Building The Ultimate PVC Chicken Tractor (Original)

This article was initially shared on the Chicken Page. With a recent site update, I've decided to focus the Chicken Page more on the chickens available for purchase at LFF. However, I thought it worthwhile to preserve the general materials list for the Ultimate PVC Chicken Tractor, which is why I have saved it here with a direct link on the Chicken Page.

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The structure is built using 2" conduit. I highly recommend using conduit over regular plumbing PVC as it has UV-resistant treatment.

You will need:

• 10x 10' 2" conduit
• 11x 2" Three-way fittings
• 4x 2" Three-way corner fittings (might need to be special ordered)
• 6x Four-way fittings (can be 6 or 8 based on your design)
• 4x 2" Elbows

The hoops and doors are crafted from 1/2" conduit:

• 11x 10' 1/2" conduit
• 20x 1/2" elbows
• 3x 1/2" three ways
• 5x 1/2" four-way crosses

You will also need:

• 2 sheets of 4x8 siding or, preferably, heavy plastic for the doors
• 3 sheets of 4x8 heavy vinyl
• 1 piece of 8' corrugated plastic for a window

In addition, I used three handles, 13 hinges, 9 hook and eye fasteners, 10 eyes, and 6 carabiner clips. The front pull rope is simply baling twine that I braided. To prevent loss, we used baling twine to secure all the car clips to the cage. The chicken wire is affixed to the main structure with nylon wire holders, and we mount them using self-tapping screws. The vinyl sheets are also secured to the PVC framework with self-tapping screws. Zip ties help hold the chicken wire onto the hoops.

I fashioned a durable axle using a heavy pipe with welded wheel lugs. I ensured the roofing had a slight overhang—those details matter. Once complete, it should match closely with the specifications.

For joining sections of chicken wire, we use hog rings, but we're now using J-Hooks for enhanced security. This method is crucial; after a daring Great Dane attack that broke two hoops and caused us to lose nine chickens, we wanted to ensure the integrity of the cage against robust attacks.

Most of the specialized fittings might need to be ordered online. Here are some reliable suppliers where I took my fittings from:

• Snap Clamp Supplier Special PVC Fittings
• List Of Suppliers from PVCPlans.com
• Greenhouse Megastore

Building the tractor is relatively easy. The conduit typically arrives with one end belled for easy fitting but we cut the bell off for our needs. In my area, Menards offers the best prices for PVC and fittings. The standard sticks of PVC are 10' in length. The overall frame comprises 2" PVC, with a width of 5' (half a stick) and a running area of 10'. The coop dimensions are 5' wide and 4' long, strategically arranged to maximize the use of our 4' x 8' material sheets.

The hoops are made from 1/2" PVC, cut in half. We connect them at the top to form a backbone, enhancing strength and stability. To incorporate the hoops into the 2" main frame, we drill holes to slide them in. Care must be taken to bend the 1/2" PVC into shape as they are under considerable stress. The chicken wire keeps the hoops secure.

The feeding bowl shelf showcases how to use both 1/2" PVC and chicken wire. It connects on one edge to the main frame and is elevated by vertical pipes leading to the hoops. A wire runs through drilled holes to support this arrangement, wrapped with fence wire for stability.

The coop's frame, constructed from 2" PVC, is covered with vinyl siding held secure by self-tapping screws. Inside, PVC pipe perches provide roosting options and access to nest boxes. The run connects to the coop via wire holders and screws with reinforcing features affixing the top backbone pipe.

The doorway design uses triangle pieces from unused vinyl to reinforce the door frames, preventing any swinging into the run while enhancing overall strength.

This season, I have plans to improve the tractor:

• 1: The side doors will open like barn doors instead of dropping down, facilitating easier cleaning of the nest boxes.
• 2: Larger tires will be included as this tractor's current weight makes it difficult to maneuver on softer ground or uneven terrain.

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