OVERVIEW

The Tractor or Portable coop as it is sometimes known is a great option for any sized garden. Although some do keep it to permanently house their chickens it is more advisable as a temporary solution.

There are many really great designs or options for the portable coop to suit most any back garden, the homestead of farm size.

TRACTOR/PORTABLE CHICKEN COOP AND OR RUN

When thinking about getting a chicken coop always keep in mind the basic rules of thumb as to size and space per chicken. For the larger chicken breeds, it may be wiser to leave a little more extra space, especially in the run and nesting boxes.
As discussed in some of other articles chickens get stressed rather easily and overcrowding in a major cause of stress for these birds. Stress in a chicken can lead to in flock fighting, bullying and serious health issues.
In Part 1 of our Housing chicken series, you will find the various rules of thumb to establishing the best size for your chicken coop. Part 1 also looks at the differences between the different styles of coops.

RULES AND REGULATIONS

Before you begin to design or establish your coop it is best to check out any city ordinances that govern keeping poultry in your area.

There may be required licenses and or permits to build or house backyard structures such as coops and or runs.

There may also be regulations as to where you can build and or house these structures.

As you do not want to be fined or risk the chance of being prosecuted this is a very important process/step in owning and housing chickens.

This is the very first step to take once a person has decided they want to give owning poultry a go.

RULES OF THUMB

Coop must be built to any ordinance or regulatory requirement governing your area.
It must have at least 4-square foot per chicken in the coop.
The coop should be lifted at least 2 – 3 feet off the ground.
Make sure you use a good material for the run and coop.
Ensure roosting/laying boxes are at least 3 – 4 inches deep.
Make sure roosting polls are thick and sturdy enough for the birds.
Completely enclosed runs are safer for the chickens.
Both the run and coop should be properly ventilated and insulated.
There must always be a good patch of loose dirt or sand for a dust bath.
Use lining for the coop and run such as wood chips, shredded paper and loose straw.
Kit the coop out with the correct drinking, feeding and perching equipment.

QUICK OVERVIEW OF THE PROS AND CONS OF THE TRACTOR/PORTABLE COOP

Pros:

Can easily be moved around the garden
Birds get fresh areas to forage in their enclosed run
The grass is not destroyed in one patch of the garden
Less chance of the birds getting various diseases such as coccidiosis
Easier to clean

Cons:

Can only house a few birds at a time
Will only be able to have chickens that can take confinement well
Not predator safe
Not as stable as a permanent coop
Should only be used as a temporary housing solution
Has to be moved on a regular basis and as such can cause damage to the structure

TIPS ON DECIDING WHERE TO POSITION THE COOP

Have shelter from the wind and sun

Even a temporary coop will need some planning as wherever you place the temporary coop for a day or two must be sheltered from the elements.
Shade from the sun and shelter from the wind

Must not be in or near a water runoff

It is best to keep the structure away from any water run-offs on or near the property
As chickens tend to dig they do make sand and wet sand equals mud.
The wet and damp alone are causes of various disease in chickens especially those with feathered feet.
Mud is just as bad and can actually cause some clogging if the chicken’s vent gets caked in mud and the feathers surrounding it gets matted.

Must have enough air flow through the coop

It must be positioned where it is going to some nice ventilation through the coop as good air-flow in the coop is extremely important. Healthy chickens need good ventilation in their coops.
As they tend to give off a lot of moisture breathing.

THE 10 BEST TRACTOR COOP AND RUNS TO BUY

You can buy already made chicken tractor coops or ones that have some assembly required. Much like buying furniture in a box from Ikea.

