{"id":752,"date":"2025-05-23T18:07:27","date_gmt":"2025-05-23T18:07:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/khetwise.com\/blog\/movable-chicken-coop\/"},"modified":"2025-05-23T18:07:27","modified_gmt":"2025-05-23T18:07:27","slug":"movable-chicken-coop","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/khetwise.com\/blog\/movable-chicken-coop\/","title":{"rendered":"Ultimate DIY Movable Chicken Coop | Running Gear Egg Mobile Build"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Joel Salatin egg mobile concept has been on our radar for some time. These mobile coops can be scaled to work on any farm or homestead. This spring, we built our 8\u2019 x 12\u2019 egg mobile to hold a flock of 50-100 chickens. It turned out better than we ever dreamed and we\u2019ll share everything you need to know to design and build your own movable chicken coop.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/ultimate-movable-chicken-coop-guide.jpg\" alt=\"ultimate movable chicken coop guide\" class=\"wp-image-84828\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/ultimate-movable-chicken-coop-guide.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/ultimate-movable-chicken-coop-guide-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/ultimate-movable-chicken-coop-guide-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/ultimate-movable-chicken-coop-guide-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In fact, we documented the whole month-long build in this <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/Y6EMwIKLsW8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">video<\/a> below. It shows the nitty gritty details of how we built it, start to finish, what thought went into the design, and lessons learned along the way.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"DESIGN, BUILD, and TOUR our movable coop for up to 100 chickens!\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Y6EMwIKLsW8?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And if you\u2019re not quite sure if a full fledged hay wagon or running gear egg mobile is right for you, check out our other posts where we turned an outdoor kids playset into an <a href=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/chicken-tractor-plans-for-25-chickens\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">A-frame chicken tractor<\/a>, our modified Suscovich <a href=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/chicken-tractor-plans-for-25-chickens\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">chicken tractor plans for 25 meat chickens<\/a>, or our simple <a href=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/simple-diy-chicken-coop-inside-your-barn\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">chicken coop<\/a> we built inside our pole barn.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is an Egg Mobile?<\/h2>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An egg mobile is simply a mobile chicken coop for laying hens. Key features include the coop being built on wheels and often they include an open floor design where the chicken poop falls direclty through to the ground.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Joel Salatin may not have been the originator, but he certainly made known the ways of the egg mobile far and wide.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/how-to-build-a-moveable-chicken-coop.jpg\" alt=\"how to build a moveable chicken coop\" class=\"wp-image-84795\" style=\"width:650px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/how-to-build-a-moveable-chicken-coop.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/how-to-build-a-moveable-chicken-coop-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/how-to-build-a-moveable-chicken-coop-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/how-to-build-a-moveable-chicken-coop-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Joel\u2019s egg mobiles at Polyface Farm look different than ours\u2014they\u2019re bigger and designed to house hundreds of chickens, integrating them into their rotational grazing systems. Many have scaled down that concept for smaller farms and homesteads, and built a chicken coop structure on top of a hay wagon, or, in its base form, a running gear.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why an Egg Mobile?<\/h2>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mobile chicken coops make a lot of sense. Here are some of the top reasons we chose to build ours.<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:22px\"><strong>Free Range Fatigue<\/strong> &#8211; If you\u2019ve free ranged your laying hens before, you know that they get into everything. Your garden, potted plants, the kids&#8217; play spaces. Not only can they do a lot of damage to plants and your lawn, but the poop\u2014it\u2019s everywhere! Often an egg mobile is accompanied by some form of fencing or netting to keep reckless ranging at bay.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-17 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"1200\" data-id=\"84819\" src=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/premier-1-poultry-netting-for-egg-mobile-e1748034736434.jpg\" alt=\"premier 1 poultry netting for egg mobile\" class=\"wp-image-84819\"\/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"1200\" data-id=\"84781\" src=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/egg-mobile-with-free-ranging-chickens-e1748034639631.jpg\" alt=\"egg mobile with free ranging chickens\" class=\"wp-image-84781\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:22px\"><strong>Mimics Nature<\/strong> &#8211; You don\u2019t need grazing animals to build an egg mobile. But if you practice rotational grazing, you might as well integrate your chickens. Cows, or other grazing animals, drop manure, flies lay larvae in the manure, chickens follow a few days behind and eat the maggots. Win-win. Fewer flies. Free chicken protein. All while mimicking natural systems where birds follow behind grazing animals.