MaxxHaul 70225 Trailer Dolly with 12" Pneumatic Tires - 600 Lb. Maximum Capacity
- Effortless Trailer Maneuvering: Swiftly move trailers including boats, utility, and jet-ski trailers with.
- Smooth Pneumatic Tires: Equipped with 12-inch pneumatic tires, this dolly effortlessly glides over various.
- Built to Last: Constructed from heavy duty steel, this trailer dolly is designed for long-lasting.
- Resilient Powder Coat Finish: The durable powder coat finish not only enhances the dolly's appearance but.
A chicken coop that needs to be moved can present a significant challenge, from small portable structures to large, heavy buildings. Successfully moving it requires preparation, the right tools, and a clear understanding of the process. This guide provides practical steps for relocating your chicken coop and ensuring your flock adjusts well to its new environment.
Why Move Your Chicken Coop?
Chicken keepers move coops for several reasons. You might need to rotate pastures to prevent disease buildup and allow vegetation to recover. Changing landscaping plans or expanding your garden can necessitate a relocation. Sometimes, a new location offers better sun exposure in winter or more shade in summer. Addressing ongoing predator issues by moving the coop to a more secure area is another common reason.
Planning Your Coop Relocation
Careful planning minimizes stress for both you and your chickens. Consider the new site and the type of coop you have.
Assess the New Location
Before moving anything, prepare the new site. Make sure the ground is level and drains well. Observe the sun and shade patterns throughout the day to confirm it meets your flock's needs. Implement predator-proofing measures before the coop arrives. This might include burying hardware cloth around the perimeter or installing a secure fence. For more details on protecting your flock, read our guide on Chicken Coop Predator Proofing.
Prepare the Coop
Empty the coop completely. Remove all feeders, waterers, nesting boxes, and roosting bars. Clean out all bedding and droppings. Secure any doors or windows that might swing open during the move. If the coop has wheels, make sure they are in good condition and can be locked or chocked.
Prepare Your Chickens
Moving day can be stressful for chickens. Plan to confine your flock to a smaller, secure area or a temporary pen close to the coop before you start moving it. This prevents them from getting underfoot or becoming distressed by the activity. The best time to move the actual birds is usually at night, once the coop is settled in its new spot.
Essential Tools and Materials
The tools you need depend on the size and weight of your chicken coop. Gather these items before you begin:
- Sturdy gloves and closed-toe shoes
- heavy duty pry bar or wrecking bar
- Lumber (4x4s or 2x4s)
- PVC pipes or steel rollers (for heavy coops)
- Ratchet straps or heavy duty ropes
- Come-along winch or chain hoist (optional, for very heavy coops)
- Trailer dolly (e.g., MaxxHaul 70225) or utility trailer
- Shovel and rake
- Spirit level
- Drill and screws/bolts (for disassembly/reassembly)
Safety First
Moving a heavy structure poses risks. Always prioritize safety. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including gloves and sturdy shoes. Lift with your legs, not your back, especially when using a pry bar. Be aware of pinch points and falling objects. If the coop is very heavy, enlist help from at least one other person.
How to Move a Chicken Coop: step by step Methods
The method for moving a chicken coop varies based on its size and construction. Here are common approaches for different types of coops.
Method 1: Moving a Small, Lightweight Coop or Chicken Tractor (1-2 Hours)
Small coops or chicken tractors, typically designed to be moved regularly, are the easiest to relocate.
- Clear the Path: Make sure the path to the new location is free of debris, rocks, or uneven ground.
- Lift and Carry: If the coop is light enough, two people can simply lift it by its base or handles and carry it to the new spot.
- Use a Dolly: For slightly heavier but still manageable coops, a hand truck or furniture dolly can provide assistance. Tilt the coop and slide the dolly underneath. Secure the coop with straps before rolling.
- Wheel It: If your chicken tractor has built-in wheels, simply lift the handles and push or pull it to the new area.
- Level and Secure: Once in place, make sure the coop is level. Add any necessary blocks or supports to stabilize it.
Method 2: Moving a Medium-Sized Coop on Skids (2-4 Hours)
Many medium-sized coops are built on wooden skids, making them suitable for dragging.
- Attach Pulling Mechanism: Secure heavy duty ropes or chains to the skids at the front of the coop. Make sure the attachment points are strong and can withstand the pulling force.
- Elevate with a Pry Bar: Use a pry bar to slightly lift the front of the coop. Slide a piece of lumber (e.g., a 2x4) underneath the skids.