PawHut 96” Wheeled Tractor Hen House with Run

Brand: PawHut
Price: From $299.00
Please note: This is just an estimated/guideline price and or price that the product was from our reviewed stockiest at the time of publication of this article.
Prices may vary from stockiest of the product. We cannot guarantee the price as it is not our product to sell.
Please check with the recommended stockiest of the product for price, availability and shipping costs and or if they deliver to the required area.
Dimensions: L = 97.75”
W = 38.5”
H = 46.25”
Weight: 96.4 lbs.
Chickens: Up to 4 standard sized chickens
Assembly: Needs assembly
Moderate to easy to assemble
Maintenance: Easy to maintain and keep clean
Movability: Has wheels
Not too difficult to move and can be done by one person
Check product for moving handle(s) there have been some reports of the product not being delivered with it.
Materials: Wooden frames and hut
Heavy duty galvanized wire
Wooden, China Fir frames and hut
Wood is fully treated and grooved.
Wood is water based preservative coated
Heavy duty galvanized wire
Color(s): Medium/light wood color
Design: Good sized, large run
One coop house/living quarters
2 section nesting box area
The coop is well raised leaving ample space for the chickens to huddle beneath it.
Description: This lovely stylish hen house is big enough to house up to 4 standard sized chickens.
It comes with two sturdy wheels at the base of the one side of the structure to easily move the coop and run to new patches of the lawn to ensure your chickens are getting a good variety and fresh foraging ground.
The chicken coop I multilevel giving them more space to move inside.
It has easy access to removable trays for easy cleaning.
Extra storage bin for more space attached to the back of the coop.
The coop is raised off the ground and accessible to the chickens by a ramp that leads in from a large closed off run.
The run is completely enclosed by a heavy-duty galvanized wire to help prevent predators for working their way in.
The coop has latched doors and window for easy access to different parts of the coop for maintenance and access to the chickens.
The wood is made to encourage good ventilation in the coop whilst still keeping it warm and protected from the elements.
Stocked at: Amazon, Walmart, Rakuten/Aosom
Review: This is one of the most functional and stylish tractor hen houses that comes with a nice sized run.
I have linked the main heading to Amazon as if they do not have stock they do have a list of sellers where a person can purchase the tractor from.
Pawhut is a brand that can be found on Amazon, at Walmart, Aosom.com amongst a few.
They have some really great portable chicken coops that you can order online or instore at places like Walmart.
They are not badly priced, and they get some great reviews. Their coop/run designs are basically built to compliment your garden, easy to move and maintain.

A & L Furniture Henny Penny Super Coop with Yard Kit

Brand: A & L Furniture
Price: From $3284
Please note: This is just an estimated/guideline price and or price that the product was from our reviewed stockiest at the time of publication of this article.
Prices may vary from stockiest of the product. We cannot guarantee the price as it is not our product to sell.
Please check with the recommended stockiest of the product for price, availability and shipping costs and or if they deliver to the required area.
Dimensions: L = 10 ft.
W = 4 ft.
H = 7 ft.
Weight: 725 lbs.
Chickens: Up to 15 standard sized chickens
Assembly: No assembly is required
Maintenance: Easy to maintain and keep clean
Movability: Has wheels Comes fully assembled with the yard kit
Not too difficult to move around the garden
Materials: Amish hand selected Cedarwood
Made with termite resistant LP Smartside
Made with fungal decay treated wood.
All wood products are treated with SmartGuard
Comes with a 40-year-life-black-shingles
Heavy duty galvanized wire
Color(s): 9 Color assortments with swatches available upon request.
Black, Charcoal Brown, Dawn Grey, Lancaster Green, Stauffer Red, Stoltzfus Beige, Wedgewood blue, Unfinished and white.
The trim of the house can also be selected if you want to mix and match the 9 colors of the structure.
They come in the same colors as above.
Design: Good sized, large run
The coop is elevated to create some shade for the run
It has 5 x nesting boxes that are easy to clean and access
Has a clean out tray
The coop has 3 x vertical slider windows that are 14 x 22 inches
One coop house/living quarters
Ramp up to the coop from the run
Has built-in chicken coop door to secure the areas
Has ample roosting space
Has ample space for waterers and feeders
Description: A sturdy well thought out tractor hen house.
As it comes fully assembled the house is basically ready for the hens to move in
It has easy access to areas in the hen house for collecting eggs, cleaning and checking in on the flock
The wire mesh that surrounds the coop and run make it safe for the chickens
Stocked at: Hayneedle
Review: This product is a bit pricey but if you are looking for a more permanent type tractor/portable coop and run. This is one of the best products on the market.
It is sturdy and built to last, made in the USA but dedicated designers.
Wheels can be taken off to make it into a more permanent coop should it be required.
I think in the long run this product is a really good buy!