<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-size:22px\"><strong>Fertilization<\/strong> &#8211; Not only do the chickens help to spread livestock manure as described above, but they also drop their own manure along the way. Since the coop moves regularly, there is no concentrated chicken manure buildup and your pasture is naturally fertilized.<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-size:22px\"><strong>Multi-Species<\/strong> &#8211; All animals browse and\/or graze differently. More species can generally lead to a healthier pasture as each manage the land according to their strengths. Chickens can scratch and pull up much of the dead undergrowth to help pastures thrive and not be suppressed.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/movable-chicken-coop-interior.jpg\" alt=\"movable chicken coop interior\" class=\"wp-image-84811\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/movable-chicken-coop-interior.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/movable-chicken-coop-interior-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/movable-chicken-coop-interior-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/movable-chicken-coop-interior-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:22px\"><strong>No Permit Needed<\/strong> &#8211; Often, chicken coops or larger fixed structures require some form of permit with your local municipality. But not with a mobile coop!<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-size:22px\"><strong>Bring It With<\/strong> &#8211; When life takes you in a different direction and you find yourself moving, your egg mobile will be the best investment you could make. Just pull your whole setup and chickens right along with you.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mobile Chicken Coop Design Considerations<\/h2>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We set out to build a chicken coop that looked good, was built to last, and was laid out efficiently. You\u2019ll definitely want to give your egg mobile design some good thought.<\/p>\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Size\/Scale<\/h4>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Getting the size of your chicken coop correct is the most important. How many chickens do you have? How many might you have in the future? How much space or land do you have to pull and maneuver a mobile structure? What are you pulling it with and how much weight can it handle?<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/movable-chicken-coop-for-100-chickens.jpg\" alt=\"movable chicken coop for 100 chickens\" class=\"wp-image-84809\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/movable-chicken-coop-for-100-chickens.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/movable-chicken-coop-for-100-chickens-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/movable-chicken-coop-for-100-chickens-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/movable-chicken-coop-for-100-chickens-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our egg mobile is 8\u2019 wide by 12\u2019 long. We pull it with our Kubota compact tractor around our back 3.5 acres of pasture.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This size feels right for us. Not too massive, but big enough to fit the 50 or so laying hens we typically have on our homestead with capacity up to 100.<\/p>\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Floor<\/h4>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Flooring can make or break an egg mobile design. They\u2019re typically designed with some sort of mesh or grated flooring to allow all the chicken poop from your flock to pass through to the grass below.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/122-hardware-cloth-on-floor-of-egg-mobile.jpg\" alt=\"1 inch hardware cloth on floor of egg mobile\" class=\"wp-image-84764\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/122-hardware-cloth-on-floor-of-egg-mobile.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/122-hardware-cloth-on-floor-of-egg-mobile-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/122-hardware-cloth-on-floor-of-egg-mobile-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/122-hardware-cloth-on-floor-of-egg-mobile-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most designs I saw out there called for expanded metal\u2014the diamond patterned grated metal you commonly see on things like trailers. While it makes a sturdy walking surface, some expanded metal has larger openings than others and I talked to some who had bad experiences of the chicken poop caking up on the floor creating a perpetural mess.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We went with <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/43D1ciS\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">1\u201dx1\u201d hardware cloth<\/a>. It\u2019s very thin, so poop easily passes through the grid. The hardware cloth is not 100% ideal for foot traffic, but 95% of the foot traffic is on the 2&#215;10 plank down the center of the coop.<\/p>\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Airflow<\/h4>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The ability to open up your coop for airflow on warm days, but seal it up when it\u2019s cooler, is important.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-18 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"1200\" data-id=\"84803\" src=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/kickstands-for-air-vents-e1748035267507.jpg\" alt=\"kickstands for air vents\" class=\"wp-image-84803\"\/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"1200\" data-id=\"84826\" src=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/side-air-vents-and-windows-of-egg-mobile-e1748035235753.jpg\" alt=\"side air vents and windows of egg mobile\" class=\"wp-image-84826\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We added two air vent panels on each side of the coop, allowing for ample airflow in the summertime. Each panel is also lined with 1\/2\u201d hardware cloth so the coop is sealed up from predators while the vents are open.