tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-872247640329823856.post1809654772020217058..comments2023-06-23T00:44:56.058-07:00Comments on Sinfonian's Garden Adventure: June 24, 2011Sinfonianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03973076975622726383noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-872247640329823856.post-3056996406740193112011-06-27T12:25:58.522-07:002011-06-27T12:25:58.522-07:00I'm not sure if you have them in your area but...I'm not sure if you have them in your area but the only predator I'd be concerned about during the day are hawks. I never noticed any until we got the chickens. The first day we had them outside in the ark there was one on top of the Ark watching our girls. I didn't get a picture the first day but this was about a week later.<br /><br />http://www.flickr.com/photos/20378685@N00/5175389809/<br /><br />We used hardware cloth too and it hasn't rusted but the chicken wire I used to keep the dogs away from one of our plants is rusting. I don't know if it's coated with something different or not. <br /><br />http://www.flickr.com/photos/20378685@N00/5114654792/in/set-72157625291241572Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-872247640329823856.post-61892797518263470162011-06-27T11:00:47.349-07:002011-06-27T11:00:47.349-07:00Kermit, great ideas. I like the idea of sandwichin...Kermit, great ideas. I like the idea of sandwiching the wire between 1x2s and the 2x2 frame. I will likely need to replace my poultry wire with something galvinized before too long, so that may be a good time to do just that. However, if I do replace it, I'd consider going larger holes despite the ability of predators to get their paws in there. They don't stay in there at night so no predators are around in the day.<br /><br />As for the bolt for the doors, that's a good idea. I have one I was going to return. I like it, maybe better than my magnet idea, even though the door would still swing open a bit once I unlatch it under your scenario.<br /><br />As for the deep bedding, I'm only concerned with the chicken door frame. I like the idea of using wood to attach it like a bracket. I'll have to pick up some piece of dimensional lumber to do it. Haven't set myself totally on deep litter yet.<br /><br />Lastly, the ark seems to be working fine with the door. I really like it despit having to hang it when I want to keep it open.<br /><br />Thanks for the very helpful comments! I love them.Sinfonianhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03973076975622726383noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-872247640329823856.post-45633933577031564072011-06-27T09:22:29.889-07:002011-06-27T09:22:29.889-07:00Sinfonian, this thing looks awesome!
Here's a...Sinfonian, this thing looks awesome!<br /><br />Here's a few things we did on ours that may help you with some of your current questions.<br />On our Ark we put some 1x2's over our 2x2's to sandwich the wire so you don't get snagged on the edges. That may be an option for you? Some complaints of the larger holed wire is that predators can get their arms/paws/talons through the larger openings and the chickens can also poke their heads out where they could be attacked. <br />Regarding the deep bedding on your coop a simple fix could be using a 1x6 (or whatever dimesion) screwed to the inside framing at your cleanout door just so you can get the bedding deeper without modifying the cleanout door. (Having this screwed in so you can take it out may help in cleaning it out too?) <br /><br />The eye hook on the lower doors may work better if you replaced it with a slide bolt this will make sure they don't sag and will keep them inline and closed too.<br /><br />Regarding the Ark you could make the Ark door a "hingeless" door with one latch or eye hook. I can e-mail you some information on this if you are interested.<br /><br />Hopefully some of these ideas will help.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-872247640329823856.post-26893941447809341452011-06-26T11:15:53.495-07:002011-06-26T11:15:53.495-07:00Thanks you two! It sure was a huge project. And my...Thanks you two! It sure was a huge project. And my brother's thinking of building another one to sell. I think he's crazy!<br /><br />And yes, my girls sure are doing well in thier coop. They love the the upper floor, but then love the mini-run. Just today I didn't need to persuade them to go from the run to the ark. It's like clockwork! Very happy!<br /><br />Thanks for the comments. It makes me think people read this stuff.Sinfonianhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03973076975622726383noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-872247640329823856.post-36104989655653329602011-06-26T10:28:16.344-07:002011-06-26T10:28:16.344-07:00Congrats on wrapping up this project Rich! Everyth...Congrats on wrapping up this project Rich! Everything looks great. Your ladies are now living in chicken luxury. :-)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-872247640329823856.post-30483676392195421532011-06-25T07:52:07.071-07:002011-06-25T07:52:07.071-07:00Well done Sinfonian! That project turned out won...Well done Sinfonian! That project turned out wonderfully and your girls have a great new home and a super ark to pasture them in on the lawn.kitsapFGhttp://www.modernvictorygarden.com/apps/blog/noreply@blogger.com