My Dual Purpose Chicken Tractor & Greenhouse

You can learn about John Suscovich and his chicken tractor plans at: farmmarketingsolutions.com/

[@johnndavis7647]

I have built three chicken tractors so far. Each one is lighter than the last one. I have found that It's easy to build something strong if you don't care how heavy it is. But to build light and strong that's a real challenge. These days I build mostly with rough cut cedar from HD. I rip it into 2x2s And use that wood everywhere I can. Cedar is light weight, strong and rot resistant. It will rot if left in contact with the ground so I have started ripping and screwing on a 1x4 pressure treated sacrificial runner for a bottom plate to protect the cedar. Thanks for the video.

[@michaellohre1470]

Herrick, I am a longtime subscriber, fan and fellow Christian agrarian. I built my first Suskovich tractor three years ago and now seeing your changes I like them; John had a great design but there is always room to improve and you have done so. I recommend hardware cloth for the bottom as it will save you headaches with raccoon and coyotes digging or tearing at the wire, at least that happens here in Ohio. Then use chicken wire to go over the conduit. I also make the door out of hardware cloth as I find racoons like to try to come in through the front door; audacious little interlopers! I do not take my wheels on and off; get the coupon from Harbor Freight and you can but two wheels for eight bucks and leave them on; they last about two years. As you get older, I"m 54 and recovering from a bad motorcycle accident by God's grace, it gets to be alot to put the wheels on and off each day. Love the greenhouse idea and I am going to "steal" it! Would you mind recommending where to get good poly cloth or greenhouse material as I have never ever used a greenhouse but want to learn. God bless you brother Herrick

[@pamelastandhart9650]

Please keep us updated, definitely interested in the dual purpose part.

[@artfulcoyote]

Great ideas, Herrick. Love the conduit and dual purpose idea. I have 54 being processed tomorrow. Just been a busy summer. My mbop garden is doing well, only tomatoes and peppers left as rabbits have invaded .. dang... Thanks for sharing.

[@rosesmith6208]

I like your mods, the poles being in the wood rather then screwed on the outside I bought his book and did modifications one I I used outside pvc conduit, second I left off the side supports (to reduce weight) third I made it wider and longer, 8 foot wide 12 foot long and I am using wire fencing for the door to reduce weight too. it will be a daytime use only they will be in coop at night. my other run I built is made of pvc, lighter wood, and the bottome is made of 2by4s for the strength and for bracing I am using (still not done with adding these)mending plates and corner metal braces to keep weight down. no coop in there just a day time run I will use for my chickens I have now. the tractor is for chicks coming in a few months. i will being using probably 13 inche no flat tires on the tractor or maybe my bicycle tires and a dolly used in front to move it. it is kind of heavy can still pick it up in part. the run will have wheels too as I tried to move it and couldnt because it is dragging and snagging on the ground. forgot to mention the frame is mostly 2 by fours on the tractor for the strength too.

[@johnandleighs.9193]

Good morning Herrick really like your chicken tractor / Greenhouse on the wall you want to put it up on one either use square bales of hay you would have a built-in ledge or shelf and two the doorway if you make it out of wood you can put the hinges on the bottom and flip it down for a ramp just thinking about it have a good day . God bless

[@herrickkimball]

Nice idea with the hay bales. Thank you.

[@TheCritterWindow]

In my area chicken wire is bad idea it keeps chickens in but not predators out. I like your idea otherwise. I ordered my chicks yesterday for next month. I use your plucker and scalder love them both.

[@FreeAmericaChannel]

I like this idea very much. Thanks for sharing!

[@bablitz1]

Nice build! Please post an update when loaded with birds and again when converted to a Green house!

[@herrickkimball]

Will do.

[@joyfulcasa]

@@herrickkimball did you ever convert to greenhouse?

[@abdalbateeh6766]

Thanks good job

[@julamp]

While you are converting it to a Greenhouse drop the door 18 inches.