A Chibbit is the name for our newly designed and constructed device that we are using to improve our homestead. We have been researching regenerative farming practices and decided that we wanted our chickens to be mobile. We wanted them to have fresh ground to explore, more nutritious food (not directly provided by us) and less mess. During our studies, we discovered that when chickens and rabbits are placed together, the rabbits may become calmer. We wanted a mobile chicken coop with a rabbit hutch attached and so the hubby designed and built the Chibbit (combination of chicken and rabbit). Here's a short video of him explaining how it works (although he seems very focused on the fence):
Or if you prefer Odysee: https://odysee.com/@PJsProjects:2/MobileChickenRun:4?r=HqzPkhGrxhXAqhczE3nJ9TSNp7X7YJsh
We started with the trailer. This was the most expensive part of the whole design but we were able to find a good, used one for less money.
Next, he built the frame. He used wood harvested from our homestead to make this project when possible.
Then he built the laying boxes and added the wire for the upper part of the sides. This was intentionally done to allow for good ventilation.
Next, he added the roof.
A friend suggested that we use the Chibbit to transport the chickens and rabbits to our new home. They were right!
It took a little time to recover from the drama of the transport, but the chickens soon settled in and appear to love their new home!
Now, the race was on to add the rabbit cages to the side of the Chibbit. The hubby didn't want to add them prior to the move as it would have made the structure too wide and cumbersome on the road. He custom built the rabbit cages separately and attached them to the sides of the chicken structure.
The rabbits are really enjoying their new living arrangements. I don't know if it is because the company of the chickens have calmed them or if the increased separation from our dog, Rosco, is providing a more relaxed atmosphere for them.
In addition, we are able to give our rabbits more outdoor exercise time than we were able to provide before the move. The electric fence protects them from our dog (and other ground predators) and prevents them from straying too far.
We originally used the large, fold down gate to open and close the enclosure for the chickens but the hubby built a smaller, pully-operated door on the side. This may be used in the future to hook up to an automatic, solar-powered door opener.
We slid pieces of wood through the top to allow for roosting spots for the chickens at night.
The open bottom of the coop and the mobile capabilities are providing a much cleaner coop. Our son has found a new hiding place from his siblings in order to read his favorite books!
Look closely...
Here's a close up in case you didn't see it.
We move the Chibbit every Monday morning to give them fresh ground to explore and to give the ground a rest from their droppings.
Or on Odysee:
https://cdn.lbryplayer.xyz/api/v4/streams/free/MovingTheChibbit/f26eeea4da74c77586089064a439f28f1a9c3b71/1f1016
We hope that you enjoyed this insight into our recent project to mobilize and provide a more regenerative setup for our homestead and animals. Please let us know your thoughts or any suggestions that you may have for us in the comments.