Free range chickens always seem to be the happiest ones because just like we get bored of looking at the same surroundings, so do they. And I´m sure you have heard the cliché that a happy hen is a healthy hen and one whom will lay you many eggs for years to come.
In an ideal world, we could let our chickens roam the land for hours and even days on end, without a worry that they would come back harmed.
The reality, however, is that many birds who are left to free range with no protection whatsoever are often snapped up by a wily predator who shows no mercy.
A mobile chicken coop that you can easily move from place to place is the perfect solution to letting your chickens scratch around in the dirt and forage for nutritious bugs, and you will also be able to enjoy the added bonus of them fertilizing the soil with their potent manure.
Many chicken owners wrongly assume that a portable chicken coop is going to be really difficult to build, very expensive and time-consuming. Fortunately, there are so many different ways to construct a chicken coop and so many different materials to choose from, that there is a solution to fit every budget and skill level when it comes to DIYing a chicken coop on wheels!
Follow this simple guide that will teach you how to build a sturdy and safe chicken coop for your chickens to move into and call home.
Build the Foundations
The first thing you need to do is to get your ideas down on paper. Spend some time browsing the internet for inspiration on how to build a simple chicken coop. A square or triangle shape is often easiest to work with if you are a novice at working with wood.
Start by figuring out how big you want your chicken coop to be and then measure out a perfect square. Cut your pieces of wood accordingly and screw them all together and use some metal braces to reinforce the joints.
Build the Frame
The easiest mobile coop to build is an A-framed shape, so your next step will be to decide how high you want the coop to be. To do this, stand the triangular pieces on top of the frame and make sure you have enough for the structure to be strong once it is all screwed together.
A wooden beam that runs right down the middle of the top of the structure will strengthen it even further. You can use metal braces wherever you like if you want to give the structure an extra boost,
Weather and Predator Proofing
Both weather and predators can cause equal damage when it comes to your chickens, which is why it is important to clad your whole structure with a waterproof material that will provide insulation when it is cold and dry, and you also need to select a material that cannot be chewed through.
If you want your mobile chicken coop to have a run attached to it, then you will need to use strong wire mesh to cover this area, and this is the perfect solution for good ventilation.
Think About Cleaning
If you plan on this being the primary residence for your birds and not just a bottomless run for grazing, then you need to consider how you are going to clean it easily and efficiently. Most people include a removable tray as the floor for their chicken coops, as it makes mucking out waste much easier.
Nesting Boxes
Including nesting boxes in your portable coop like this one is a matter of personal choice. However, it is advisable if you want to ensure that your hens feel they have a safe and warm space to lay their eggs. This is especially important if you are planning on breeding your chickens. Simply divide a section of the coop into a few separate spaces, using blocks of wood to create partitions.
Roosting Bars
Many chickens, both male and female, prefer to roost off the ground when it’s time for them to rest or sleep. Ensuring you have enough roosting bars to accommodate your whole flock will mean that the risk of fights, henpecking, or bullying will be dramatically reduced.
Easy Access
Don’t forget to add a door! If you are lucky enough to live in an area where predators are minimal, then it is likely you will want to let them out entirely during the day and put them back in their coop at night. A lockable door is essential to making sure that they will be secure when it gets dark, and it also means that you can easily contain them when you want to transfer your movable chicken coop to another location.
Wheels
And finally, a portable chicken coop is made even more convenient by the addition of some wheels. If you are really keen to build every single part of the coop from scratch, then you can buy some rubber wheels at your local DIY store and make your own axels.
However, a much easier (and often more cost-effective solution) is to buy some ready made chicken tractor wheels like these ones that come in kit form and are easy to put together.
Conclusion
When it comes to building your chicken coop on wheels, keep it simple. The very first thing you need to do is to get some chicken coop ideas down on paper, taking into account all of the essential features that we mentioned in this guide including making it predator proof, something allowing fresh air and ventilation, and something that is easy to clean. All your chickens need is some shelter, warmth, and freedom to roam around and explore their surroundings. There is plenty of information available for free online,and you can find a detailed guide of how to build your own A-frame portable chicken coop here!