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A Shelter Built by Farmers—for Farmers: Step-by-Step "IKEA Instructions" to Build Your Own Mobile Chicken Shelter
Every Tool. Every Cut. Every Step.
This isn’t a sketch on a napkin or a 45min YouTube video with 6 ads.
This is a full-blown blueprint for success: our original design, tested in real-world conditions and used on our own farm every day.
A complete chicken shelter design with every screw, hinge, and cut listed out—plus custom CAD diagrams to show you exactly how to do things. We cover it all: the shelter, the water system, the pull cable, the dolly—even predator skirts.
No fluff. No filler. Just what works.
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE GUIDE?
✅ 40+ PAGE DOWNLOADABLE PDF
Clear, thorough, and written like a LEGO manual for farmers.
✅ FULL CAD DRAWINGS + DIMENSIONS
Every cut, every angle—digitally drawn and easy to follow.
✅ STEP-BY-STEP ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
From lumber cuts to mounting lids to building the dolly—every stage is broken down.
✅ TOOLS + MATERIALS CHECKLIST
Includes budget-friendly options (estimated build cost: ~$600 per shelter).
✅ WATERER SYSTEM INSTRUCTIONS
Set up a dual 5-gallon bucket bell waterer system that refills itself, hangs securely, and doesn't spill on uneven ground.
✅ CUSTOM CABLE PULL + DOLLY DESIGN
Move your shelter with ease using our lightweight cable-and-garden-hose system and dolly we designed (with plans you can hand to any welder).
✅ OPTIONAL MODIFICATIONS
Windbreak panels, predator skirts, check valves for sloped pastures—we included it all.
✅ PHOTOS + PRO TIPS
Real build photos and no-BS tips from the field. No fluff.
All you need to get started
for only $99
$38
You’ll Build This Shelter in 7 Stages:
Here's the Breakdown:
1️⃣ Frame the sides using 1.5" x 1.5" lumber
2️⃣ Construct the center roofline with waterer supports
3️⃣ Build the front and back lids with hardware cloth and PVC roofing
4️⃣ Assemble the shelter frame with corner bracing and cross struts
5️⃣ Install the watering system with tubing, buckets, and Y fittings
6️⃣ Build the cable pull using coated wire + hose grip
7️⃣ Weld or outsource the dolly using included specs
🕒 ESTIMATED BUILD TIME: ~8 HOURS SOLO
💰 TOTAL MATERIALS ESTIMATE: ~$600 (VARIES BY REGION)
📚 Here's What You'll Get:
- The full PDF Shelter Guide
- Complete CAD designs and material specs
- Our go-to tool & materials list
- Mobile-friendly access for phones & tablets
- Personal support if you get stuck—just email us
🧠 Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What kind of lumber is used?
We recommend pressure-treated 1.5" x 1.5" lumber for durability and cost savings. You can rip your own from 2x12s or buy pre-cut if available.
Q: Can I use chicken wire instead of hardware cloth?
No. Chicken wire won’t stop predators. Raccoons will reach in and rip birds through it. Use hardware cloth like we outline in the guide.
Q: What if I don’t weld?
You’re in good company—we don’t either. We paid a local welder $250 using the included dolly designs. It's optional but highly recommended for daily moves.
Q: Does this shelter work on bumpy or sloped pasture?
Yes—with our design, you can add check valves to the water system and predator skirts that lay flat. We've used it across uneven ground with great success.
Q: How many birds can it hold?
We raise 60 broilers per shelter, moved daily starting at 2 weeks. That’s 100 sq ft of fresh pasture every day—over 4,200 sq ft across a full grow-out cycle.
Q: Is this beginner-friendly?
If you know your way around basic power tools and can follow IKEA-style plans, you’ll do great. It’s designed for regular folks, not pro carpenters.
Q: What if I need help during the build?
Shoot us an email at breakawaypastures@gmail.com. We’re farmers too—we’ll help however we can.