Backyard Initiative: Chicken Tractor

Published April 27, 2021

Step-by-step Guide

  1. Cut four 3′ pieces of 2 x 4 wood.
  2. Using screws, secure two of the 3′ pieces of 2 x 4 and two 8′ pieces of 2 x 4 to create a rectangle frame; repeat this step for a total of two frames.
  3. Add 2 – 36″ 2 x 4 uprights in each corner at the front of the frame.
  4. Add 2 – 6″ 2 x 4 uprights in each corner in the rear of the frame.
  5. Add 1 – 33″ 2 x 4 crossmembers on top 36″ from rear.
  6. Add 1 – 33″ 2 x 4 crossmembers on the top 73″ from the rear.
  7. Add 1 – 33″ 2 x 4 crossmember on the bottom 40 1⁄2″ from the front.
  8. Add 2 – 33″ 2 x 4 upright 36″ from the rear of the top of the rectangle.
  9. Add 1 – 31″ 2 x 4 crossmember between two front uprights.
  10. Add- 1 31″ 2 x 4 crossmember between the two bottom uprights.
  11. Add chicken wire around all side and top of the frame, leave wire off of the bottom.
  12. Add 2 – 36″ 2 x 4 uprights 23 1⁄2″ from the rear one on each side of the frame.
  13. Add 2 – 24″ 2 x 4 from the top front of the frame with a 9″ inset for handles (one on each side).
  14. Add 21 1⁄2″ x 36″ plywood on top of the front near the handle for lid.
  15. Add hinges to the lid.