If you’re considering keeping chickens year-round while maintaining mobility and sustainability, a well-designed mobile chicken coop is a game-changer. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of building a mobile, solar-powered chicken coop that provides ample space, protection, and comfort for your flock. Our journey started with a simple desire for fresh eggs and evolved into an innovative, self-sufficient chicken haven.
Why This Plan Works
- Mobility: Designed with trailer axles, making it easy to relocate.
- Year-Round Comfort: Insulated walls and solar-powered automation provide a stable environment.
- Spacious Design: 72 square feet of space, allowing room for up to 12 hens.
- Easy Maintenance: Large access doors simplify cleaning and egg collection.
- Predator Protection: Secure hardware cloth and an automated door enhance safety.
- Sustainable Energy: Powered by a 100W solar panel with a battery backup.
What You Will Need
- Lumber: 2x4s and 2x3s for framing
- Fasteners: Screws and bolts
- Insulation: 1.5” thick foam board
- Roofing: Metal barn sheets or shingles
- Axle and Wheels: To enable mobility
- Windows: 24” x 36” for ventilation
- Solar Panel Kit: 100W panel, charge controller, and battery
- Electronics: Automated door, temperature-regulated ventilation system
- Miscellaneous: Paint, hinges, latches, and hardware cloth
How to Build a Mobile Chicken Coop
Step 1: Constructing the Floor Frame
Begin by assembling the base frame using a 12’ x 6’ platform. Use 2x4s spaced at 24” centers and reinforce with 2x3s at 12” intervals for additional support. Attach the frame to a trailer axle, ensuring even weight distribution for mobility. Cover the floor with a sturdy particle board subfloor.
Step 2: Framing and Attaching the Walls
Cut and assemble four walls, each standing 44” high to allow full sheets of overlay from the base to the roof. Secure the walls with screws and ensure the corners are reinforced with 4×4 supports. Pre-cut openings for windows and doors to optimize airflow and accessibility.
Step 3: Installing Windows and Doors
Insert two 24” x 36” windows on opposite walls for cross-ventilation. Construct two 4’ x 4’ access doors, ensuring one serves as the main entrance while the other remains secured with barrel bolts for periodic deep cleaning.
Step 4: Building and Attaching the Roof
Craft rafters using 2x4s and space them 24” apart. Attach plywood decking before securing the metal roofing sheets. Consider extending a 12” overhang for added protection against the elements. Cover the roof with tar paper, add aluminum drip edges, and install the final metal roofing layer.
Step 5: Adding Nest Boxes and Roosting Bars
Design two external nesting boxes, each large enough to accommodate three hens simultaneously. Line the interior with pink insulation board for temperature regulation. Attach roosting bars inside, including a traditional tiered roost at the back and additional viewing perches near the windows.
Step 6: Installing Insulation and Interior Walls
Cut and fit 1.5” thick insulation boards within the walls and floor to maintain warmth. Cover the interior with durable siding or plywood, securing them with screws to protect the insulation.
Step 7: Attaching the Automated Chicken Door
Outline and cut an opening for the automated pop door on the back wall. Install a Pullet-Shut door, connecting it to the solar-powered system for automatic opening and closing.
Step 8: Setting Up Solar Power System
Install a 100W solar panel on the coop’s roof and connect it to a charge controller leading to a 35Ah battery. Use a distribution module board to efficiently route power to the automated door, ventilation system, and lighting timer.
Step 9: Adding Ventilation and Fans
Attach temperature-controlled ventilation fans to the coop walls. Secure ½-inch hardware cloth over all window openings to keep out predators while maintaining airflow.
Step 10: Painting and Weatherproofing
Coat the exterior with barn red paint and white trim for a classic aesthetic and added durability. Seal gaps and joints with waterproof caulk to protect against moisture.
Step 11: Installing a Water Collection System
Mount gutters along the roof to collect rainwater into storage barrels. Attach poultry nipple drinkers to ensure a steady water supply for the flock.
Step 12: Finalizing Interior Setup and Bedding
Lay down 4” of wood shavings on the floor using the deep litter method for easy maintenance. Position water and feed dispensers inside, adjusting as needed to prevent spillage.
Step 13: Testing Mobility and Adjustments
Test the mobility of the coop on different terrains. If movement is difficult, consider upgrading to larger wheels or a second trailer axle for better maneuverability.
Note: When planning your solar setup, always calculate power requirements and opt for a battery with at least double the estimated capacity.
Tips and Tricks
- Predator Protection: Cover all window openings with ½-inch hardware cloth to keep out raccoons and weasels.
- Easy Mobility: If using on grass, consider installing larger wheels or adding a second trailer axle for smoother movement.
- Weatherproofing: Use barn red exterior paint with white trim for durability and a classic farm aesthetic.
- Automated Doors: Investing in a “Pullet-Shut” auto-door is worth the cost, providing convenience and added security.
- Deep Litter Method: Maintain 4” of wood shavings on the floor for cleanliness and easy waste management.
Summary
A solar-powered mobile chicken coop is a practical and sustainable solution for backyard poultry enthusiasts. With mobility, insulation, and automation, this design ensures your flock stays safe and comfortable year-round. By following this guide, you can build a coop that is both functional and energy-efficient, making chicken-keeping easier than ever.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced homesteader, investing in a well-planned mobile chicken coop will benefit both you and your feathered friends.
This plan is a contribution by [gwrulz]
Joseph Hudson has been raising chickens for over 15 years. In 2018, he completed the Agriculture & Natural Resources program at Mt. San Antonio College. He currently raises over 1400 chickens on his 7.5-hectare farm. He keeps sharing his experience on raising healthy and happy chickens on Chicken Scratch The Foundry.
