We’ve used several wheel systems to move our coops, always trying to improve over the old system with each new one.
Original system on the Salatin pen
Wooden lever, plastic wheels, metal strapping holding the axle, none stood up well.
Metal strapping holding on the axles on the pasture coop
A 4 wheel system on the pasture coop, but still using metal strapping for holding on the axles
We used progressively bigger wheels on this coop over the years. It moved easier with each increase in size.
Axle to go into the bottom frame
A metal lever, bigger wheels, but not strong enough for the job
The wheels would cant over towards the coop sides and rub, making it harder to move.
Top side: Welded metal framework for lever, bigger tires
We bartered computer repair for welding work to get these made this year.
Bottom side: welded to a strong angle iron and the lever
Top side
The problem with bigger wheels is the inner tube curtains inside the coop, to keep chicks in while moving, are too short…
Bottom side
Longer axles
The longer axles were in case we went to bigger wheels or ones with different hubs, like below.
Current wheel size
We got these tires from Harbor Freight. They are 13” heavy duty pneumatic tires.
The next update for mobility will be an easier steering system. We are still using the 2” x 6” x 8’ rough cut board we started using with the Salatin pen in 2008…