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-19 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"1200\" data-id=\"84800\" src=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/interior-high-wall-for-egg-mobile-e1748035359382.jpg\" alt=\"interior high wall for egg mobile\" class=\"wp-image-84800\"\/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"1200\" data-id=\"84801\" src=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/interior-short-wall-for-egg-mobile-e1748035378958.jpg\" alt=\"interior short wall for egg mobile\" class=\"wp-image-84801\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Light<\/h4>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Chickens love sunlight. While they\u2019ll be spending much of their day outside of the coop, it\u2019s still important to plan for windows to allow in light.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We found some antique 6 pane windows and installed 5 of them in our coop. They are fixed, so they don\u2019t open. But they look great and keep things bright in the coop.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/chicken-coop-on-wheels.jpg\" alt=\"chicken coop on wheels\" class=\"wp-image-84770\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/chicken-coop-on-wheels.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/chicken-coop-on-wheels-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/chicken-coop-on-wheels-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/chicken-coop-on-wheels-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Efficency<\/h4>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Chicken chores happen daily. Designing an efficient coop to keep those chores minimal will save you countless hours in the long run.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We placed our food and water at the front of the coop, right by the door, for easy access. Roosting bars make up the majority of space in the coop and we went with a <a href=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/chicken-roost-designs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">simple ladder design<\/a> that forms a V leading down to the center plank. And the <a href=\"https:\/\/hengear.myshopify.com\/discount\/FROMSCRATCH?rfsn=8694290.315a1c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">laying boxes<\/a> are at the back of the coop, where it\u2019s the most quiet and secluded for privacy.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/inside-of-mobile-chicken-coop.jpg\" alt=\"inside of mobile chicken coop\" class=\"wp-image-84797\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/inside-of-mobile-chicken-coop.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/inside-of-mobile-chicken-coop-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/inside-of-mobile-chicken-coop-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/inside-of-mobile-chicken-coop-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Predator Proofing<\/h4>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A top consideration for any chicken coop is keeping predators out. Our post, <a href=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/predator-proof-chicken-coop\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Predator Proofing Essentials You Need to Know<\/a>, goes into much more depth. But you\u2019ll want to make sure you\u2019ve sealed up your egg mobile entirely.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We added blocks between the roof rafters to seal them tight. Hardware cloth keeps the panels and flooring secure. Our <a href=\"https:\/\/chickcozy.com\/joellekurczodyna\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">solar chicken door<\/a> adds security by automatically closing up as the sun sets each night. Even if we\u2019re out for the evening, we don\u2019t have to worry about our girls being closed up tight at night.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/movable-coop-with-chickens.jpg\" alt=\"movable coop with chickens\" class=\"wp-image-84814\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/movable-coop-with-chickens.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/movable-coop-with-chickens-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/movable-coop-with-chickens-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/movable-coop-with-chickens-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is Needed to Build an Egg Mobile?<\/h2>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Running Gear<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Running gears are essentially a big farm trailer that you can build just about anything on top of. They commonly come in the form of hay wagons. But if you plan to build an open floor egg mobile, just a bare running gear is all you need.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-20 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\" data-id=\"84765\" src=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/10-ton-running-gear-for-mobile-chicken-coop.jpg\" alt=\"10 ton running gear for mobile chicken coop\" class=\"wp-image-84765\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/10-ton-running-gear-for-mobile-chicken-coop.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/10-ton-running-gear-for-mobile-chicken-coop-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/10-ton-running-gear-for-mobile-chicken-coop-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/10-ton-running-gear-for-mobile-chicken-coop-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" data-id=\"84821\" src=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/running-gear.jpg\" alt=\"running gear\" class=\"wp-image-84821\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/running-gear.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/running-gear-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/running-gear-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/running-gear-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here\u2019s what you need to know about running gears:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:20px\"><strong>They have a weight rating in tons.