thinking about building a couple new ones! Nice explanation. :) And yay for Kreg pocket hole jigs! We use those for everything here!

@LivingTraditionsHomestead 7 жыл бұрын

Thanks! I will be doing an update video soon about using them. I have made a couple "refinements". All in all they are working out great and most importantly the chickens seem VERY happy!

@pegsol3834 Жыл бұрын

@@LivingTraditionsHomestead I'm going to be buying a drill soon. Would you reccomend the one you used for this build?

@YulTv77 2 жыл бұрын

Nice work👍🌷 From pakistan

@tclodfelter8789 2 жыл бұрын

I heard another Tuber say "It doesn't have to be PERFECT...It just has to work"!!

@jimbohley2813 6 жыл бұрын

Why do you use different tractors for the chicken than the ones for the rabbits? I understand that you need wire on the bottom for the rabbits so they don't dig out but that could be added to these. Just curious.

@AnneGoggansQHHT 3 жыл бұрын

A raccoon can stick it’s arm through chicken wire (it unknots it). It’s more secure for permanent structures to use hardware cloth for those with pressure.

@gregmcallister2821 Жыл бұрын

I didn’t care for the video but the music was awesome :)

@Justin-tb2qk 3 жыл бұрын

Like it! I think this is a smaller version of Cog Hill tractor.

@claireanderson4796 4 жыл бұрын

Hi Kevin. Nice clear instructions. Thanks. We have made one similar a few years ago. I'm preparing to make a tractor for my quails, so they can be on the ground instead of wire. Can you forsee any problems? Cheers, Claire from Brisbane , Australia.

@johnndavis7647 4 жыл бұрын

Why not use 6x6 galvanized fence material instead of cattle panels. That wire is pretty stiff and when wired together and covered over with smaller guage chicken or rabbit cage wire should be plenty strong enough to protect the birds from predators. It comes in 50 foot by 4 and 5 ft wide rolls so it naturally makes the tunnel shape. That would cut the weight and the cost considerably. One roll of fence would make several coops.

@etjcampbell 10 ай бұрын

This doesn’t work. It collapses the second you open the door

@johnndavis7647 10 ай бұрын

@@etjcampbell I'm not talking about flimbsey welded wire. I mean heavy gauge woven wire.

@johnndavis7647 10 ай бұрын

Also I would add a 2x2 pressure treated to the sides at the inside at the bottom. It would make the sides stiffer so the sides won't bow out as much under the pressure of the fence. The fence would sit on top of the 2x2s and it would make it real easy to fit and staple the wire in place. Thanks for the video.

@johnndavis7647 10 ай бұрын

Cattle panel would be better for the ends. Or fence wire it with a frame or put a door in it.

@etjcampbell 10 ай бұрын

@@johnndavis7647 that’s exactly what we used. And we’ve lost 15 birds to an owl. Your idea doesn’t work. The original plan works fine. I’m simply trying prevent future heartache

@gerrymarmee3054 4 жыл бұрын

Since we live near Gilbert, AZ I know exactly why you have sunshade cloth on hand. 🔥☀️🔥😅

@hazelbrungard1623 3 жыл бұрын

Interesting to watch the animals in the background.

@jjbryan11 3 жыл бұрын

Lol custom soup can holder! I must have one!!

@mrs.garcia6978 4 жыл бұрын

Just watched your newest CT video 😁

@Fidg234 6 жыл бұрын

Another good video - but can you explain in future videos eg. (chicken tractor?) had to look this up on WIKI

@odisdenney690 7 ай бұрын

At what age do you put them in the tractors? Great videos

@joshua511 5 ай бұрын

I know you've moved on to a different style chicken tractor, but how did these hold up in those Ozarks windstorms? We're just a couple hours north of you and I'm wondering how these do in spring.

@soswanson9120 3 жыл бұрын

Enjoy the videos, even if they are long before I started. Had a chuckle when he said the predators wouldn't see it because it's camouflage!

@sharonmorton6734 3 жыл бұрын

You asked for ideas for improvement. 1. Paint it pink. 2. Stencil some flowers of snowflakes on the wood. Just kidding. Great video Kevin. I always learn a lot. Not quite ready to start raising chickens but always ready to learn and plan.

