Saturday, March 30, 2013

Computers, Coops and Chicks




Things have been pretty busy this last week. Lots of computer issues that finally got resolved. There was a problem with my ISP for several days but that’s fixed now that the server of my ISP is working properly. Mrs. RW also has quite a few new additions to the flock and is going to need a bigger chicken coop. One more thing on my to do list.





This is also going to be a great project for me to show everyone some tips on building a lightweight but strong coop for your chickens. There was only enough time to build the coop gate today. We have a big family get-together planned for Easter Sunday and there are beans to cook and guns to clean. The plan is to do a little plinking with the twelve gauge. Now it's time to get back to the coop building.





The first tip for building a strong but lightweight chicken coop is to use what I call the sandwich technique. Simply put, you just sandwich your wire between your boards (1X2's). This makes it stronger and there’s less chance of a possum or coon getting in your coop...which it seems we have more than our share of both. The wire is almost impossible for them to pull apart when fastened to your framework in this manner. In this case, I’m using welded wire fabric with the small squares (1/2 inch) to attach to the framework.

I’ll include some later updates as the coop begins to take shape.

Have a Happy Easter!

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker


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10 comments:

  1. idahobobMarch 31, 2013 at 9:23 AM

    Lookin' forward to more coop building.

    Have a blessed Easter with your family.

    Bob
    III

    ReplyDelete
  2. Home on the RangeMarch 31, 2013 at 9:31 AM

    Have a wonderful and blessed Easter, one an all.

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousMarch 31, 2013 at 9:46 AM

    I agree on sandwich technique - I use it at corners and edges but leave the middle slats alone to save weight on our chicken tractor. We too use 'hardware cloth' vs. the more common and less expensive chicken hexagonal wire - it stronger.

    When nailing this material, stretch out and staple it across diagonally vs in-line. Much like using fence staples at barbed wire. pilling ot to a barb will make it tighter.

    ReplyDelete
  4. KenMarch 31, 2013 at 12:53 PM

    ..."plinking with the twelve gauge..." hehehe, i'm not the only one to see some humor here, right(?)...GodBless'Ya RW...Happy Easter to the whole clan

    ReplyDelete
  5. George HensonApril 1, 2013 at 4:52 PM

    Finally at the stage where this info can be very valuable. Currently living off grid but no food source except for the grocery store. Thanks for the tips, will be back for more.

    ReplyDelete
  6. riverwalkerApril 2, 2013 at 11:07 AM

    To: idahobob

    Happy Easter to you and yours.

    With the extra chicks, going to need more coop.

    Thanks bob.

    RW

    ReplyDelete
  7. riverwalkerApril 2, 2013 at 11:08 AM

    To: Brigid

    Happy Easter to you also.

    Keep preppin'.

    Thanks Brigid.

    RW

    ReplyDelete
  8. riverwalkerApril 2, 2013 at 11:10 AM

    To: anon

    The sandwich technique is about the only way to keep them pesky critters out of the coop. Hardware cloth is the only way to go on the sides and gates but the regular chicken wire is easier to use on the top.

    Thanks anon.

    RW

    ReplyDelete
  9. riverwalkerApril 2, 2013 at 11:11 AM

    To; Ken

    You're sharp as ever! I couldn't slip the 12 gauge plinking comment by you...lol

    Easter blessings to you and the family Ken.

    RW

    ReplyDelete
  10. riverwalkerApril 2, 2013 at 11:12 AM

    To: George

    Maybe you get some helpful tips to make building a coop easier.

    Thanks George.

    RW

    ReplyDelete

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