<\/strong> Mine is a 10 ton running gear. The bigger the coop you build, the beefier the running gear you\u2019ll want.<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-size:20px\"><strong>The length can be adjusted.<\/strong> The center spine on the frame can be extended or retracted. Mine was around 10\u2019 long, and I extended it an extra 18\u201d for our 12\u2019 long coop.<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-size:20px\"><strong>Look for good tires.<\/strong> The standard implement tires are robust and can generally last a long time, even after they\u2019ve started dry rotting. But replacing those tires can be $150-200 each. Some also opt for truck tires on their running gear.<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-size:20px\"><strong>Give it an inspection.<\/strong> Does the front axle turn freely? Is the tongue and frame straight and not bent up? This is your foundation. If you\u2019re going through the trouble of building a sweet chicken coop on top of this thing, you want to make sure it will last.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-21 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" data-id=\"84824\" src=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/running-gear-implement-tires.jpg\" alt=\"running gear implement tires\" class=\"wp-image-84824\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/running-gear-implement-tires.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/running-gear-implement-tires-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/running-gear-implement-tires-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/running-gear-implement-tires-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" data-id=\"84823\" src=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/running-gear-for-egg-mobile-build.jpg\" alt=\"running gear for egg mobile build\" class=\"wp-image-84823\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/running-gear-for-egg-mobile-build.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/running-gear-for-egg-mobile-build-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/running-gear-for-egg-mobile-build-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/running-gear-for-egg-mobile-build-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Runners or Beams<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On top of your running gear, you\u2019ll need some sort of runners or beams for the platform of the chicken coop to sit on. I sistered together two treated 2&#215;6\u2019s for these runners. Then I bolted them to the 90\u00b0 angle brackets on the running gear using 1\/2\u201d carriage bolts.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-22 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" data-id=\"84825\" src=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/running-gear-with-treated-2x6-runners.jpg\" alt=\"running gear with treated 2x6 runners\" class=\"wp-image-84825\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/running-gear-with-treated-2x6-runners.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/running-gear-with-treated-2x6-runners-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/running-gear-with-treated-2x6-runners-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/running-gear-with-treated-2x6-runners-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" data-id=\"84806\" src=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/metal-brackets-for-chicken-coop-base.jpg\" alt=\"metal brackets for chicken coop base\" class=\"wp-image-84806\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/metal-brackets-for-chicken-coop-base.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/metal-brackets-for-chicken-coop-base-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/metal-brackets-for-chicken-coop-base-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/metal-brackets-for-chicken-coop-base-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Now, had I measured the running gear ahead of time, I would have used 2&#215;8\u2019s instead for the runners. The 2&#215;6\u2019s wouldn\u2019t allow for the platform of the coop to clear the wheels, so I needed to raise them up with some treated 2&#215;4\u2019s. Plus, the chicken coop ended up weighing A LOT, and the 2&#215;8\u2019s would have been better suited overall for that load.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-23 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" data-id=\"84771\" src=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/chicken-coop-platform-on-running-gear.jpg\" alt=\"chicken coop platform on running gear\" class=\"wp-image-84771\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/chicken-coop-platform-on-running-gear.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/chicken-coop-platform-on-running-gear-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/chicken-coop-platform-on-running-gear-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/chicken-coop-platform-on-running-gear-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" data-id=\"84817\" src=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/platform-fastened-to-running-gear.jpg\" alt=\"platform fastened to running gear\" class=\"wp-image-84817\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/platform-fastened-to-running-gear.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/platform-fastened-to-running-gear-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/platform-fastened-to-running-gear-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/platform-fastened-to-running-gear-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Framing Materials<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I used pretty standard 2x framing for our mobile coop. It\u2019s a big structure, so pick up some extra 2&#215;4\u2019s just to have on hand. Especially some extra long ones that you can use for diagonal bracing when setting up the wall initially.