Our Hoop Coops

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* ~ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ~ *

I'll fill in all the details in a bit.. basically we used a 2 X 4 X 10 for each of the ends and two 2 X 4 X 8's with mending plates for each of the sides.. making the final coop size 8' 8" X 16'

we use a total of 5 cattle panels (4 for the length and one cut for the end and door)

the plywood was scrap 1/2" that we had laying around

My husband used a rotary cutter to cut the cow panels and also welded them together for added strength

later today we'll finish this one adding a door, poultry netting, a tarp and next week (when I get back to town) we'll get the hardware cloth for the bottom 2' around the coop

since this one is for our emu chicks we won't be adding a roost at this time.. in our other hoop coops we do have roosts that we made from thick tree branches

* ~ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ~ *

laying out the cow panels onto the bottom frame

all 4 cow panels in the frame

using metal strapping to secure the cattle panels

with end supports in place

securing the back (it's also nailed into the supports)

adding the front cattle panel (cutting with the rotary cutter)

welding the cattle panels together for added strength

He also welded the top arch of the cattle panels together (I didn't take a picture of that..)

Almost done!.. Just needs a door, poultry netting, hardware cloth and a tarp

my husband hanging most of his 170 pounds from the cattle panels (his knees aren't touching the ground).. yup.. they are tough

with the door in place

adding the cattle panel to the door

tacking down the poultry netting.. we secure it more once the hardware cloth is in place over it.. this is just to hold the poultry netting in place while we get it all put on

I use J clips to tie the poultry netting together

and I use Hog Rings to help tack the poultry netting and hardware cloth to the cow panels (the hardware cloth is also attached to the wooden frame)

here's the coop with one tarp on (I have the "flaps up" since it's nice and breezy out).. it can be secured more with hog rings, zip ties or baling wire. I'll add another tarp to the front in a few days.. but the emu chicks are enjoying it "as is"

the Hoop Coop makes a nice safe play and sleeping area for the emu chicks when I'm not letting them free range.. later on I'll use it as a grow out pen for turkey poults or meat chickens.. I can always add a roost later on if I want one as well as the plastic pipe feeders.

Here's some of the "kids".. the others didn't make it into the picture!

I may add more info later on.. like exact measurements and such if anyone is really interested

* ~ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ~ *