HOUSE OF JOY- PVC TRACTOR/ PEN

Well as previously stated, this had to be very lightweight and secure for daytime predators, mainly hawks and bald eagles. I had hoped to recycle an old iron canopy bedframe but couldn't figure out how to connect the pieces since I'm not a welder. I did however have some PVC tubing and an old chrome fold up laundry dryer. I went to Lowe's and bought 4 more lengths of PVC and lots of differnt size connectors since I didn't know how they would all connect. I also got PVC primer and all purpose adhesive to join everything with. Then I got chicken wire, hardware cloth and cable ties.
At 104F outside, I decided to dry run the connections and join as much as I could inside. I also could use our pool table to support things as I pieced it together since I was doing it by myself. I used my PVC pliers to cut all the PVC and drilled out the brads on the laundry dryer. I was using theon MPC as my example to go by for fitting pieces. I cemented both ends leaving the middle connection loose so I could get them out the door. Then I cut chicken and hardware wire & attached to each section with the cable ties, again leaving the middle unattached. At the ends, I overlapped the chicken wire and wove it together using the wrapping wire that came with the chicken wire. Play Pen for Chickens
58292_0721001531.jpg
58292_0904101546.jpg


Everything was moved out to the carport. All the middle connections were made. The chrome pieces were connected for the door using the all purpose adhesive, Then U-hooks provided the hinge at the top to open it. Bungee cords secured it.
58292_0729100700.jpg
58292_0904101548.jpg

Now for the chicks!! A tarp was thrown over half of it and secured with metal shower curtain hooks for protection from rain and sun. Feed and water were hung. A roost and an interesting log to play on were placed. The hardware apron was secured with landscaping pins. Now we have some HAPPY chickens!!

58292_0904101144.jpg

Costs:
Poultry Netting 1" 48"x50' 29.98
Hardware Cloth 1/2" 36"x25' 34.88
PVC Tubing 1/2"X10'@3.20ea (5)
(5) free
PVC Connections 45degree elbow @.19 (5)
T @.19 (1)
triple elbow @ .19 (6)
X @.19 (1)
90 degree elbow @.19 (4) 3.23
U Bolts (2) free

Cable ties 4''x100 (6 @3.46+1 free) 20.76
8"x 20 (1 @2.07) 2.07
Chrome rods from laundry dryer free
Landscape Pins 4"x25 4.25
Tarp 8'x6" 4.96
Shower Curtain Hangers 1 set metal free
TOTAL 116.13
COOP + PEN 171.00