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-24 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" data-id=\"84789\" src=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/framing-of-egg-mobile-chicken-coop.jpg\" alt=\"framing of egg mobile chicken coop\" class=\"wp-image-84789\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/framing-of-egg-mobile-chicken-coop.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/framing-of-egg-mobile-chicken-coop-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/framing-of-egg-mobile-chicken-coop-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/framing-of-egg-mobile-chicken-coop-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" data-id=\"84810\" src=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/movable-chicken-coop-framing.jpg\" alt=\"movable chicken coop framing\" class=\"wp-image-84810\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/movable-chicken-coop-framing.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/movable-chicken-coop-framing-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/movable-chicken-coop-framing-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/movable-chicken-coop-framing-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Plywood and Wrapping<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I opted to wrap the walls and roof of our coop in plywood, but this isn\u2019t necessary. The siding and roofing can go directly on your framing. However, I planned to overwinter our chickens in our egg mobile, so I wanted to make it as weather-tight as possible, which the plywood helps with.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/chicken-coop-wrapped-in-moisture-barrier.jpg\" alt=\"chicken coop wrapped in moisture barrier\" class=\"wp-image-84772\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/chicken-coop-wrapped-in-moisture-barrier.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/chicken-coop-wrapped-in-moisture-barrier-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/chicken-coop-wrapped-in-moisture-barrier-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/chicken-coop-wrapped-in-moisture-barrier-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you do go with plywood, just make sure you have a plan for how to protect that plywood from the elements. I ended up wrapping all the plywood with a house wrap moisture barrier, and then taping up all the openings with a heavy duty flashing tape.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-25 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" data-id=\"84785\" src=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/flashing-tape-for-air-vent-openings.jpg\" alt=\"flashing tape for air vent openings\" class=\"wp-image-84785\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/flashing-tape-for-air-vent-openings.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/flashing-tape-for-air-vent-openings-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/flashing-tape-for-air-vent-openings-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/flashing-tape-for-air-vent-openings-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" data-id=\"84784\" src=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/flashing-tape-at-window-openings.jpg\" alt=\"flashing tape at window openings\" class=\"wp-image-84784\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/flashing-tape-at-window-openings.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/flashing-tape-at-window-openings-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/flashing-tape-at-window-openings-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/flashing-tape-at-window-openings-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I did consider insulating the wall cavities and then lining the interior walls of the coop with something like old corrugated barn tin panels. However, I decided to hold off on this since I didn\u2019t want mice and insects to take up residence in the walls and insulation.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Siding and Roofing<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Have fun customizing the look of your egg mobile! I wanted a clean look of white metal siding blended with natural wood accents.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"1200\" src=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/back-side-wall-of-egg-mobile-e1748036033321.jpg\" alt=\"back side wall of egg mobile\" class=\"wp-image-84767\" style=\"width:650px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We did 2\u2019 of horizontal oak boards along the base of the coop, and also ripped down those oak boards to trim out the windows and panels. Some lumber yards carry 16\u2019 oak fence boards, and I love using them for projects. They give that sweet rough sawn look and hold up really well to the elements.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We picked up Pro Rib metal panels and used white for the siding and green for the roof.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. Hardware<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whatever hardware you go with, just make sure it&#8217;s heavy duty and rated for outdoor use. I went with exterior grade, heavy duty black hinges, barrel locks, and handles for the door and panels. Those panels ended up weighing a lot, so heavy duty was the way to go.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-26 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" data-id=\"84796\" src=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/hurricane-straps-for-chicken-coop-roof-framing.jpg\" alt=\"hurricane straps for chicken coop roof framing\" class=\"wp-image-84796\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/hurricane-straps-for-chicken-coop-roof-framing.