Eglu Go Up Chicken Coop

Brand: Eglu
Price: From $379.00
Please note: This is just an estimated/guideline price and or price that the product was from our reviewed stockiest at the time of publication of this article.
Prices may vary from stockiest of the product. We cannot guarantee the price as it is not our product to sell.
Please check with the recommended stockiest of the product for price, availability and shipping costs and or if they deliver to the required area.
Dimensions: L = 85.83”
W = 56.7”
H = 44.49”
Weight: About 80 lbs. all together
Chickens: Up to 4 standard sized chickens
Assembly: Easy to assemble
Maintenance: Easy to maintain and keep clean
Movability: Has optional extra-wheels that attach to the frame
It is easy to move and secures safely and easily into position with the foot lift.
Materials: The house is made from UV Stabilized Plastic that is 100% recyclable
The run is covered with Welded Steel Mesh that is fully coated
The run comes with an anti-tunnel skirt that is flat on the ground. This feature is unique to the Eglu and prevents animals from trying to tunnel into the run.
The run also comes with an optional 1m extension to make the run a little bigger giving the chickens more room to roam about.
Color(s): 2 Color Pink/Purple and Green
Design: Good sized, large run
The coop is elevated to create some shade for the run
It has integrated nesting boxes that are easily accessible back slide out doo for collecting the eggs.
Plastic roosting bars make roosting comfortable for the chickens
Has a clean out tray that is located beneath the nesting boxes and roosting poles. This is easy to slide out and clean.
The roosting poles themselves can be taken out for a good clean.
Most of the house is easily accessible to give a thorough clean too.
The house is quick to clean, easy to disinfect and dries really quickly in the sun to ensure some pests do not get left behind.
The Eglu comes with free feeder and drinker. These fit the sides of the run. They are weatherproof and keep the feed dry.
They also come with a free all-weather shade that fits over the top of the run to ensure the chickens stay cool and protected from wind and rain in the run.
Description: A sturdy well thought out tractor hen house that can be converted into a permanent housing arrangement if you are not wanting a big flock.
Ease of access for collecting eggs and cleaning.
The house is designed for sufficient ventilation and insulation making it perfect all year round for the chickens.
The solid wire mesh around the coop has the option of an added 1 meter.
Stocked at: Omelet US
Review: For the first-time chicken coop owner I think this is one of the best buys on the market.
It makes cleaning the coop really simple giving a good learning curb.
Even collecting eggs is easy with this coop. It is also quite hardy and environmentally friendly as it is made from recyclable plastics.
Omelet has a lot of truly innovative added extra’s like great swings, waterers, covers, etc. that just clip and snap onto the structure.
The wheels on this structure are really very sturdy and the stand clips into place securing it to the ground once in position.
I love the anti-predator surround of this design too.
Another added bonus is for those wanting to teach their kids how to manage, maintain and look after chickens. This coop is a really great starting point to teach them on.
It is also quite sanitary and will not attract as many pests as wood tends to.

 

Red 120L Rite Farm Products Lifetime Series Chicken Tractor Mobile Coop and Run

Brand: Little Cottage
Price: From $324.99
Please note: This is just an estimated/guideline price and or price that the product was from our reviewed stockiest at the time of publication of this article.
Prices may vary from stockiest of the product. We cannot guarantee the price as it is not our product to sell.
Please check with the recommended stockiest of the product for price, availability and shipping costs and or if they deliver to the required area.
Dimensions: L = 104”
W = 42”
H = 45.5”
Weight: About 46 lbs. all together
Chickens: Up to 4 to 5 standard sized chickens/up to 7 Bantams
Assembly: Requires assembly and not very easy to assemble it will take some time
Maintenance: Moderately easy to clean and maintain.
Movability: Comes with wheels
Moderately easy to move
Materials: Coop is made from anodized aluminum frames
Polycarbonate panels which makes the house very durable with low upkeep costs on the material.
The run is made from well-spaced powder coated aluminum welded wire mesh
Latches and barrel locks for the run and coop door.
Color(s): Red
Design: Good sized, large run
The coop is elevated to create some shade for the run
It has 1 integrated nesting boxes that are easily accessible for collecting eggs
Roosting perches and cleaning trays making cleaning simple
There is a wooden ladder for the hens to access the coop from the run
It has more than adequate ventilation in the coop
The coop is also well insulated
Has a large roosting perch for the chickens
Description: This is a good coop that is built to last.
The coop can be a permanent fixture or can be used as a tractor with the wheels.
It is having ample space for up to 5 standard sized chickens and a decent sized run.
It has a good level of security for the chickens.
Stocked at: Coopsnmore and Amazon
Review: This is a great simple design
Made from good solid material built to last
It can be used as a permanent coop if you are looking to keep a smaller flock.
Easy training coop for teaching children how to take care of chickens
It is compact with an option to extend the run if need be as the only thing I do not like is the run is all beneath the house.
I would definitely get an extension for the run if garden space permitted.

