Arizona Chickens

[Smiles-N-Sunshine]

Quote:
Start with rubbermaid (or sterlite or whatever one you ike best). Use cage wire or hardware cloth to make a lid. As the birds get older, use 1/2 x 1 or 1x1 cage wire to make a cage. If the chicks are large fowl, you may be able to use 1x2 wire.

What would you recommend for the bedding? Some say sand, some say natural dirt, others think fine shavings. I can't decide.

I love pine shavings! The poopy soiled stuff goes straight into the composter, which you can't do with dirt. Plus, the chicks can burrow in if they're chilly, and the air pockets help insulate. (I think, not an expert.....)

 

[Gallo del Cielo]

We used pine shavings too. I really like them. They are easy to change out and great for the compost or mulching.

Smiles-N-Sunshine, I wonder if Silicone would work to bond the hardware cloth to the tub? It has to cure for a day or so, but after that it's fairly inert.

 

[Smiles-N-Sunshine]

Quote:
Good idea, Todd, thanks! Doesn't silicone get mushy in hot temps? I'm off to google silicone - with "safe search" turned on LOL

 

[Smiles-N-Sunshine]

Anyone else have a darn-near hurricane blowing at their place? A gust darn near ripped the feed storage lid out of my hand just now!

 

[Gallo del Cielo]

Quote:

Be careful!

No, I don't think it will. I used it on auto waterer in the coop with no problems (but it's not really all that hot there) and I also used it on the screws as I put the roofing material in. They both seem pliable and holding up well.

VERY windy here in Tucson. Things are blowing all over in the yard.

 

[LarryPQ]

Ready.....


Get Set.....


BAM!!!

 

[Gallo del Cielo]

"Wow, this new house is much more spacious than that old one I grew out of."

 

[constance]

Quote:
I just picked up a 50 gallon rubbermaid myself. I'm thinking of cutting a very large rectangular window piece out of the lid (maybe 4-6" from the sides) and smaller ones on the sides, and gluing 1/4" hardware cloth over the windows.

Anyone have recommendations for non-toxic adhesive?

Thanks,

Bryan

RE Adhesive:
I use 100% silicone rubber for most projects like this. I just ordered some food-grade silicone to fix a thermal coffee mug and a water bottle top. It is rated for high heat and food contact. When I was an artist's studio rep (long, long, long time ago) we used 100% silicone to bond all kinds of materials together on her 3-D mixed media sculptures. Great stuff
This is what I ordered (couldn't find it in town):
SU5005 RTV Food Grade Silicone Adhesive Sealant

On some brewer sites, a couple of people mentioned DAP 100% silicone, and one had called the company to check. It is probably fine.
I would think you could also use aquarium-safe silicone, too.

 

[constance]

Toto, are we in Arizona anymore?

 

[Beckyhsinglsc]

Quote:
Lets try the coffee shop on the NW of Cooper and Elliott. It's just North of Marketside at the edge of the strip mall, and somebody bakes their goodies.

Shall we aim for 8 AM?

So... tomorrow at 8 AM, right?
I can do it.