15 Affordable Chicken Tractor Ideas for Any Backyard

Chicken tractors are one of the most practical tools for raising healthy, productive birds.

These movable coops let you rotate your flock across fresh ground, giving chickens access to grass and bugs while keeping their mess contained.

They also reduce the need for a fixed run and make daily cleanup easier.

Whether you're raising chickens in a backyard or pasture-raising meat birds, choosing the right chicken tractor can make a big difference.

The best design depends on your space, budget, and the number of birds you're keeping. Some are lightweight and simple, perfect for beginners or urban settings.

Others are sturdier and hold larger flocks, made to stand up to predators and weather.

In this article, I'll share 15 different chicken tractor ideas — from quick DIY builds to durable, weather-resistant setups.

1. Mobile DIY A-Frame Chicken Tractor

This A-frame chicken tractor is strong, roomy, and built to last. It’s often sized around 8 by 12 feet, giving enough space for about 65–70 meat birds or 15–20 egg layers.

The frame is usually made from wood, covered with chicken wire on the sides for airflow, and topped with painted steel roofing to protect from sun and rain. The A-shape helps water run off easily and keeps the inside shaded.

To move it, you can add wheels or build it on skids. While it’s heavier than other designs, the size helps spread out the weight so it won’t tear up the ground.

This setup works well if you have a larger flock and want something that stays in good shape for years with only basic upkeep.

2. PVC Chicken Tractor

This type of chicken tractor is made with PVC pipes and chicken wire, making it lightweight and easy to move by hand.

It’s one of the simplest and most affordable options, which makes it a great choice if you’re just getting started or only have a few chickens.

Because it doesn’t require much cutting or heavy lifting, it’s also quick to build, even with limited tools or experience.

Some versions include helpful extras like a small wire floor or built-in shelves to hold feed and water.

While it’s not the best option for areas with a lot of predators, it works well in fenced-in yards or safer spaces. If you need something quick, low-cost, and easy to handle, this design checks all the boxes.

3. Portable DIY Chicken Tractor with Recycled Trike Wheels

This chicken tractor is simple, light, and built using materials you might already have on hand.

The wheels make it easy to pull around your yard without much effort, and the small size makes it a good fit for tight spaces.

Since it relies on recycled parts, this design is a smart option if you're looking to save money or reduce waste.

It’s especially useful for small flocks in backyards where you want to move chickens often to fresh grass. It may not have the strongest frame, but it gets the job done if you’re keeping things low-cost and practical.

4. Mobile Wooden Chicken Tractor

This design uses basic lumber like 2x4s and pine fence boards to build a strong frame, usually about 7 feet long and 3 feet wide.

Chicken wire is added to the sides, and a solid or partial roof gives some weather protection. With wheels attached to one end, it’s easy to move around by lifting the other side and rolling it forward.

It’s a solid choice if you want something simple but durable. It can hold around 12 to 14 chickens comfortably, depending on how you set up the interior.

This design also leaves room for upgrades like roosting bars or small nesting boxes. It’s a good balance between strength and flexibility, making it ideal for small to medium flocks.

5. DIY Fold Flat Chicken Tractor

This design is made with lightweight materials like 1×3 furring strips and chicken wire, which keeps it easy to carry and move.

What sets it apart is its ability to fold flat, making storage much easier when it’s not in use. The frame has a modified A-shape and can be quickly set up or taken down without needing to take the whole thing apart.

Even though it’s light, this tractor can still be made secure with the right latches and mesh to help keep predators out.

It works well for temporary setups or for homesteaders who don’t have much space to store extra equipment. If you're looking for a coop that’s simple to move and easy to store, this one is a solid choice.

6. Upcycled Chicken Tractor from an Old Dog Kennel or Crate

This idea turns a large dog kennel or crate into a functional chicken tractor with just a few modifications.

By adding a weatherproof cover, reinforcing the sides with chicken wire, and attaching small wheels, you can make a mobile coop with very little building involved.

It’s a fast way to give your chickens shelter without starting from scratch.

This is a good fit if you already have a kennel that’s no longer being used or want a low-cost way to house a small flock.

It’s not ideal for larger groups or rough weather, but for a backyard setup in a safe area, it’s a clever and budget-friendly solution.

7. Salatin Style Chicken Tractor for Pastured Broilers

This design is made for raising meat birds on pasture. Inspired by the method used by Joel Salatin, it’s built as a low, rectangular frame with open sides and a solid roof for shade and weather protection.

Materials like lumber, chicken wire, and metal roofing are common, and the open bottom lets chickens graze directly on the grass.

The goal is to move the tractor daily so the birds always have access to fresh ground. This not only gives them a better diet but also helps fertilize the soil without creating muddy, overused patches.

If you're raising broilers and want a system that fits into a pasture rotation, this setup is practical, proven, and efficient.

8. Predator-Proof Chicken Tractor with No-Dig Skirts

This design focuses on keeping your flock safe from animals that try to dig under the coop. It uses treated wood or rot-resistant cedar for the frame, and hardware mesh instead of regular chicken wire for added strength.

What makes it unique is the removable skirts around the bottom edges — sections of mesh that extend outward along the ground.

These skirts are weighed down with bricks, boards, or other heavy objects to stop predators from getting underneath.

This design is a good fit if you live in an area with raccoons, foxes, or other digging animals. It's sturdy, secure, and still mobile, so you can move your chickens without giving up protection.