Little Cottage Gambrel Barn Run Chicken Coop

Brand: Little Cottage Co.
Price: From $1677.09
Please note: This is just an estimated/guideline price and or price that the product was from our reviewed stockiest at the time of publication of this article.
Prices may vary from stockiest of the product. We cannot guarantee the price as it is not our product to sell.
Please check with the recommended stockiest of the product for price, availability and shipping costs and or if they deliver to the required area.
Dimensions: L = 48”
W = 48”
Chickens: Up to 10 standard sized chickens
Assembly: Local deliveries within the USA are pre-assembled with some assembly required.
Worldwide shipping they will need full assembly
Maintenance: Easy to clean and maintain with removable nesting bin and trays
The product does not come painted only primed
Movability: Comes with wheels
Moderately easy to move
Materials: Coop is made with solid plywood
Color(s): Red
Design: Medium to small sized run
Run leads into two story inside which houses nesting boxing and roosting rails.
Human-sized coop door for easy access to the coop
Extra storage capacity at the rear of the coop and easy access to the nesting boxes to collect eggs.
The coop is also well insulated
Has a large roosting perch for the chickens
Description: This is a good coop that is built to last.
The coop can be a permanent fixture or can be used as a tractor with the wheels.
It is having ample space for 8 to 10 standard sized chickens
Medium to small sized run with not adequate shading
It has a good level of security for the chickens.
Good ventilation with its large cottage windows on either side of the coop that latches.
Decent sized durable wheels that are housed beneath the coop with the anchor latch that goes into the ground to steady the coop.
Stocked at: Coopsnmore and Amazon
Review: This is the cutest design of chicken houses. For those who watched cartoons, this little tractor/mobile coop is the poster for all chickens’ coops.
A teeny little barn style complete with the barn windows.
I would not be too happy with the run size though as it can house quite a few chickens in the coop. To me, the run could use a bit more length and some cover.
Otherwise, I do love this very cute sturdy coop.
 

Little Cottage Berlin Chicken Coop

Brand: Little Cottage
Price: From $853.90
Please note: This is just an estimated/guideline price and or price that the product was from our reviewed stockiest at the time of publication of this article.
Prices may vary from stockiest of the product. We cannot guarantee the price as it is not our product to sell.
Please check with the recommended stockiest of the product for price, availability and shipping costs and or if they deliver to the required area.
Dimensions: L = 84”
W = 33”
H = 41”
Chickens: Up to 4 standard sized chickens
Assembly: Requires assembly and is not very hard to assemble
Maintenance: Has innovative features like slide out trays, removable roosting, poles, nesting boxes, etc. for easy cleaning and care.
Movability: Comes with wheels
Moderately easy to move
Materials: Coop is made from durable Plywood
The coop does not come painted
Galvanized wire mesh for the run
Color(s): Unfinished
Design: Good sized, medium run
The coop is elevated, and the run is roofed for maximum shade and protection from the rain and wind
Two large doors make accessing both the coop and run easy
An extra space/bin at the back of the coop allows for more room or storage
It comes with nesting boxing and cleaning trays for ease of cleaning
Roosting perches for the chickens to have a sleep on
There is a wooden ladder for the hens to access the coop from the run
It has more than adequate ventilation in the coop
The coop is also well insulated
Description: Another quaint country cottage looks and feels coop for the Little Cottage Company.
This coop is well designed, easy to move around the garden and has easy access to both the run and coop.
Another really great idea for a coop for the first-time chicken owner and to teach kids with.
I like the idea that you can also paint it whatever color you desire to fit in with your own color scheme.
Stocked at: Hayneedle and Little Cottage Co.
Review: This is a great simple design
Made from good solid material built to last
It can be used as a permanent coop if you are looking to keep a smaller flock.
Easy training coop for teaching children how to take care of chickens
It is compact with a decent sized run I really recommend this coop, especially for the first-time chicken owners.

