Chicken Ark on Forsham Design

[Corey NC]

Sounds good.

Another thing I was wondering about is there any light in top area? I wonder if it could be done with a window added or maybe with a clear plastic roofing....hmm

 

[seircram]

Thanks for the pictures, it has inspired me to try and build one myself.

Two things, though:

1) I seem to be missing how the rope comes out of the ramp and out of the ark?

2) The grass is hiding the wheel attachment points. Did you use something stock from the hardware store? And ditto for the wheel axle?

I did watch a video from the ark people and liked the idea of the hose-attached auto watering bowl. Just bought the bowl assembly locally and hope to build whatever pipe assembly I'll need to attach it to, and run it thru, one end panel.

Keep of the good work!

 

[dealhound]

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

 

[dealhound]

Quote:
Corey,

There is no light in the top but the cracks around the ends and small vent areas under the ridge. I think when it gets hotter in summer, I may have to make larger ridge vent areas. I will probably use a door knob hole cutter to make the vent larger. As far as light goes, don't think it is necessary, as often on windy days or just for an evening siesta, the chickens go upstairs to the roost to have a rest. They actually seem to like the darkness and security. I think they will like it when they begin to lay as well.

Tim

 

[Grindlefamily]

Love this one - will show to hubby!

Louella

 

[dealhound]

My daughter called me the other day and told me she had been in Wake Forest, NC and had seen an ark similar to mine in a yard. She got a little information including a website. A very interesting website. I am including a link to it. The guy that put the site up is Dave Bissette. Sounds like an intersting guy!

Catawba Coops

Tim Martin

 

[blooo]

I'm planning on building an ark like this as well, for 3 chickens. Probably will buy the plans from the Catawba site.

If you have built the feeder or attached a waterer, would you mind posting some pics? I'm having trouble figuring out how a mounted feeder would fit in there. Also wondering if there is enough room for a hanging waterer.

Nice job!

 

[dealhound]

Actually, I have built a very acceptable feeder for this ark since I posted these pictures. I will try to take a few photos and post them back here soon. As for the waterer, I am still using a gallon Little Giant Jar waterer. I need a better idea!

 

[chickenbike]

My husband and I have also built an ark like this, this spring, modelled after the Forsham design.

We put a 6mm Plexiglass window at the end of the roost area opposite the nest box. The girls love the window! (And we love it too as we can see in to check on them anytime of night or day.)

We finished it a month ago and the girls are now 7.5 weeks. I read that a lip was added in the interior to prevent pine shavings from escaping. I believe we may need to do that as quite a few shavings come down when the ladder's down.

Otherwise it's a great design and I think you've done a super job of it!

 

[AtRendeAcres]

chickenbike can you add pictures of your window?