Tails of Heaven Scent Farms

Posted By Elaine on March 22, 2009

Sam pitches in

Quinn working hard

We were able to work on the chickens’ new hoop house this weekend.  I use the term “we” loosely, as I did not do much of the work.  I had dogs to groom on Saturday and Quinn was up and working hard early.  After dogs I pitched in where I was needed.  This is a photo essay of our new chicken coop.  We decided on the hoop house because of the expense of a permanent structure, our lack of carpentry skill (however Quinn did a beautiful job), all this pasture to take advantage of and neighbor dogs who like the taste of chicken.

Just do it.

Measure twice, cut once!

Teamwork

Ah, so that's what you wanted!

Can I help too Dad?

Wiring the two panels together

Temporary wheels

Off we go

Forward Yo!

I found pictures of hoop houses online and the principle was simple enough, cost effective, and it looked like something we could build.  So our hoop house is comprised of  4 2x4x10′ boards, 2 cattle panels which are 4′x16′.

Quinn attached the cattle panels first to the 2×4′s with screws and washers because he could not find the appropriate staples that he thought would hold it, long term.  Then he attached the 2×4′s at either end but he trimmed some off so that it made a taller hoop.  It is probably 8′x10′.

Samuel is our in-house photographer.  I am amazed at all the great photos that he was able to get.  Dad told him to take lots of photos.  His total was 256!  Thank goodness we are not developing film!

Jacob was also a big help.  He was keeping track of the other dogs that are here on vacation.  Tabitha and Hershey are just like members  of the family.  Their “Mom” is a friend of ours and she let us “adopt” them while she has an awesome vacation in England, Scotland and Wales!  We hope she has a great time and stays safe.

We wired the two cattle panels together and then moved the whole thing to where we wanted it to start out.  Quinn had the brilliant idea to put it on the dolly and pick it up and roll it.

That spurred the idea  to put wheels on it permanently.  Today Quinn covered the cattle panels in 2″ chicken wire.  He also attached a pair of training wheels from one of the boys bikes at the back to see if that would work for the wheels.  It will work temporarily but the bracket makes it difficult for them to be permanent.  We will have to get better wheels that mount to the wood but  it is a start.  I will have to wire the ends with a door on one end and nesting boxes on the other.

The chicks took a walk outside today.  Even though it was overcast is was still warm enough for them to spend some time outdoors exercising their newly feathered wings.  They are getting so big and eating so much that I will be as glad as them when they are outside permanently.

Stay tuned for more of the completion of the ‘hoop house’ as it progresses.

Y’all come back now!

Categories: chickens, Family, frugal living, homesteading, schooling
Tags: hoop house