9. Barn Chicken Tractor 

This design uses cattle panels as the main framework, which gives it a rounded shape and plenty of headroom inside.

The rest of the structure is built with pressure-treated and untreated 2x4s, covered in hardware cloth for security and finished with metal roofing for shelter. It’s a strong and roomy setup that still moves well across open ground.

If you're looking for a plan with clear instructions, this type is often available as a downloadable PDF, making the build process easier to follow.

It works well for larger flocks or anyone who wants a solid, semi-permanent structure that can still be relocated when needed. It’s especially useful in areas with heavy weather or predators.

10. Simple Chicken Tractor with Plywood Roof

This build focuses on function and ease. It usually measures around 8 by 8 feet and uses basic materials like 2x4s, plywood, and chicken wire.

The roof is made from solid plywood, which helps block sun and rain, and some versions include a hinged section for easier access when feeding or cleaning.

One person can build this with common tools, making it a good choice if you’re working alone or don’t want a complicated project.

It’s roomy enough for a small flock, and its boxy shape makes it simple to build, use, and move when needed.

11. Trampoline Chicken Tractor

A trampoline chicken tractor is a clever way to turn an old trampoline into a safe and movable home for chickens.

The strong metal frame makes a perfect base, while wire mesh is wrapped around the sides to keep predators out. A tarp or roof can be added to give shade and protect from rain.

Since trampolines are tall, chickens have plenty of space to move, scratch, and peck.

The round shape makes it easy to roll to fresh grass, giving chickens new ground to explore while keeping the yard healthy. Nesting boxes and roosting bars can be placed inside for resting and laying eggs.

This setup is affordable, sturdy, and easy to move, making it a great way to keep chickens happy while keeping their food fresh and natural!

12. Chicken Coop with Detachable Run

This setup separates the coop and run into two pieces that can be moved individually.

The coop section holds your roosting area and nesting boxes, while the run is a lightweight frame with mesh sides that attaches securely to the front. This makes the whole structure easier to relocate, especially if you're working alone.

It’s a flexible design that gives you options — you can keep the house stationary and move just the run, or move both together depending on your space and routine.

It’s especially helpful if you're working with limited strength or need to fit the setup through gates or tight corners.

13. Mini Chicken Tractor

This small chicken tractor is perfect for tiny backyards or urban spaces where you only keep a few hens. It’s made with a basic frame using wood or PVC, covered in chicken wire or hardware cloth.

Because of its size, you can move it easily without wheels—just lift and shift to a new patch of grass.

It doesn’t take much time or money to build, and it’s great for keeping a couple of hens happy and active without giving up your whole yard. If you’re limited on space or starting small, this setup is simple and effective.

14. Lightweight PVC Chicken Tractor (No Wheels)

This design focuses on being as light as possible. It uses PVC pipes for the frame, wire mesh for the sides, and a tarp or sheet metal for the roof.

Since it’s so lightweight, you don’t need wheels—it can be picked up and moved by hand, even by one person.

It’s best for short-term use, small flocks, or situations where you want to move chickens often with little effort.

Just keep in mind it may not stand up to strong wind or heavy predators, so it’s better suited for fenced or secure areas.

15. Hoop Coop Chicken Tractor Using Cattle Panels

This tractor uses cattle panels bent over a wooden base to form a high, rounded shape, kind of like a mini barn.

The arched panels are covered with a tarp, roofing, or metal sheets for protection, while the sides are secured with chicken wire or hardware cloth.

It’s a good option if you want more headroom inside or need something that handles bad weather better than a flat-topped design.

The hoop shape helps with rain and snow runoff, and the solid build gives your chickens better shelter without losing mobility.

Choose the chicken tractor that best suits your space, flock size, and needs for a healthier, happier flock.

Choosing the right chicken tractor comes down to your space, flock size, and how often you want to move it.

Some designs are light and easy to build, making them perfect for beginners or small backyards. Others are stronger and built for larger flocks or tougher conditions.

Whether you're looking for something budget-friendly, predator-proof, or simple to store, there’s a design that fits your needs.

Each of the 15 ideas shared here offers a different approach.

By picking the one that matches your setup, you can give your chickens fresh ground, better health, and protection—all while keeping your chores more manageable.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What size chicken tractor do I need for 10 chickens?

A good rule is at least 4 square feet per bird inside the tractor. For 10 chickens, aim for a footprint of 40 square feet or more. Designs like the mobile wooden tractor or the simple plywood-roof build work well for this flock size.

How do I make a chicken tractor predator-proof?

Use strong materials like hardware cloth instead of regular chicken wire, and secure all gaps with screws or staples. Some builds add wire skirts along the ground to stop digging animals. Locking latches and sturdy framing also help keep predators out.

Can I build a chicken tractor from recycled materials?

Yes. Many people build tractors using scrap wood, old wheels, tarps, and even dog kennels. As long as the structure is secure, weather-resistant, and gives your chickens enough room, it can work just as well as a new build.

How often should I move my chicken tractor?

Most people move their tractor daily or every other day. Moving it regularly helps avoid bare patches, gives your chickens fresh ground to forage, and spreads manure more evenly across your yard or pasture.

What’s the best chicken tractor for bad weather?

Heavier builds with solid roofs, like the A-frame or hoop coop, hold up better in wind, rain, and snow. Look for designs with weather-resistant roofing, strong framing, and some kind of sheltered area inside where chickens can stay dry and warm.