Moving a heavy chicken coop might seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and some careful planning, it can be done smoothly and efficiently. In this blog post, I’ll walk you through how we successfully moved our 900-pound chicken coop using a tractor. Plus, I’ll share some helpful tips to make sure your move goes off without a hitch.

Why Move a Chicken Coop?

There are many reasons you might need to move a chicken coop—whether it’s to provide the chickens with fresh grazing ground, make room for another structure on your property, or protect the coop from wear and tear. In our case, we wanted to relocate the coop to a more suitable location and elevate it off the ground to prevent rot and discourage pests from invading.

Step 1: Prepare the Coop for the Move

Before starting the move, it’s essential to make sure the coop is ready to be relocated. Here are some important preparation steps:

1. Empty the Coop: Remove all bedding, food, waterers, and any chickens still inside the coop. You don’t want anything shifting around inside while you're moving it.

2. Secure the Doors: Use bungee cords or straps to secure all the doors, windows, and any other openings on the coop. This prevents them from swinging open during the move and damaging the coop or tractor.

3. Check the Coop’s Structure: Ensure the coop is sturdy enough to be lifted without falling apart. If needed, reinforce any weak spots with screws or brackets.

Step 2: Use a Tractor with Forks

For this move, we used our tractor equipped with forks. If you have a tractor with a bucket, you may need to use chains to lift the coop, but forks allow you to slide under the coop and lift it more securely.

• Position the Forks: Approach the coop slowly, making sure the forks slide directly under the base of the coop. You want to get as centered as possible to prevent tipping or instability.

• Lift Carefully: Once the forks are positioned, lift the coop slowly and evenly. Keep it as low to the ground as possible to maintain stability.

Step 3: Secure the Coop to the Tractor

With the coop lifted, we ratchet-strapped it to the tractor for extra security. This step is crucial because it prevents the coop from shifting or sliding during transport, which could lead to damage or accidents. Make sure the straps are tight and secure before moving the tractor.

Step 4: Prepare and Place the Footers

Since we were relocating the coop to a new location, we prepped the ground by setting footers in place. Here’s why this step is so important:

• Why Footers Are Important: Footers keep your coop off the ground, which helps prevent the wood from rotting and deters pests like rats and snakes from burrowing underneath. We used 6x6 pressure-treated posts for the footers, which are strong and durable enough to support the weight of the coop.

• Level the Footers: The footers must be perfectly level to ensure the coop sits evenly. We spent some time leveling the posts and adjusting them to the proper height.

Step 5: Align the Coop with the Footers

This was probably the trickiest part of the entire process! With the coop securely strapped to the tractor, we carefully aligned it with the footers. It took a few adjustments to get it just right, but once it was in place, we gently lowered the coop onto the footers.

Pro Tip: Have someone on the ground guide you as you align the coop. A second set of eyes can help make the process quicker and more precise.

Step 6: Create a New Chicken Run

Once the coop was in place, we added a covered shelter to the front to create an open chicken run. This gives the chickens more space to roam around safely, while still providing protection from predators and the elements.

We filled the gap between the coop and the shelter with a wood frame and wire mesh to keep the chickens contained while allowing fresh air to flow through.

Step 7: Welcome the Chickens Home

With everything set up, it was time to move the chickens into their new home. They seem to be enjoying their new space, and we feel good knowing their coop is now better protected from the elements and pests.

Conclusion

Moving a large chicken coop might seem like a big project, but with the right tools and a bit of planning, it can be done safely and efficiently. Elevating the coop off the ground using pressure-treated footers will help extend its lifespan and keep it in good condition for years to come.

If you’re considering moving your chicken coop, we hope this guide has given you the confidence and the know-how to get it done right. For more tips and homesteading advice, be sure to check out our other blog posts, and don’t forget to watch the video of this move on our YouTube channel.

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