fuzzi's Chicken Journal

[fuzzi]

I was home from work today, so after noon when it had warmed above 40° I went outside and got started.

First I removed the upright and its support. And started over.

I placed a 1" board under the bottom of the 2x4 vertical support so it wouldn't make contact with the ground, adjusted to plumb, drilled, then attached three screws. Broke a drill bit, too (see it on the left).

I placed the panels in position, securing with a couple screws, and redrew the line. What a difference!

I don't have a jigsaw (yet!) so I used our circular saw to cut the panels. As I started cutting bits of wood and dust hit my face. I stopped, replaced the safety glasses with my new goggles, and continued with the cuts.

Redneck make-do saw table

The second cut was easier. At that point I think I had a better idea of how to cut along a curve with a circular saw. I trimmed it a tad with my reciprocating saw.

I placed the first panel in position, secured it with a screw, then placed the second panel next to the first, slightly overlapping the two. I secured the second one with a screw and washer, then went to the inside of the coop to create some braces needed to attach the panels.

A couple 1" boards that have been lying around for years were added for bracing. I checked, they were level, upright support was still plumb.

I then secured the panels on the back with 1 1/4" screws and washers. Afterwards I used my reciprocating saw to cut off the excess from the top of the upright support, about 18" or so.

Not pretty, slightly lopsided, but I think it will work. And the chickens won't care!

Next task is to figure out how I want to attach the panels to the cattle panels. That probably won't happen until the weekend, depends on when I get home from work and how I feel.

Progress!

 

[1muttsfan]

I love my Dr Seuss nest boxes. And so do the chickens. Looks like you're doing a good job to me.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I was home from work today, so after noon when it had warmed above 40° I went outside and got started.

First I removed the upright and its support. And started over.
View attachment 4063705
I placed a 1" board under the bottom of the 2x4 vertical support so it wouldn't make contact with the ground, adjusted to plumb, drilled, then attached three screws. Broke a drill bit, too (see it on the left).

I placed the panels in position, securing with a couple screws, and redrew the line. What a difference!
View attachment 4063706

I don't have a jigsaw (yet!) so I used our circular saw to cut the panels. As I started cutting bits of wood and dust hit my face. I stopped, replaced the safety glasses with my new goggles, and continued with the cuts.
View attachment 4063707
Redneck make-do saw table

The second cut was easier. At that point I think I had a better idea of how to cut along a curve with a circular saw. I trimmed it a tad with my reciprocating saw.

I placed the first panel in position, secured it with a screw, then placed the second panel next to the first, slightly overlapping the two. I secured the second one with a screw and washer, then went to the inside of the coop to create some braces needed to attach the panels.

A couple 1" boards that have been lying around for years were added for bracing. I checked, they were level, upright support was still plumb.
View attachment 4063709

View attachment 4063710
I then secured the panels on the back with 1 1/4" screws and washers. Afterwards I used my reciprocating saw to cut off the excess from the top of the upright support, about 18" or so.

View attachment 4063714
Not pretty, slightly lopsided, but I think it will work. And the chickens won't care!

Next task is to figure out how I want to attach the panels to the cattle panels. That probably won't happen until the weekend, depends on when I get home from work and how I feel.

Progress!

You're doing a good job!
I like it, you're making a lot of progress.

 

[fuzzi]

When I got home from work I changed into yard clothes, fed and watered the flock, and collected eggs.

Then I looked at the hoop coop and said to myself "Why not? You've got light."

I decided to try attaching the back siding to the cattle panels with good ol' zip-ties. I began drilling holes for the zip-ties, adjusting the cattle panel to fit the wood siding as much as I was able.

But on the woods/south side there was a little gap at the bottom where the siding didn't meet the hoop.

And I fixed it!

I sunk a 3" screw through a small piece of 2x4, then into the coop base at an angle to cover the gap.

On the opposite side I attached the panel into the piece of 2x4 with a 2" screw and washer.

If you look closely on the right side you can see where I covered the gap.

South side done!

But the other side was a bit tricky, the cattle panel was not cooperating. I couldn't push it closer to the edge of the wood.

I brought out my reciprocating saw and tried trimming off the extra.

More like chopping than trimming...

I was running out of light, and decided to wait for another day to finish up the trimming. But for all intents and purposes, the back is attached!

Next? The hardware cloth...

 

[fuzzi]

Just an FYI: I searched and browsed through the articles and forums here on BYC, but could not find one description of how a solid back was attached to the cattle panel hoop. I did see one photo where it looked as if they'd used plumber's strap, but my siding is only 1/3" thick, so screws wouldn't work very well.

 

[Molpet]

Just an FYI: I searched and browsed through the articles and forums here on BYC, but could not find one description of how a solid back was attached to the cattle panel hoop. I did see one photo where it looked as if they'd used plumber's strap, but my siding is only 1/3" thick, so screws wouldn't work very well.

I think most put the sold back on in the winter. I just put plastic up over the hwc back in the winter.
I like the airflow when it's hot and humid.

 

[1muttsfan]

Fuzzy, if you're going to use zip ties you might consider using stainless steel ones. Plastic ones are not very durable, sunlight and heat degrade them, and flexing from things like wind will break them down. They might be fine for attaching things like netting, but not for structural elements.

 

[fuzzi]

Fuzzy, if you're going to use zip ties you might consider using stainless steel ones. Plastic ones are not very durable, sunlight and heat degrade them, and flexing from things like wind will break them down. They might be fine for attaching things like netting, but not for structural elements.

Good point, taken.

The zip-ties aren't the only thing holding the back on. There are screws and washers up the middle of the back, and along the bottom. The hardware cloth will also attach the cattle panels and the wood siding along the arch and across the bottom (apron).

I was thinking about attaching additional supports across the inside, horizontally, too. I did that with the first hoop coop.

 

[fuzzi]

...But for all intents and purposes, the back is attached!
View attachment 4064777
View attachment 4064778

Next? The hardware cloth...

A friend suggested that I stain it before putting on the hardware cloth (HWC). I now plan to stain it on Saturday.

And since I am going to receive a small widow's benefit I ordered myself a Milwaukee cordless jigsaw for finer jobs.

 

[1muttsfan]

Guys aren't the only ones who love a good tool