I am a huge advocate for tractoring fowl. I remember seeing my first turkey tractors in Amherst, Massachusetts nearly 20 years ago. I thought they were odd at the time. Now I am a 100% convert.

I have even written about tractoring chickens for Fix.com: https://www.fix.com/blog/raising-chickens-at-home/

We have made all of our tractors out of scrap wood. The first one was heavy and clunky.

We have revised and streamlined the designs over the years. This one is lighter, but small and a little wobbly.

I really like this one because it is large and easy to move. But the both sides were already assembled from a previous life as a ladder-like object. This design was a one-off because of the nature of the materials.

At this point I have pretty much settled on this design. I have been reluctant about triangular tractors up until now, but in terms of materials used, strength, weight and even a built-in rain water collection system, I am keen on this design.

Water falling on the roofing iron runs off into the suspended can. It won’t keep it topped up all the time, but it helps. Additionally, I like having the water can suspended as it moves with the tractor and does not spill. Sweet as.

If you live in the Manawatu, Whanganui, Rangiteki or Horowhenua regions, you will be interested in attending a DIY chicken tractor workshop in Palmerston North on Thursday of this week. See the Permaculture Manawatu FB page for details. https://www.facebook.com/PermacultureManawatu/

Peace, Estwing