7 Best Chicken Tractors for Mobile Pasturing That Old Farmers Swear By

Looking to elevate your backyard poultry operation with a mobile solution? Chicken tractors offer the perfect balance of protection and pasture access, allowing your flock to enjoy fresh forage while staying safe from predators. These portable coops let you move your chickens to new grazing areas, providing them with nutritious insects and plants while naturally fertilizing your land.

For homesteaders and small-scale farmers, choosing the right chicken tractor can mean the difference between a thriving flock and constant maintenance headaches. We’ve researched and compared dozens of models to bring you the seven best chicken tractors that combine durability, mobility, and practical design for effective mobile pasturing.

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What Is a Chicken Tractor and Why Use One for Mobile Pasturing?

A chicken tractor is a portable, bottomless coop that allows chickens to access fresh pasture while keeping them protected from predators and weather. Unlike stationary coops, chicken tractors can be moved regularly to provide poultry with new foraging areas while preventing overgrazing and soil degradation.

Benefits of Mobile Pasturing for Chicken Health

Mobile pasturing dramatically improves chicken health by giving birds access to fresh greens, insects, and varied nutrition daily. Chickens on pasture typically show stronger immune systems, produce eggs with deeper yolks, and exhibit more natural behaviors. The constant rotation also reduces parasite loads and disease risk by moving birds away from their accumulated waste, while enhancing muscle development through increased exercise opportunities.

Key Features to Look for in Quality Chicken Tractors

When selecting a chicken tractor, prioritize lightweight yet sturdy construction that withstands elements without being too heavy to move. Look for secure predator-proof designs with proper ventilation, adequate nesting boxes, and comfortable roosting bars. The best chicken tractors offer easy access for egg collection and cleaning, weather protection, and appropriate space per bird. Wheels, handles, or skids are essential for simple relocation without straining your back.

The Omlet Eglu Cube Chicken Tractor: Best Overall Design

The Omlet Eglu Cube stands out as the top choice for hobby farmers seeking an efficient mobile chicken tractor solution. This ingeniously designed unit combines functionality, durability, and ease of use in a compact package that’s revolutionizing backyard chicken keeping.

Key Specifications and Capacity

The Eglu Cube comfortably houses 8-10 standard-sized chickens with 32 square feet of enclosed run space. Its dimensions (4’W × 8’L × 3’H) make it ideal for small homesteads while providing adequate room for chickens to roost, nest, and move about. The integrated nesting boxes and removable dropping trays simplify egg collection and cleaning tasks for busy keepers.

Durability and Weather Resistance Features

Constructed from impact-resistant polymers, the Eglu Cube withstands harsh weather conditions from scorching summers to freezing winters. The twin-wall insulation regulates internal temperature year-round while the weatherproof roof prevents leaks during heavy rainfall. Unlike wooden coops, this UV-stabilized construction won’t rot, warp, or harbor parasites, ensuring years of reliable protection for your flock.

The Ranch Hand Chicken Tractor: Best for Large Flocks

The Ranch Hand Chicken Tractor stands out as an exceptional option for commercial operations or hobby farmers with substantial flocks requiring mobile pasturing solutions.

Spacious Design and Construction Quality

The Ranch Hand features a robust galvanized steel frame that supports up to 100 chickens comfortably. Its 10’×12′ base provides ample room for both laying hens and meat birds to forage naturally. The heavy-duty vinyl roof withstands harsh weather conditions while offering necessary shade, and the reinforced corner braces can handle up to 6,500 pounds of birds and equipment.

Ease of Movement Across Varied Terrain

Despite its size, the Ranch Hand incorporates an innovative wheel system with pneumatic tires that navigate rough pastures with minimal effort. You’ll appreciate the front tow bar that connects to UTVs or small tractors for daily repositioning. The adjustable height chassis allows clearance over diverse terrain types, making it practical for farms with uneven ground or seasonal variations.

