fuzzi's Chicken Journal

[fuzzi]

I was going to add HWC to the left side of the coop door after I got home today, but it started sprinkling rain on the way.

Great.

When I went to check on the flock I noticed that the sprinkling was about finished, so I determined to get more work done on the coop.

I untied one of my remnant HWC rolls, flattened it, then started bending and molding it to fit on the left side of the door.

Then I began attaching it to the door frame.

And attaching it to the bottom frame.

As I was securing the HWC to the wood frame I was also pulling it towards and around the corner of the hoop. I attached the HWC to the cattle panel with some zip-ties before I finished attaching it with screws and fender washers.

I kept playing with the HWC until it was as tight as I could make it.

There was a very small gap on the corner so I attached a scrap of HWC over the opening.

I'll trim it next time, after securing the HWC with zip-ties. I'll need to do some trim and tighten on the right side, too, not a lot.

I still have the opening above the door to do, but it isn't big, a remnant of HWC should cover it. And I need to add an apron in the front. I could probably have the structure complete this weekend, might even get to work on the roof.

But the labor and time intensive work is all but done.

 

[fuzzi]

Saturday Coop Work

I did not work on the hoop coop Thursday after work, nor on Friday, so I determined to get outside early on Saturday and GET 'ER DONE!

I went outside just after 7am. Damp, mid 60s, good construction weather.

First on my agenda was the opening over the door.

I needed more height, brought out the ladder. I found a remnant of HWC, perfect size. When I started to bend it into shape some of the wires broke.

So I had to use two pieces to cover the opening. Oh well.

First piece in position.

Added second piece with a slight overlap, secured both

I used small pieces of HWC to "snake-proof" all weak points.

Can't use too many fender washers!


Tightened up the HWC, no gaps!

I then finished securing the HWC over the rest of the hoop with zip-ties. I missed a couple at the apex, but will follow up later.

Then I did back of the coop. I attached the HWC to the wood panel with short screws and washers, snipping wires as needed to make it fit securely.

And had a brainstorm.

I screwed the wood onto the exposed screws, then went back and tightened the screws.

I made adjustments as needed.

And then I was getting overheated, so I put away my tools.

It's attached in the back, but I need to finish covering the screw ends. Maybe I could use plastic anchors, too?

Just thinking...

 

[1muttsfan]

Looks Great to me

 

[fuzzi]

Looks Great to me

Thanks.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I think it looks great!
You're doing a good job.

It's been "hot" here (too?) in the mid 80s which is a bit unusual, but not unheard of. Looks like we'll dip back to cooler temps next week though. (30s at night to 50-60s during the day).

 

[ChaosMom]

I think it looks great!
You're doing a good job.

It's been "hot" here (too?) in the mid 80s which is a bit unusual, but not unheard of. Looks like we'll dip back to cooler temps next week though. (30s at night to 50-60s during the day).

Yep, just as I buy six 4-inch pots of nasturtiums! Off to the counter in the laundry room they go.

It's really a wonder that we're able to get any laundry done at all in spring.

 

[fuzzi]

Stopped by Harbor Freight, got a heavy duty tarp (on sale!) jic I postpone the metal roof part of the build. Also, I picked up some narrow 11" zip-ties (I mostly have 3/8" wide 12" long left), and some metal zip-ties for the roof.

Then I went by Ace Hardware, they had 1" deck screws!!!

Now I can replace the screws on the door that protrude dangerously. And I picked up another door handle. I need one for the inside so I don't put a strain on the door.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Yep, just as I buy six 4-inch pots of nasturtiums! Off to the counter in the laundry room they go.

It's really a wonder that we're able to get any laundry done at all in spring.

LOL That's what you get for being in a hurry!

Oh yes, I've seen the Bonnie Plants rolling in at the stores. I've avoided them so far.

For Christmas someone gave me a small tabletop Hydroponics system. I got it out last month...yes, I procrastinated and waited LOL Decided I'd try growing something just to experiment. I "planted" some Baby Choy and 3 different varieties of Kale. Oh my! They came up. It was SO fun to watch this thing everyday and see the seeds sprout. The leaves got fairly large on all of them, so I just trimmed them off, threw them in a stir fry and we ate them. They need trimming again.

I've got to finish cleaning up my garden beds, I have 1 almost tidied up to plant. I was surprised to see my Oregano survived the winter. Of course, the mint didn't die at all, I think it grew during the polar vortexes
Anyway, the greens can go outside if I can get motivated, it will be interesting to see if they transplant o.k. I want to start some tomatoes and peppers in the hydroponic system next to see if they will transplant out o.k. too. Still a bit early for tomatoes outside here unless I tent them, then they still may not make it.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

"Flower Tax" to @fuzzi and friends for a long post

This year we have not had too many heavy frosts (Yet!), so my Quince actually bloomed very nicely without getting burned. It's such a beautiful bush; I love the blossoms.

 

[fuzzi]

"Flower Tax" to @fuzzi and friends for a long post

This year we have not had too many heavy frosts (Yet!), so my Quince actually bloomed very nicely without getting burned. It's such a beautiful bush; I love the blossoms.



View attachment 4092132

Gorgeous!