PawHut 76” Wooden Portable Chicken Coop and Run with a slanted roof and wheels

Brand: PawHut
Price: From $189.99
Please note: This is just an estimated/guideline price and or price that the product was from our reviewed stockiest at the time of publication of this article.
Prices may vary from stockiest of the product. We cannot guarantee the price as it is not our product to sell.
Please check with the recommended stockiest of the product for price, availability and shipping costs and or if they deliver to the required area.
Dimensions: L = 76”
W = 27.75”
H = 44”
Weight: About 75 lbs.
Chickens: Up to 3 standard sized chickens
Assembly: Easy to assemble
Maintenance: Needs to be treated with care as it can be a bit flimsy in places
Overall it is relatively easy to keep clean and maintain
Movability: Comes with wheels and is easy enough to move around the garden
Materials: Made from Wood (undisclosed kind)
The roof is weather resistant. Green Asphalt composite materials used for it
Wire mesh for the run is premium galvanized wire
Color(s): 1 standard color of Green and white (mix)
Design: A small to medium sized run
The coop is elevated It does provide some shelter beneath it with the back and one side of the run enclosed by wood panels.
It has integrated 2-part nesting boxes that are easily accessible through a lockable flip open door.
The lockable window for ample air circulation and light.
Chicken has a cute ramp that leads them up into the raised coop house.
Pull out tray for easy cleaning.
Lockable coop and run sliding door
Cute picket fence finishes for decoration.
Description: This little coop is easy to clean and will house up to 3 standard sized chicken.
It has a cute little half-A-frame picket fence house design.
Its durable wheels and lock down make it a sweet little run
Stocked at: Amazon
Review: This is the cutest looking little coop with its white picket fence look.
Although they say it can take up to 3 standard sized hens I would not put more than 2 in here. Unless you have bantams for them I think you could easily house up to 4. Well, except for Silkies as they are a little bigger than the average Bantam.
The coop itself is a bit flimsy and has had some complaints about that but otherwise, it is quite sound.
A great coop for a smaller backyard and the first-time chicken owner that only wants a few chickens.
Even better for Bantams!

Little Cottage Atlanta Chicken Coop

Brand: Little Cottage Co.
Price: From $709.99
Please note: This is just an estimated/guideline price and or price that the product was from our reviewed stockiest at the time of publication of this article.
Prices may vary from stockiest of the product. We cannot guarantee the price as it is not our product to sell.
Please check with the recommended stockiest of the product for price, availability and shipping costs and or if they deliver to the required area.
Dimensions: L = 84”
W = 33”
H = 41”
Chickens: Up to 4 standard sized chickens
Assembly: Assembly required but it is relatively easy to assemble
Maintenance: Easy to maintain with pull out trays and easy access egg bins to collect eggs.
Movability: Has standard handle and durable wheels for easy movability
Materials: Plywood
Galvanized wire mesh around the run
The wood is unfinished and needs to be painted
Color(s): Unfinished so a person can paint it whatever color they desire
Design: This coop has a medium to large run
A wooden ramp takes the chickens into the coop
Has nesting boxes
Easy access pull-out cleaning tray for the floor of the coop
Two decent sized lockable coop doors for easy access into the coop and run.
The coop and run are covered with a durable plywood roof for shade from the sun and protection from wind and rain.
Plenty of ventilation is afforded the run by the lockable window.
Description: A stylish compact hen house to suit the needs of the first-time chicken owner or as an isolation coop for newcomers to the flock.
It is easy to move around the garden and will blend into any environment.
Stocked at: Hayneedle or Little Cottage Co.
Review: I do love this coop and to be honest it is the one I want to get as my nursey coop.
As it is completely covered by a roof including the run it affords the birds a lot of protection. This is great for pullets that are being moved out from their brood box into the real world.
I also like that it also affords them a good amount of protection and is small enough to move back into a place like a shed for the night for that extra bit of protection before they are ready to go into the everyday coop.
It is just a very practical and durable design that I really love.