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/hurricane-straps-for-chicken-coop-roof-framing-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/hurricane-straps-for-chicken-coop-roof-framing-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/hurricane-straps-for-chicken-coop-roof-framing-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" data-id=\"84820\" src=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/premium-construction-screws.jpg\" alt=\"premium construction screws\" class=\"wp-image-84820\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/premium-construction-screws.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/premium-construction-screws-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/premium-construction-screws-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/premium-construction-screws-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For fastening in the oak boards, I also opted for premium construction screws. They were gold coated, which left a nice finish look for both the wood and hardware.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">7. Flooring<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I can\u2019t stress enough that you want to get the flooring right. I liked the <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/43D1ciS\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">1\u201dx1\u201d hardware cloth<\/a> that I ended up going with. It was a heavier gauge than normal 1\/2\u201d hardware cloth, so it feels pretty substantial.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">My biggest question was how it would stand up to people foot traffic. If it wasn\u2019t sturdy enough, my plan was to secure down some cattle panel on top of it for extra support. Since most of the foot traffic is on the center 2&#215;10 plank, I ended up just going with the 1\u201d hardware cloth.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-27 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" data-id=\"84778\" src=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/egg-mobile-floor-detail.jpg\" alt=\"egg mobile floor detail\" class=\"wp-image-84778\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/egg-mobile-floor-detail.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/egg-mobile-floor-detail-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/egg-mobile-floor-detail-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/egg-mobile-floor-detail-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" data-id=\"84776\" src=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/egg-mobile-122-hardware-cloth-floor-detail.jpg\" alt=\"egg mobile 1 inch hardware cloth floor detail\" class=\"wp-image-84776\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/egg-mobile-122-hardware-cloth-floor-detail.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/egg-mobile-122-hardware-cloth-floor-detail-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/egg-mobile-122-hardware-cloth-floor-detail-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/egg-mobile-122-hardware-cloth-floor-detail-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">8. Laying Boxes<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We went with the <a href=\"https:\/\/hengear.myshopify.com\/discount\/FROMSCRATCH?rfsn=8694290.315a1c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">XL Hen Gear Rollout Nesting Box<\/a> and love it! It was so nice to get to this stage of the project and not have another thing to figure out and build. Assembly was easy and the design and build quality are awesome.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After chickens lay, the eggs roll down into a collection tray so they stay clean and don\u2019t get pecked at. We opted to install the collection tray on the inside of the coop, but you can also reverse it so eggs can be collected from the outside.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hengear.myshopify.com\/discount\/FROMSCRATCH?rfsn=8694290.315a1c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noreferrer noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/hen-gear-rollout-nesting-box-in-egg-mobile.jpg\" alt=\"hen gear rollout nesting box in egg mobile\" class=\"wp-image-84793\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/hen-gear-rollout-nesting-box-in-egg-mobile.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/hen-gear-rollout-nesting-box-in-egg-mobile-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/hen-gear-rollout-nesting-box-in-egg-mobile-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/hen-gear-rollout-nesting-box-in-egg-mobile-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">9. Automatic Chicken Door<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I honestly don\u2019t know how we didn\u2019t invest in one of these <a href=\"https:\/\/chickcozy.com\/joellekurczodyna\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">solar powered automatic chicken doors<\/a> on our coops sooner. But it for sure made sense to put one on our egg mobile.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And this one from <a href=\"https:\/\/chickcozy.com\/joellekurczodyna\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Chickcozy<\/a> is the bee\u2019s knees. The built-in light sensor allows you to program it to open with the sunrise and close with the sunset, so it adapts with the seasons. Ours has worked flawlessly and we sleep easy each night knowing our chickens are safe and secure, whether we\u2019re home or away.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/chickcozy.com\/joellekurczodyna\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noreferrer noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/chickcozy-automatic-solar-chicken-door.jpg\" alt=\"chickcozy automatic solar chicken door\" class=\"wp-image-84769\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/chickcozy-automatic-solar-chicken-door.