No More Hand Cleaning: Learn How Self-Cleaning Mobile Chicken Coop Works!

Imagine a chicken coop that practically cleans itself! Well, I am talking about self-cleaning mobile chicken coops. These innovative coops offer a healthier environment for your birds, reduce maintenance, and even fertilize your lawn naturally.

Building a self-cleaning mobile chicken coop is a straightforward process. Start with a sturdy frame on wheels, then add an automated cleaning system like a conveyor belt or rake. Insulate the coop for temperature regulation and install nesting boxes, roosting bars, and a predator-proof enclosure. Don’t forget ventilation, an egg collection system!

There are more benefits of self-cleaning coop! So, why don’t you just get your reasons to add your chickens into the self-cleaning poultry coop? Let’s get it done!

Benefits to Note: Why Keeping Self-Cleaning Mobile Chicken Coop?

Self-cleaning mobile chicken coops are the latest innovation for backyard flock owners, offering a ton of benefits for you and your feathered friends. Here’s why you’ll want to consider this coop revolution.

• Less Cleaning, More Time for Fun: Spend less time scooping and more time enjoying delicious, homegrown eggs. These coops are designed to minimize waste build-up, making cleaning a breeze.
• Healthy Hens: Clean coops mean healthier chickens. A mobile coop lets you move your flock to fresh patches of grass, providing them with a constant supply of bugs and keeping the coop environment hygienic.
• Natural Fertilizer: As your chickens move, their droppings act as a natural fertilizer, enriching your soil wherever the coop goes.
• Portable Fresh Eggs: Want fresh eggs from different parts of your yard? Simply move your mobile coop around! It gives your chickens a varied diet and keeps your yard free of parasites.

How to Choose A Self-Cleaning Mobile Chicken Coop?

Self-cleaning mobile chicken coops have become popular among backyard chicken owners. It’s kind of like a chicken tractor coop that is movable and works on its own. Want to keep for your chickens? Here’s a guideline –

Here are a few things to consider when choosing a self-cleaning mobile chicken coop.

Considering the Size

The first thing you need to consider is the size of the coop. You will need to choose a coop that is large enough to accommodate the number of chickens you plan to keep. A good rule of thumb is to allow 4 square feet of space per chicken.

Must-Have Features 

Self-cleaning mobile chicken coops come with a variety of features, such as automatic waste removal systems, nesting boxes, and roosts. Decide which features are important to you and choose a coop that has them.

Sturdy Materials

Mobile chicken coops are typically made from wood, metal, or plastic. Wood is a good choice for a coop that will be used in a shady area, while metal is more durable and will withstand the elements better. Plastic is a lightweight option that is easy to move, but it may not be as durable as wood or metal.

Price Matters!

Self-cleaning mobile chicken coops can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. The price will depend on the size, features, and materials of the coop.

Here are some additional tips for choosing a self-cleaning mobile chicken coop:

• Read reviews before you buy. There are many websites where you can read reviews of self-cleaning mobile chicken coops.
• Consider your budget. Self-cleaning mobile chicken coops can be expensive, so it is important to set a budget before you start shopping.
• Make sure the coop is easy to move. You will need to be able to move the coop around your yard to provide your chickens with fresh grass and to prevent parasites from building up in the soil.
• Make sure the coop is predator-proof. Your coop will need to be secure enough to protect your chickens from predators such as foxes, raccoons, and hawks.

4 Guides to Make DIY Self-Cleaning Mobile Chicken Coop!

You know, one of the biggest pains of keeping backyard chickens is having to constantly clean out that coop. It’s just such a dirty, smelly, time-consuming job. So, it’s better to move for a self-cleaning mobile chicken coop! But how to make it? Let’s share the guidelines!

1. The Cleaning System

The heart of self-cleaning coop is definitely the automated cleaning system.

I built a sloped floor frame out of sturdy 2x4s, with a heavy-duty conveyor belt running the length on top. This belt is powered by a small motor and pulley system I salvaged from an old treadmill.

I have the motor wired to a simple digital timer that kicks it on 2-3 times per day. When it runs, the conveyor slowly drags all the chicken poop and soiled pine shavings from front to back. It all falls neatly into a large removable bin I constructed at the rear.

To contain things, I built short side walls along the conveyor using plywood and hinged a long plexiglass top over it. This creates an enclosed trough that keeps the shavings and poop contained until it exits the coop.

2. Mobility and Frame

Equally important is the mobility aspect. The entire coop is built on a strong raised base made from pressure-treated 4×4 beams. Onto this, I mounted two beefy wheelchair wheels on each side, sourced from an old hospital bed frame.

This wheeled base not only makes it easy to relocate the coop regularly. But it also elevates the whole cleaning system off the ground for smooth operation. The coop walls are framed with standard 2×4 studs, then sheathed in plywood and waterproof siding.

3. Coop Amenities

Of course, you need proper amenities for happy, healthy hens. I constructed a roosting/perching area along one wall using a recycled woodworking bench as the base. Lined with plywood, it has two levels of roosting bars made from thick hardwood dowels.

The nesting boxes occupy the other side wall, made from repurposed crates. They have a hinged roof for easy egg collection and cleaning access. Vents along the roof ridge and sides provide plenty of airflow.

I even built a normal-sized Dutch door using an old cabinet door. This gives me easy entry. Plus, the hens could come and go from the completely enclosed secured run area I constructed using cattle panels and hardware cloth.

4. Power and Setup

To run the cleaning system and coop accessories, I tapped into an exterior outlet on my barn and rigged up an extension cord setup. I have a small solar panel I move around to keep a motorcycle battery charged as backup power.

For extreme winter conditions, I can wrap the coop in thick insulation wrap. For predator protection, the whole run area is covered in tightly secured poultry fencing.

Setting this whole system up took a few weekends of decent work, plus lots of tweaking over time. But let me tell you, not having to constantly muck out those disgusting, smelly deep litter trays has been worth every bit of effort!

See the video to get some extra help to have a self-cleaning coop for chickens.

FAQs

Looking for more information about self-cleaning chicken coops? Check the Q&A section!

Q. Are there any drawbacks to self-cleaning mobile coops?

They can be more expensive than traditional coops, may require more initial setup effort, and fully automated models might be complex for some users.

Q. Can I move the self-cleaning mobile coop frequently?

Yes, mobility is a key feature. Ensure the base is sturdy and has brakes for safety on slopes.

Q. What is the typical price range for self-cleaning mobile chicken coops?

Prices can vary greatly depending on size, features, and materials. Basic models start around $500. While feature-rich or pre-built automated options can reach several thousand dollars.

Bottom Line

Switching to a self-cleaning mobile chicken coop can transform your chicken-keeping experience. It saves time, keeps your chickens healthier, and improves your lawn. With this new type of coop, you do less work and have more fun with your chickens.

Ready to upgrade? Learn your options or try building one yourself. Your chickens will enjoy a cleaner space, and you’ll love the convenience. Let’s make farming or raising chicken much easier!