The Chicken Tractor.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by katoranger

They have already plucked feathers and understand where their food comes from.

Good for you, Brother Allen!

Spud

[Weldangrind]

It looks like you're using ranch wall for siding. A miracle product.

[katoranger]

I needed one piece to make the ends. It was the only piece of siding that I bought.

The rest of the sheating material has been free stuff. I think I make have some vinyl siding comeing the I will use along the back to cover up that OSB. The OSB came out the dumpster.

I did install a vinyl floor that I bought at the flooring outlet. Cost of $30. It should make clean out easier.

My Mom has picked up some free exterior paint that she will bring down in May.

I just need to secure some more of the hardware cloth on the run, put some more roosting areas in, and roof the nesting box and it some be able to go outside.

After that it is more cosmetic items.

I am still working up an idea for wheels that can be lowered to lift it a few inches to help it slide across the yard.

[Weldangrind]

Search for portable table saw wheels, and you'll find a solution. Most people who own table saws hate pulling them around, but also lack the space to keep them set up in the middle of the garage. I've seen a design that has a pedal that flips over, which you then step on to "cam over" the casters. It's a neat idea.

BTW, ranch wall is usually less than $20 per sheet, and requires no painting. Check Home Depot.

[katoranger]

I finished attaching the hardware cloth tonight. Next I plan to figure out the wheels. I found the pivot point using some pipe. It is 42" from the back.

So I think I will use a set of spare cub cadet front wheels with tires that are in poor condition and stick some tubes that I have in them.

I am going to make some kind of cam system like Weld suggested.

On the front I will make a trailer hitch. I only need to get it off the ground a few inches.

Wheels cannot be installed until after I pull it out of the shop. It won't fit out the door otherwise.

[katoranger]

Coop is outside. It is much heavier than I expected. The ford manage to get it out though.

Wife took some pictures. I will have to find them.

Next step. Wheel design.

[Weldangrind]

Here's a simpler design than what I was talking about. Imagine much heavier wheels and hardware.

[Weldangrind]

This is more complex, but it gives some ideas. You could do this with steel and old motorcycle wheel bearings. Be sure to click on the vid to see it in action. http://woodgears.ca/mobile_base/table_saw.html

[katoranger]

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

Here's a simpler design than what I was talking about. Imagine much heavier wheels and hardware.

This may work. I can use a jack to lift it.

[katoranger]

[SpudRider]

Thanks for posting the nice photos of the chicken coop, and your beautiful assistants.

Spud

[Weldangrind]

That's pretty cool. I like the rope-drawn ramp.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

That's pretty cool. I like the rope-drawn ramp.

X2.



Have you decided not to try the automatic, coop door opener?

Spud

[katoranger]

I would like to get the automatic door setup, but that is a future addition. The rope works for now.

The chicks have discovered the roosts I made. The can get up to them. I had the ramp door open all day and none of them came out. They are still not use to being outside.

[FastDoc]

That's a great coop!