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/chickcozy-automatic-solar-chicken-door-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/chickcozy-automatic-solar-chicken-door-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/chickcozy-automatic-solar-chicken-door-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">10. Roosting Bars<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We go into more depth in our post on <a href=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/chicken-roost-designs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">roosting bars<\/a>. But we stuck with a pretty standard ladder design. In the end, we have 8 roosting bars, four on each side, that 6\u2019 long. The bars were spaced 16\u201d apart and ended up being at about a 60\u00b0 angle relative to the ground.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They\u2019re a little closer together than I\u2019d prefer, given the compact footprint I was working in. But so far, it seems to be working well with the chickens.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-28 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"1200\" data-id=\"84838\" src=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/left-side-roosting-bar-e1748036517692.jpg\" alt=\"left side roosting bar\" class=\"wp-image-84838\"\/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"1200\" data-id=\"84837\" src=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/right-side-roosting-bar-e1748036536671.jpg\" alt=\"right side roosting bar\" class=\"wp-image-84837\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Are there downsides to an egg mobile?<\/h2>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The mobile nature of egg mobiles makes for some additional logistics to figure out along the way. Overall, I think the pros far outweigh the cons, but here are some potential downsides to consider.<\/p>\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Overwintering<\/h4>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of the things I thought long and hard about is how in the world\u2014especially with the floor wide open\u2014will I make this coop work in the winter in our northern climate?&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One, I sealed it really good. I mentioned the plywood and blocking to close everything tight. I also added foam weatherstripping at the air vent panels and door, and around the window sills, so everything seals up tight.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/ultimate-diy-movable-chicken-coop.jpg\" alt=\"ultimate diy movable chicken coop\" class=\"wp-image-84827\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/ultimate-diy-movable-chicken-coop.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/ultimate-diy-movable-chicken-coop-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/ultimate-diy-movable-chicken-coop-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/ultimate-diy-movable-chicken-coop-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But the floor\u2014it\u2019s still wide open! Initially, I thought I\u2019d just put a good straw layer on the floor of the coop. But that would make a mess in the coop and defeat the purpose of the open floor design.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">My thought as of now is to get a bunch of straw bales to stack high around the entire perimeter of the coop. This would basically close up and insulate the space between the ground up to the coop, but still leave the floor open.<\/p>\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Moving It<\/h4>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes, a mobile chicken coop only works properly when it\u2019s moved regularly. So, you need something to easily pull it with, relatively flat and open land, and the time to relocate your whole setup when necessary.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/egg-mobile-build-for-small-homestead.jpg\" alt=\"egg mobile build for small homestead\" class=\"wp-image-84777\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/egg-mobile-build-for-small-homestead.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/egg-mobile-build-for-small-homestead-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/egg-mobile-build-for-small-homestead-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/egg-mobile-build-for-small-homestead-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We\u2019re in the beginning stages of moving our coop with our tractor and integrating our chickens into our rotational grazing system. Like most anything, I suspect it will feel like a challenge early on, but as we work through the logistics, the process will get easier and streamlined over time.<\/p>\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Keeping Chickens Contained<\/h4>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If your chickens were previously free ranging like ours, they may not take too well to suddenly being contained within fencing. Thankfully, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.premier1supplies.com\/poultry\/fencing.php?fence_id=30\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">48\u201d high poultry netting<\/a> from Premier One has done the trick so far for us, with only a couple jailbreaks. But we\u2019ve heard from others that this didn\u2019t work and they needed to clip their chickens&#8217; wings to keep them in the fencing.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"1200\" src=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/diy-egg-mobile-for-up-to-100-chickens-e1748036683548.jpg\" alt=\"diy egg mobile for up to 100 chickens\" class=\"wp-image-84774\" style=\"width:650px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cost<\/h4>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Building an egg mobile can be a substantial investment for your farm or homestead. Let\u2019s take a look at what ours cost.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Does an Egg Mobile Cost to Build?<\/h2>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A typical egg mobile will cost in the $1,500-$6,000 range to build. You can use things like reclaimed materials, pallets, old barn tin, etc. and build a very budget friendly egg mobile to stay near the low end of that price range.