The Spring Fling Mobile Chicken Coop

Brand: Rugged Ranch
Price: From $500.00
Please note: This is just an estimated/guideline price and or price that the product was from our reviewed stockiest at the time of publication of this article.
Prices may vary from stockiest of the product. We cannot guarantee the price as it is not our product to sell.
Please check with the recommended stockiest of the product for price, availability and shipping costs and or if they deliver to the required area.
Dimensions: L = 8’
W = 3.5’
H = 3.5’
Weight: About 145 lbs.
Chickens: Up to 9 standard sized chickens
Assembly: Easy to assemble but it may need two people
Maintenance: It is very easy to maintain as you can move the coop on the very durable wheels.
Hose down the grass in the area the coop stood while the chicken happily grazes in a new area of the lawn.
The wooden nesting boxes are easily accessible through the front or rear of the boxes and they are raised quite high off the ground.
Movability: Comes with wheels and is easy enough to move around the garden
It may be a little heavy though
Materials: The 3 hold nesting box is made from wood and has ample space for the chickens to huddle in.
The run is a welded wire frame for protecting the flock
Wooden ramp up to the coop for chickens’ easy access
Color(s): 1 standard color Black for the run and wood for the coop
Design: The coop has ample run space and could quite easily act as a penned run
It is easy to move around the garden
Its three-hole nested coop has everything in it to maintain the chickens, keep them well ventilated and insulated.
With back and front easy access to the coop to clean and collect the eggs.
The run is large enough for an adult to enter crouched.
The welded wire frame and completely covered run with its triggered latches give the chickens good security.
The coop is elevated It does provide some shelter beneath it with the back and one side of the run enclosed by wood panels.
It has integrated 2-part nesting boxes that are easily accessible through a lockable flip open door.
Description: Clean, airy, large run that could be adjusted to just about any sized garden.
Good starter coop for the new chicken flock owner that would like to have a few more than 2 to 4 chickens.
Stocked at: Rugged Ranch and Rugged Ranch
Review: I like the clean simple lines of this coop.
There is not a lot of maintenance as it is basic
I would recommend for those that do not have a lot of time to spend on maintaining the coop.
Want to free-range a flock that has more than 4 chicken in a penned-range type of environment.

PawHut Outdoor Triangular Guinea Pig House with a run

Brand: PawHut
Price: From $69.39
Please note: This is just an estimated/guideline price and or price that the product was from our reviewed stockiest at the time of publication of this article.
Prices may vary from stockiest of the product. We cannot guarantee the price as it is not our product to sell.
Please check with the recommended stockiest of the product for price, availability and shipping costs and or if they deliver to the required area.
Dimensions: L = 45.5”
W = 24.25”
H = 20.75”
Weight: About 19 lbs.
Chickens: Up to 2 standard sized chickens
Assembly: Easy to assemble
Maintenance: Durable and light, easy to maintain
Movability: Very light so even though it does not come with wheels it is easy to pick up and move.
There are garden kits that will attach to any coop if you want to put wheels on it
Materials: Made from Wood which is a non-toxic fir
Galvanized wire mesh
Color(s): Unfinished
Design: A small A-framed run
The coop is not elevated it rests on the floor
Easy open side panels to give access to inside the hut
lockable coop entrance to keep the chickens safe.
Description: This little coop is easy to clean to move, maintain and access.
It is durable and provides adequate safety, ventilation and comfort for a very small flock
Stocked at: Amazon
Review: This is the cutest looking little coop with its white picket fence look.
Although they say it can take up to 3 standard sized hens I would not put more than 2 in here. Unless you have bantams for them I think you could easily house up to 4. Well, except for Silkies as they are a little bigger than the average Bantam.
The coop itself is a bit flimsy and has had some complaints about that but otherwise, it is quite sound.
A great coop for a smaller backyard and the first-time chicken owner that only wants a few chickens.
Even better for Bantams!

END OF PART 2

This is the end of Part 2 of our Housing chickens’ series.
In Part 3 of our Housing Chickens series, we look at 45 Free DIY Coop Plans, tutorials and designs