The Urban Coop Company’s Round-Top Tractor: Best for Small Homesteads

Space Efficiency and Predator Protection

The Urban Coop Company’s Round-Top Tractor maximizes space efficiency with its compact design that accommodates 5-8 chickens comfortably. Its rounded roof provides excellent weather protection while the fully enclosed structure features 1×2″ galvanized wire mesh that prevents predator entry. The elevated design keeps your flock safe from ground predators, while providing ample ventilation to maintain healthy air circulation.

Manageable Size for Single-Person Operation

This tractor weighs just 90 pounds, making it ideal for single-person operation on small homesteads. Built with lightweight aluminum framing, you’ll find it easy to move to fresh pasture daily without straining your back. The integrated handles at both ends allow for quick repositioning, while the smooth-rolling wheels navigate easily across most terrain types, ensuring your chickens always have access to fresh forage.

The Homesteader’s Helper DIY Chicken Tractor: Most Economical Option

For budget-conscious homesteaders and small-scale farmers, building your own chicken tractor offers significant cost savings while allowing complete customization to suit your specific needs.

Cost-Effective Materials and Build Instructions

You’ll find that DIY chicken tractors typically cost 50-70% less than commercial options. Using readily available materials like pressure-treated lumber, PVC pipes, chicken wire, and recycled metal roofing keeps expenses down. Most homesteaders complete their builds for under $200, following free online plans from sites like BackyardChickens or YouTube tutorials that provide step-by-step guidance for even novice builders.

Customization Possibilities for Different Needs

Your DIY chicken tractor can be perfectly tailored to your unique situation. Adjust dimensions to match your flock size—a 4’x8′ base works well for 6-8 chickens. Add removable nesting boxes for layers or focus on ground space for broilers. Incorporate handles, wheels, or hitching points based on your mobility needs and terrain challenges. The ability to modify your design as your operation evolves remains the greatest advantage of the DIY approach.

The Royal Rooster Premium Chicken Tractor: Best for Extreme Weather Conditions

The Royal Rooster Premium Chicken Tractor stands out as the ultimate solution for chicken keepers who face challenging weather conditions throughout the year. This robust mobile coop combines durability with thoughtful design features specifically engineered to withstand everything from scorching summers to frigid winters.

All-Season Design Elements

The Royal Rooster features a steeply pitched metal roof that efficiently sheds snow and heavy rain without accumulation. Its reinforced frame uses marine-grade hardware that resists rust and corrosion even in coastal environments. The elevated floor design prevents flooding during heavy downpours, while removable wind blocks can be installed during storm seasons. These elements work together to create a fortress-like shelter that maintains structural integrity in winds up to 70 mph.

Superior Ventilation and Insulation Features

This tractor incorporates adjustable vents at both gable ends that can be opened or closed depending on temperature needs. The double-walled construction creates a 2-inch insulation gap throughout, maintaining internal temperatures 15°F warmer in winter and 10°F cooler in summer than ambient conditions. Roof-mounted solar-powered fans activate automatically when temperatures exceed 85°F, ensuring continuous air circulation even during heatwaves. The moisture-resistant internal panels prevent condensation buildup that could lead to respiratory issues.

The EZ Chicken Tractor Kit: Best for Beginners

The EZ Chicken Tractor Kit stands out as the most accessible option for novice poultry keepers who want to start mobile pasturing without feeling overwhelmed. This A-frame style tractor combines simplicity with effectiveness, making it ideal for those just beginning their chicken-raising journey.

Simple Assembly Process and Included Tools

The EZ Chicken Tractor Kit comes with pre-cut parts and requires only basic tools for assembly, typically taking less than 2 hours to complete. Each kit includes detailed step-by-step instructions with color-coded components that eliminate guesswork. The unique wheel design allows for tight turns and easy daily repositioning, which is essential for keeping chickens on fresh pasture and preventing muddy conditions.