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But regardless, you still need a running gear, materials, hardware, fasteners, and maybe even some tools along the way. The size of your coop will also factor into the overall cost.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our egg mobile came in at the higher end of that price range. Here is a spreadsheet where I totaled up all the costs.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" src=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/From-Scratch-Farmstead-Egg-Mobile-Costs.png\" alt=\"From Scratch Farmstead Egg Mobile Costs\" class=\"wp-image-84833\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/From-Scratch-Farmstead-Egg-Mobile-Costs.png 1920w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/From-Scratch-Farmstead-Egg-Mobile-Costs-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/From-Scratch-Farmstead-Egg-Mobile-Costs-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/From-Scratch-Farmstead-Egg-Mobile-Costs-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/From-Scratch-Farmstead-Egg-Mobile-Costs-1536x864.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It wasn\u2019t our goal to build on a budget with this project. We wanted something that looked nice and would last us a long time.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We\u2019re thrilled with the end results! This egg mobile is a fantastic addition to our small homestead.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"1200\" src=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/moveable-chicken-coop-on-running-gear-e1748037218454.jpg\" alt=\"moveable chicken coop on running gear\" class=\"wp-image-84815\" style=\"width:650px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Have you built your own egg mobile? What did it cost? What tips do you have for others starting their own mobile chicken coop adventure?<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-theme-palette-1-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-theme-palette-1-background-color has-background\"\/>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:26px\">More on Backyard Chickens:<\/h2>\n<ul style=\"font-size:22px\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/what-should-be-inside-a-chicken-coop\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">What Should Be Inside a Chicken Coop &#8211; Easy Guide!<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/predator-proof-chicken-coop\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Predator Proof Chicken Coop Essentials You Need To Know<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/a-frame-chicken-tractor\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Custom A-Frame Chicken Tractor for (Almost) Free<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/simple-diy-chicken-coop-inside-your-barn\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Simple DIY Chicken Coop Inside Your Barn<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/cost-of-chickens\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Breaking Down the Cost of Chickens for Eggs<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/chicken-tractor-plans-for-25-chickens\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Chicken Tractor Plans for 25 Meat Chickens<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Some of the above links are affiliate links. This means we earn a small commission at no cost to you. We are so appreciative of your support!<\/em><\/p>\n<div id=\"fd-form-636019b28d1a1ae7948da256\"><\/div>\n<p><script>\n  window.fd('form', {\n    formId: '636019b28d1a1ae7948da256',\n    containerEl: '#fd-form-636019b28d1a1ae7948da256'\n  });\n<\/script><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pin it for later!<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1500\" src=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/build-your-own-movable-chicken-coop.png\" alt=\"build your own movable chicken coop\" class=\"wp-image-86575\" style=\"width:650px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/build-your-own-movable-chicken-coop.png 1000w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/build-your-own-movable-chicken-coop-200x300.png 200w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/build-your-own-movable-chicken-coop-683x1024.png 683w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/build-your-own-movable-chicken-coop-768x1152.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Joel Salatin egg mobile concept has been on our radar for some time. These mobile coops can be scaled to work on any farm or homestead. This spring, we built our 8\u2019 x 12\u2019 egg mobile to hold a flock of 50-100 chickens. It turned out better than we ever dreamed and we\u2019ll share&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":753,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[499,473,474],"tags":[500,501],"class_list":["post-752","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-chickens","category-homestead-how-tos","category-small-scale-farming","tag-chickens","tag-diy"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/khetwise.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/752","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/khetwise.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/khetwise.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/khetwise.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/khetwise.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=752"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/khetwise.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/752\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/khetwise.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/753"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/khetwise.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=752"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/khetwise.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=752"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/khetwise.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=752"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}