I built John Suscovich’s chicken tractor for backyard use. I currently move it daily for my flock of six layers. Here is my review for the build, daily use, and additions.

Building- I followed his directions, cut list, and tool recommendations. The door was a bit of challenge. I used hardware cloth, some old door hinges, and screwed/glued it together with some corner braces from some scrap I had. Not a ton of specifics on the door in the directions. Excellent structure overall. Advice- buy an xtra piece of conduit if you have never used a bender. I bent my first one all up wrong, then did great on the other four. It may save a trip to the Depot.

Daily Use- it’s very practical. The small wheels are important. They make a daily move onto fresh grass- around 10ft very easy. I used some old lawnmower wheels, one has broken and needs to be replaced, and it’s a drag without it. The tractor overall comes as advertised. Lightweight, durable, and secure. The electric fence was a new experience for me, but no issues with predators thus far. I use the electric fence wire 2x high instead of the recommended one as it helps me sleep better. I’m in the Midwest and it’s been great in summer thus far, but I will continue using a permanent coop/run for the winter months. Egg quality is A and my birds peck each other less with new grass to pick daily. The lawn seems to like it too.

Additions- John’s design is set-up for 30 meat chickens. I put in two 2x4 roosts across the middle and did 5 gallon buckets as laying boxes.

Overall- You’ll need some home improvement skills to build the structure, but it’s not impossible. It’s very practical and can easily be converted for layers.