Quote:
seircram,
I am glad that my experience has given you some inspiration as to building an ark. As I have said before, I really like mine and although I am still not complete and will make some changes in my next one, I did a lot of things right too!. And best of all, the chickens took to it as if it was the way all chickens live. They love going up to the top both at night, during any rough weather and any time during the day that they want a siesta. Now, for your questions -
1) The rope simply attaches to the ramp (which is hinged) about 3/4 way down the ramp on the outside edge. From there, it goes straight up and through an eye hook that I placed in the siding boards straight above it. From there, I follow one of the grooves between the siding boards back through the nest box and outside the coop. There the rope goes through another eye hook. Here, I tied on a metal O ring at the proper distance to always keep some tension on the rope when the door is down. This keeps it taut and out of the way. Lastly, I measured the proper distance and mounted a very small boat cleat on the outside surface so that when I pull the rope and raise the ramp, I simply hook the O ring over the boat cleat to keep the ramp in the closed position.
2) For the wheels and axle, all is stock. I am not totally satisfied, as the whole thing is a little light for the heaviness of my ark. It works fine, but I would like to find a source for slightly biggr wheels and a stiffer axle. This is what I did. The mounting brackets are simple large (maybe 5 - 6 inch ) flat brace pieces. They have four holes drilled in them. As the sides are angled, I put two of them in my vice and used a crescent wrench to twist one end of them so they would be straight to the wheels and perpendicular to the ground. I connected the two pieces with the twist to the end hole of the straight pieces with washers and bolts so they could act as a hinge. On the other end of the straight pieces, I drilled out the hole to 1/2 inch and inserted a stock, threaded 1/2 inch rod. I had to put bolts and washers on one end before putting it through. Then I mounted the wheels which come from Lowes(about 8 dollars each) to the rod and cut off the extra rod. When I move the ark, I do just what you saw on the video. I lift the one end and flip the wheels under the ark. The weight sits on the axle near the wheels. Then I go to the other end and push the ark wheelbarrow style where I want it. Works fine, but as I said, the wheels could be a little wider and or larger diameter.
I have not used the hose attached automatic waterer, as I did not want to have to run a hose to the ark. I wanted to move it freely over my pasture. I will build a bin type feeder and mount it inside the door similar to the metal one in the video, but mine will be of plywood. I may also try to put some sort of waterer inside as well.
If you get stuck or need more detailed pictures, let me know and I will be glad to post them.
Tim
