Almost done with a hoop house and have a few questions....PICS post #9

[shelleyd2008]

It does feel good, even though I had to have a little help

My dad helped with the panels, then I recruited my 5 year old to help with other parts of it. But mostly, it was done by me!

ETA: I can't imagine a 45 sq. ft. brooder!! What on earth would you need one so big for? Actually though, if I had all my babies together, I'd probably need one bigger than that!

 

[dlfridie]

Wow, I'm impressed!
That is a fantastic space for your chickens.
I am making a smaller one 4'x8' for one Serama and one Green egger hens .
It's put together and they are living in it.
Next weekend, I have to rig up a door as I can't get in it now.
I'm feeling a little uneasy about making the door, it's more complicated than the frame construction.

Please tell me, do you have a center ridge of wood on top that you attached the door to or is free standing?
I'll post pics of mine when I'm finished.

 

[yellowflower]

Has anyone used this type of coop in winter? I live in NH and I have the cattle panels on hand. Just wondering if there's a way to make it usable in the winter. Warm enough for silkies. Thanks

 

[BirdBrain]

I saw pictures the other day of a hoop house that was covered in snow...from Vermont I think. The whole top was covered. It was about three or four panels long (12-16 feet) and had hay bales along the inside if one wall. This was dispensed throughout the winter as bedding and was also used by the chickens as a perching area. They obviously did not move it during the winter but it made a great start for a garden come spring.

 

[jenjscott]

It would be very difficult to make this winter capable that far north. Mine winter in it just fine, but we're talking maybe a week or two of 20 degree weather max. You would have to do it like a green house, close both ends. You could cover with a tarp, then roll insulation, then another tarp. I have one I closed the end with osb board, it was pretty secure. I think you could do it, but not sure if it would be worth it. However, the more I talk about it, the better it sounds.

 

[Soccer Mom]

Looks great, Shelly! We're about to make one like this as a chicken tractor for meaties.

 

[shelleyd2008]

Oh yeah, in case anyone was wondering, the dog house is for the silkies

I was thinking of making one of these for the guineas, and another one for the ducks. I haven't decided on the ducks yet, but the guineas will be getting one eventually.