A-frame coop, taller than average. What do you think about wind resistance?

[theperdews]

Don't laugh at the flaws...this is the first time I've ever built anything (I learned what a chop saw was...LOVE that tool!). Ha ha! I am hoping caulk and trim will cover up the most glaring issues.

We wanted a tractor with enough room underneath to allow the kids to get in and bond with the chickens when it moves to clean ground, so I made the lower part taller than average. I chose the A-frame style with windy storms in mind, thinking the sloped sides might be better than square sides. However, I didn't account for the added height an A-frame causes.

It is about 7' tall and 7' wide at the base, and is constructed of 2x4's and 1/2" plywood. It is heavy, and we'll have to move it with our small tractor if the Gator won't pull it (once wheels are on, I think the Gator will pull it).



Looking at it now, I'm wondering how it will do in a storm with wind.Whenever possible, we'll park it next to the barn or house when we know a storm is coming, but sometimes we don't have warning or are away from home when spring storms come up. We live in the country, so don't have neighboring houses to block wind.

What are your feelings on the A-frame style in winds?

Thanks,

Toni

 

[latebloomer]

looks nice. i wonder if you could put something heavy on the runners every time you park it, something heavy enough to prevent overturning in heavy winds.

 

[Egghead_Jr]

How bad are your wind storms? Your tractor weighs about 250 lbs and is stable on 7 ft base, center of gravity is about 8 inches above midpoint. Unless we're talking about Dorthy and Toto weather it'll be fine.

I suppose with a little more calculation I could tell you what mph wind gust it would take but honestly. If your in for 60+ MPH wind storms you should secure it to ground anyway.

 

[Mikee1948]

Maybe some sandbags on the lower frame, if you're really worried about it.

 

[Rvl Rookie]

You could also get a couple of those spikes that are made for temporarily hooking up a dog, and use them as tie downs. They're pretty strong, but easy enough to pull out and move.

 

[theperdews]

Those are good ideas. We "usually" have warning and can secure the barns before storms hit, though a few storms have blown up suddenly and we didn't have time. When possible, we planned to pull it next to the barn or house to block the wind. Hopefully, on the occasions where we can't get it hidden, it will be ok.

 

[theperdews]

Well, we may find out today! We've been upgraded from a Wind Advisory to a High Wind Warning, with 40 mph winds and gusts to 60 mph. I can't move the chicken tractor by myself, so will park my Ford Edge upwind from it and hope for the best!

 

[Markallen]

You must be a few hundred miles East of us, we just had a 2 day front blow through with 27-39 mph sustained and gusts to 67. The sand bags sound like a great idea especially if you plan on moving the coop a lot, I'm sure your gator will pull it with no problem, I had a gator on our farm in Missouri, it would pull just about anything I hooked it too.

 

[jamband]

looks stout. a few sand bags would add 200 lbs for like 8 bucks if you are worried

 

[Time-Out]

It took a 92mph gust to break a hinge on the roof of my coop and that's one of those cheapo ebay things. Yours looks good. I wouldn't worry too much, but the sandbag idea is great for holding it down. Have a walk around it and see where the wind can get caught a lift panels off, like the top ridge. How secure is that?