Brooder Build Progress *PICS* Need Roof Ideas

[mediazeal]

Here is the progress to date.

I have it raised 1ft off the ground (so no mice can hide under it as advised)
Open end is covered in hardware cloth. You can't see it well in the pics.
Floor is covered with vinyl I got as a remnent and stapled on to the plywood, then covered all staples with 2x4. Floor will be covered with pine pellets, can be 3 inches deep because I turned the 2x4s on the long edge to work as a kickboard for bedding.

Any ideas on the roof/lid pitch design?
I have to figure out the roof/top still. I want it to have a slight pitch to it but also open like a lid, hinged on the long back edge.
has an overhang of 3 inches on front and back.
I may hang a curtain between the wire end and the enclosed end to keep in the warmth.
I have a porchlight to install (that I'll connect to a plug) to the enclosed back wall to provide warmth as needed.
I will have matching hasp locks that lock with a key on each lid.

 

[Omran]

That's looks great, nice work.
you can make the roof like in 45 degree angle by raising the back of the frame a little bit, you have to masure it to know exactly how much you need, and then you can install your henges, so basicly you have the right Idea for it, I think you know what you are doing.

 

[mediazeal]

Quote:
I was thinking of standing the 2x4 on the front edge up so it is 3 1/2" high on the front and lying the 2x4 on it's side in the back so it's 1 3/4" high on the back edge.
I'll have to cut an angle on the front 2x4 but what do I do between on the sides?
I do not want to leave it open and cover with wire, still need to brace the/frame it up
and I do not have a table saw to cut some long diagonal (3 ft long) on a 2x4
I had thought I could start the side one at the 4 and trim down to match the 2" side but was hoping someone else had a better idea


What about a real roof of some sort?
how would you build one of those?

 

[chookchick]

It's really hard (at least for me, not being a carpenter) to rip down a 2 by 4 on the diagonal (and get the angle you need!). I would set the back directly on, attach with the hinge and cut the END of two 2 by 4's to give you the angle you need for the front. Run a 2 by 2 between the 2 by 4--only has to meet with the roof on the back side, and plywood along the sides. I know you did not want to use hardware cloth here, but this is an excellent area to put ventilation (in front). When it is really cold, you can cover up the sides and still have plenty of ventilation for them. Then cover top with roll roofing. I'm worried about the seam in the middle (leakage), not sure how you can deal with that, maybe only 1/2 flips up? and the roofing is a bit wider on that 1/2 so it lays over the seam?