Scalability for Growing Flocks

Starting with accommodations for 8-10 chickens, the EZ Chicken Tractor Kit offers expansion modules that connect seamlessly to the base unit. These add-on sections increase capacity by 5-8 birds each, allowing your setup to grow alongside your flock. The modular design maintains the tractor’s mobility even as you expand, with each section featuring the same lightweight construction and predator-resistant galvanized wire mesh that made the original kit so practical.

Choosing the Right Chicken Tractor for Your Specific Pasturing Needs

Selecting the perfect chicken tractor transforms your poultry management while providing your flock with protection and fresh forage. Whether you’re managing a large commercial operation with the Ranch Hand or starting small with the Urban Coop Company’s Round-Top Tractor you’ll find options that match your specific needs.

For harsh weather consider the Royal Rooster Premium while budget-conscious homesteaders can benefit from building their own Homesteader’s Helper DIY model. Beginners will appreciate the straightforward EZ Chicken Tractor Kit.

Remember to prioritize mobility durability and proper ventilation when making your choice. The right chicken tractor won’t just benefit your chickens—it’ll improve your land through natural fertilization and make your poultry management more efficient and sustainable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a chicken tractor?

A chicken tractor is a portable, bottomless coop that allows chickens to forage on fresh ground while keeping them protected from predators. Unlike fixed coops, these mobile structures can be moved regularly to provide chickens access to new grazing areas while naturally fertilizing the land. They combine the benefits of free-ranging with the safety of enclosed housing.

What are the health benefits of using a chicken tractor?

Chicken tractors provide significant health benefits for poultry, including improved nutrition from diverse forage, stronger immune systems from natural diet variety, and reduced disease risk by regularly moving birds away from their waste. This mobile pasturing approach results in healthier chickens that produce higher quality eggs and meat while maintaining their natural behaviors.

How many chickens can a typical chicken tractor hold?

Chicken tractor capacity varies widely by model. Smaller designs like the Urban Coop Company’s Round-Top accommodate 5-8 chickens, while medium-sized options like the Omlet Eglu Cube house 8-10 birds. Large commercial models such as the Ranch Hand can support up to 100 chickens. Always ensure at least 4 square feet per bird for proper spacing.

What features should I look for in a chicken tractor?

Key features include lightweight construction for easy movement, predator-proof design with secure mesh or wire, proper ventilation to prevent overheating, weather protection (waterproof roof and wind protection), comfortable nesting areas, and easy access for egg collection and cleaning. Ensure the tractor has durable wheels or handles for regular repositioning.

How often should I move a chicken tractor?

Most chicken tractors should be moved every 1-3 days, depending on flock size, tractor dimensions, and the condition of the grazing area. Move the tractor when you notice the ground becoming bare, scratched up, or accumulating waste. Regular movement prevents soil compaction, allows vegetation to recover, and keeps chickens supplied with fresh forage.

Can I build my own chicken tractor?

Yes, building a DIY chicken tractor is an economical option that can save 50-70% compared to commercial models. The Homesteader’s Helper DIY approach typically costs under $200 using basic materials like pressure-treated lumber and chicken wire. DIY options offer customization flexibility to match your specific needs and can be modified as your flock grows.

Are chicken tractors suitable for extreme weather conditions?

Some chicken tractors, like the Royal Rooster Premium model, are specifically designed for extreme weather with features such as steeply pitched metal roofs for snow/rain shedding, reinforced frames with marine-grade hardware, elevated floors to prevent flooding, and superior insulation. Look for adjustable ventilation and weather-resistant materials when choosing a tractor for harsh climates.

How durable are chicken tractors?

Durability varies by model and materials. Premium options like the Omlet Eglu Cube use impact-resistant polymers that withstand harsh weather for 10+ years. Commercial-grade models feature galvanized steel frames resistant to rust and corrosion. DIY tractors using pressure-treated lumber can last 5-7 years with proper maintenance. Regular inspection and minor repairs will extend the lifespan of any chicken tractor.