The Suscovich Chicken Tractor | An alternative method to constructing the conduit roof

Tired of trying to figure out how to bend the conduit for your John Suscovich chicken tractor? I was as well, so I decided to build the conduit roof of this chicken tractor a bit different. Hope this helps you out! Please subscribe if you want to see this chicken tractor in action!

[@carolinablonde88]

Love this modification! Thanks for sharing. The 45 degree making it stick out was tearing my tarps

[@WR_Ranch]

Same here! Glad it helped.

[@karencalvert4290]

Thank you. Great video.

[@ashlynhamel7594]

Thank you! Starting our build in a couple weeks

[@WR_Ranch]

Let me know if you need further help!

[@mopricefam]

Nice video bud!!

[@WR_Ranch]

Thank you!

[@davidd6095]

Nice, I am starting my build this weekend

[@WR_Ranch]

Good luck! I like it over my PVC Salatin style tractor

[@davidd6095]

@@WR_Ranch I did the pvc Salatin style last year and hated getting in after them. Plus in the fall we got a lot of wind and it did not do well.

[@WR_Ranch]

I agree. Load out morning was the worst trying to get in there. So glad I will not have to deal with that again this season. I tried to sell it, but zero interest. Maybe I’ll turn it into a layer tractor?

[@dcandjames]

Looks good. How do you like the wheels mounted in the back? I have considered putting some on a level but never got around to it.

[@WR_Ranch]

Honestly that’s evolving. These are 8 inchers, enough so when you tip it up to move it the frame does not drag, but too big to leave on once it’s moved. It creates enough space under the rear of the frame to allow raccoons to get their little hands under. I tried a 7 inch wheel but found it’s not large enough to let the coop roll easily, especially when the grass is long. So for now the wheels come off after every move. Funny story I actually had something steal a wheel last year. I assume it was raccoons. They get covered in chicken manure and I can only imagine it thought it was a giant tasty treat? I came out one morning and it was gone. I found it later that year across the pasture at the fence line like whoever took it couldn’t get it over the fence and decided to leave it. Of course by that time I had already spent the money on a replacement, which was fine, as the bearings had been ripped out of it and were nowhere to be found.

[@dcandjames]

That is the main reason I don’t have wheels on mine. I did put an electric wire on the bottom. I haven’t had anything get into the tractor. Yet.

[@Refresh5406]

I saw a video from the Handy Homesteader where he used the same 1/2 conduit as skids running along the bottom instead of using wheels. That might be worth trying. It looked much simpler than the wheel design, and you don't have to worry as much about clearance. Another added bonus is that the wood won't be directly touching the ground, for what that's worth.

[@JennerIIC]

Curious if it would make more sense to put the wheels on the side where the door is, allowing the wheels to handle the heavier part of the tractor? I'm about to build a couple of these I think, and just trying to think through some of the needed mods. Thanks for the video.

[@WR_Ranch]

I don’t really have an issue wheeling them around. Finding the proper rope length to when you stand up your arms are locked straight and it’s off the ground is the biggest factor. If I had to lift up and also bend my arms, hold it in that bent elevated position to move it, it would be a pain. Only positive I see with wheels up front is now you push the tractor instead of pull. Which would be nice

[@lightwan7069]

Instead of criss-crossing zip ties for holding the top EMT conduit, you could use 2-holes straps like you used behind the door frame and bolt them on top of your EMT connectors. It should bolt right up if you have the right size.

[@WR_Ranch]

🤔 interesting thought. I will take a look!Thanks!

[@willie9767]

How do your board go to gether n r middle

[@WR_Ranch]

Not sure I am clear on where you are talking about

[@eduardooberto408]

Dónde puedo conseguir el plano de la estructura. Lo venden ?

[@willie9767]

How can I order your book on build my chicken tractor?

[@WR_Ranch]

Check out John Suscovich on Google or buy his book on Amazon. It’s great!

[@toddswihart9205]

What is your actual overall dimensions height width because yours looks bigger than a 4 x 8

[@wkcattlecompany7737]

Thanks for sharing! We are going to build one but on a smaller scale and incorporate nesting boxes for laying hens. Just wondering about how heavy these are and if the tarp will act as a sail in high winds. We get some pretty intense wind gusts here but my guess is, these will be heavy enough to stay in place.

[@WR_Ranch]

They stay put. We will get 50+ MPH gusts and it does not move the tractor. The tarp might fly around on one side but it does not rip off. The other design I have is a PVC version of the Salatin and I have lost the tin roof off that numerous times.

[@wkcattlecompany7737]

@@WR_Ranch Perfect - thanks!

[@WR_Ranch]

I’ll put a video up when the birds get out to pasture. I use a big ass conduit bar on the bottom of the tarp to help weigh it down. Then you can roll the tarp up around that bar and hook it to the tractor to pin it up to allow airflow. 🤙🏼

[@jimmcconnell1763]

We built 2 last year we had some crazy wind that did pick them up. We lost a half dozen when it came down on them. Several where outside of the tractor. We now stake them Down when expecting high winds.

[@mattkyhnn686]

Looks good. Have you considered a timber roof instead with metal sheeting? Have you an Instagram? Fellow Iowan farming in Ireland

[@WR_Ranch]

Yes I keep thinking I need to switch over to a ranch instagram. For now if you want follow me on rmack00 Instagram. I’d probably do metal roof over timber for weight savings?