@SuperDennisfamily Жыл бұрын

Now that it's been a few years since this was made, how long did these tractors last?

@singlechef84 4 жыл бұрын

I've fallen in love with your families videos over the last few months and because of watching you all I decided to try and tackle meat birds with cornish crosses. I will say I was not prepared for how fast they have grown in the past 2 weeks. That being said, I finish my tractor today and they chicks should be ready to move in in a few days. I started this time with 13. I dont have a space large enough to hold 25. Plus, not having a plucker, 13 is gonna take a while to process. Thanks for all your instructions and keep it up. You've got me looking at pigs also. Is there another way to correspond with you all on specific questions?

@HomesteadTessie 7 жыл бұрын

Hi I am a new subscriber ,I am the co -owner of the small youtube facebook group

@LivingTraditionsHomestead 7 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much for having us in your group! We just subscribed to your channel as well!

@ChaunceySir 4 жыл бұрын

Wow, so simple and pragmatic and lightweight to boot! Looks like I'm gonna need some chicks! I will want to do egg layers though. Any suggestions on how to customize this design for eggs?

@tickingtacobomb3015 4 жыл бұрын

This video is the same concept, and adds a nesting box with a bucket.

@robertlamb5105 3 жыл бұрын

Your new chicken hoop houses are sky-scrapers in comparison.😅😅

@shaynascatopia6979 4 жыл бұрын

I wonder if my extra roosters would work well in separate tractors. I'm not to the point of culling and freezing my own meat yet but would love my garden tilled by some chickens.

@HomesteadersOnTheHill 2 жыл бұрын

Hey Living Tradition Homestead!!! We have used many of your ideas to help us along the way and thank you very much for all your videos. We had made our own tractors which were 4x8 and about 3feet tall and then added the cattle panel on the top section to make it about 6' tall. Worked out great but extremely heavy to move and in our wind storms, the wind has lifted these 150lbs deals and tossed around the yard destroying things in it's path. Do you have a way you would recommend securing the tractors you've made in this video down as they are smaller and lighter and I will be making them for our next run of cornish cross, but was worried about them flying away? Thank you all for your help.

@Kathleen67. 2 жыл бұрын

Maybe some rope with long stakes, tie downs?

@ebadham14 4 жыл бұрын

These are great! Thanks for sharing. I have problems with predators digging under my tractor. How do you prevent that?

@skeetmonfleet7337 3 жыл бұрын

Put a layer of hardware cloth in the bottom

@skyblueroan 3 жыл бұрын

@@skeetmonfleet7337 How do they scratch and dig for bugs and such if it as a covered bottom?

@keithbaker4825 2 жыл бұрын

If you widen the cattle panel there will be more room at the sides. But overall a nice cheap effective design 👌

@claireanderson4796 4 жыл бұрын

Hi Kevin, What wood are you using? Does it need to be hardwood, this is what we normally use in Australia or else it will rot.

@MrLukaszKaiser 2 жыл бұрын

And again great video but if you use small inflated wheels with regulations high at one end and string with handle on the other and You have mobile tractor, but as I wrote great idea as it is as well!!!!!!!!

@Amy_McFarland 4 жыл бұрын

Interestingly enough this is not an accurate representation of what it will cost. Cattle panels were free to you but the price of this project will increase by 50% for those of us that don't have them laying around.

@patrickroosa7839 2 жыл бұрын

Wanted to know if you had any issues with blowing over from wind?

@patriciahibbert6139 4 жыл бұрын

Wouldn't cement wire work the same or is it too light?

@dianecline8422 6 жыл бұрын

Hi there. How did thes tractors hold up for you? Can you do a follow-up video telling about this and also show how you attached the pull ropes? I'm not a builder and I can use all the tips you got....hahah.