- Insert Rollers: Place PVC pipes or steel rollers (at least 3-4 inches in diameter) perpendicular to the skids, under the lumber. As you pull, the coop will roll over these pipes. Continuously move pipes from the back to the front as the coop progresses.
- Pull the Coop: With one or two people guiding the coop, slowly pull it using the ropes or chains. For heavier coops, a vehicle like an ATV or a small tractor can be used to pull, but do so very slowly and cautiously. You can also use a come-along winch anchored to a sturdy tree or post for controlled movement.
- Re-level: Once at the new site, remove the rollers and lumber. Use a spirit level to make sure the coop sits level. Add blocks or pavers under the skids if needed to prevent settling into the ground.
Method 3: Moving a Heavy or Large Chicken Coop (4-8 Hours or More)
Moving a very large or heavy coop, especially one without skids, requires more specialized equipment and potentially more people.
- Clear and Prepare: Just like with smaller coops, clear the path and prepare the new site thoroughly.
- Install Temporary Skids (if needed): If your heavy coop does not have existing skids, you may need to temporarily install them. Use a hydraulic jack to lift each side of the coop and slide sturdy 4x4 or 6x6 timbers underneath, running parallel to the direction of the move. Secure them to the coop's frame with heavy duty screws or lag bolts.
- Use a Trailer Dolly: For heavier coops on skids, a specialized trailer dolly like the MaxxHaul 70225 Trailer Dolly with 12" Pneumatic Tires can make maneuvering significantly easier. This heavy duty steel dolly has a 600 lb. maximum capacity and 12-inch pneumatic tires, allowing it to glide over various terrains. It is designed for effortless trailer maneuvering and works well for moving substantial chicken coops across your property. Place them under the skids or the dolly's path. A come-along winch or a heavy duty chain hoist, anchored to a solid point, provides controlled pulling power. Attach the come-along to the front skids or the dolly frame and slowly winch the coop forward.
- Hire Professional Movers: For exceptionally large or complex moves, consider hiring a local barn or shed moving service. Costs for professional movers can range from $300 to $1,000 or more, depending on distance and coop size. If you choose to do it yourself, renting equipment like a heavy duty dolly or a come-along might cost $20-50 per day.
- Set and Level: Carefully guide the coop into its final position. Remove skids or the dolly. Use shims or concrete blocks to make sure the coop is perfectly level and stable. This prevents structural strain and keeps water from pooling inside.
Moving Your Chickens to a New Coop (1-2 Days)
Once the coop is in its new spot, it is time to move your flock.
- Nighttime Transfer: The easiest way to move chickens is at night, after they have gone to roost. Chickens are calmer in the dark. Gently pick them up from their old location or temporary pen and place them directly onto the roosts in the new coop.
- Confine Them: Keep your chickens confined to the new coop for at least 24-48 hours. This helps them understand that this is their new home. Make sure water and feed are readily available inside the coop. This is especially helpful when learning how to get chickens to go into a new coop.
- Familiarize Them: After the confinement period, allow them access to a small, enclosed run around the new coop. Gradually expand their roaming area over a few days. This process helps them get used to the new coop and its surroundings.
- Monitor Their Behavior: Watch your flock closely. Make sure they are eating, drinking, and settling in. Chickens are creatures of habit, and some may try to return to their old coop's location if it is still accessible.
Post-Move Care
After the move, re-install all internal coop components such as roosts, nesting boxes (you can find guidance on How Many Chicken Nesting Boxes Do Your Hens Need?), feeders, and waterers. Refill them immediately. Check for any new drafts or vulnerabilities created during the move and address them. Make sure the ventilation is still adequate for a healthy flock.
Final Thoughts
Moving a chicken coop, regardless of its size, is a manageable project with proper planning and execution. Your chickens will appreciate the effort put into their comfortable and secure home.
MaxxHaul 70225 Trailer Dolly with 12" Pneumatic Tires - 600 Lb. Maximum Capacity
- Effortless Trailer Maneuvering: Swiftly move trailers including boats, utility, and jet-ski trailers with.
- Smooth Pneumatic Tires: Equipped with 12-inch pneumatic tires, this dolly effortlessly glides over various.
- Built to Last: Constructed from heavy duty steel, this trailer dolly is designed for long-lasting.
- Resilient Powder Coat Finish: The durable powder coat finish not only enhances the dolly's appearance but.