@LivingTraditionsHomestead 6 жыл бұрын

They held up really well. For the ropes, I literally just tied them to the board on each end. Nothing fancy. I plan on doing some more videos in the spring when I am getting them ready for next years chickens! There is also a couple videos that I did that show some modifications I did to them this year. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/pZ2Zo6eImqiYg3U.html kzfaq.info/get/bejne/gMCdjLOkrNeZZ4k.html

@ricksmotorizedbikeprojects9572 6 жыл бұрын

Just browsing tractor builds. I've seen so much and learned a great deal. You saying you would put 25 chickens in that??? I've read where chickens need 4 square feet or more of space to live. How does moving a tractor to new ground give them more space? Just thought maybe someone could answer that one for me please. Great video though. I guess since they are broilers they don't need space to live.

@sunshinesminiacrefarm9822 4 жыл бұрын

Ricks Trading Days they are meat chickens and will be killed in 8 weeks. The Cornish crosses don’t need a lot of space

@MeanSros Жыл бұрын

❤❤❤

@RussellHoughton 5 жыл бұрын

FYI. Blank zip ties are UV rated. The white ones will brake down in s few years in the sun.

@NorthIdahoRealEstate 5 жыл бұрын

How did you modify to hinge on the bottom?

@TheJamesg961 5 жыл бұрын

This is a great idea for a chicken tractor but how do you catch them ? Seems like a lot might get out when you open the end door.

@taddhuey6761 3 жыл бұрын

They are obsessed with eating, so if they do get out, they will immediately try to get back in!

@Windyhillfarm71 6 жыл бұрын

We got our tarps yesterday

@LivingTraditionsHomestead 6 жыл бұрын

Awesome! Good luck!

@sarahallen6328 2 ай бұрын

I know this video is super old, but do you cut the door off the length of the cattle panel?

@slimpickens0000 5 жыл бұрын

I realize that this is an older video but I just came across your Channel as recommended from an American Homestead. I'm curious with this chicken tractor build if you were to have laying hens you think it would be beneficial to have a smaller door to grab the eggs from? I'm guessing I would put laying boxes under the Shaded area. Would you give them a perch the roost on at night?

@sharriceowens913 2 жыл бұрын

I have the same exact questions..did u find the answer else were

@mengtrysan8475 6 жыл бұрын

You can do bamboo place

@meesiphht2769 Жыл бұрын

What are the staples called that he attached the cattle panel to the 2x4's?

@sharontilton3906 2 жыл бұрын

Question: do you leave them in the tractors at night?

@jimoyler1780 4 жыл бұрын

Okay cattle panel 16 feet. Cut chicken wire oh say 16 feet? Alrighty then! Nah just pokin' fun. Great video.

@gregmyers2007 Жыл бұрын

So how do you keep predators from digging underneath and getting to your chickens

@scrapzwtf Жыл бұрын

Do the chickens need a perch or hay for sleeping?

@andrewseamans3566 4 жыл бұрын

Will this work for Turkeys? If so how many? Thanks!

@docslinux2 6 жыл бұрын

👍

@radamson1 Жыл бұрын

Hey, bud the cattle panels are the same length there were before you installed them. 🙂

@kurtosborn6291 5 жыл бұрын

Just out of curiosity, not having ever raised Fryers, why do you remove food for 12 Hrs? Great video BTW and I think I will be building a couple of these for my birds!

@jlcon99 5 жыл бұрын

Before processing? Grain in their gut increases the chance of contamination during processing. Not sure why he removes food at night.

@marbarnes7063 6 жыл бұрын

do you need something for them to roost on?

@LivingTraditionsHomestead 6 жыл бұрын

+Mar Barnes if you are keeping layers chickens in them then you may want a roost. We only use them for meat (broiler) chickens which really don't roost. If you are interested in meat birds don't forget to check out our playlist on raising Cornish cross.

@marbarnes7063 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you. I do have layers so will put a couple bars of some sort across for roost and a couple buckets for nests. good job! I personally don't do cornish cross because they are not self sufficient and I feel they have been genetically modified. I'm not into a huge chicken breast so much but a better quality all around meat. Just my opinion. ;)

@nancytimberlake5363 10 ай бұрын

I don't have predetor issues !! I'm having fox issues so it will be hardware cloth for me

@nancytimberlake5363 10 ай бұрын

I meant to say, don't you have predetor issues