Duck House made from pallets - estimated $100

[djennings]

Chick n Delight, could you find some tin? If you could find the malleable tin you cound fold over top, screw and just keep layering.

 

[ChickInDelight]

I was given some tin to put on the roof of my pallet doggy foyer, but I did not like working with it. I feared for the sharp edges. My Mallards and chickens fly and free-range the entire world during the day. When I priced plastic and other roofing stuff at Home Depot, it seemed to get out of hand. Also the shape of the roof is difficult.

I had, at one time, thought of plywood with regular shingles.

 

[appychick]

malleable tin......In the past I have gotten sheets of aluminum that were used in the newspaper printing process for cheap and were very easy to work with. Not sure if they still use the Al sheets these days but wouldn't hurt to ask your local newspaper or other printers.

 

[nightshade]

I love the looks of this and can't wait to show it to hubby. Personally I would go with the rectangle plywood on the roof and then shingle it. It would be easy to work with and fairly easy to put together as well.

 

[ChickInDelight]

Quote:
Wow. You are quite the artist. Thanks for the encouragment. I am getting a bit worn-out (and broke). I need to finish this duckhouse over the 3 day weekend before my carpets are declared toxic and the lawn covers the house.

 

[jamband]

out of curiosity how are your pallets attached? do they have any added support at the base? I ask because I am wondering if adding the weight of a plywood roof wil cause you issues? maybe leaning walls? just wondering??

have you seen billboard tarps? i have one and love it. they are cheaper and 3xs better than normal poly tarps

 

[ChickInDelight]

Attaching the pallets - I had some corners of wood (from the stair company). I cut them at angles correct for the octagon shape. I then screwed one into the top and bottom of each pallet. This seemed secure. I then found some metal plates that are the correct angle, so I added these to the middle. I can crawl my 200 lbs. of flab in and out of structure without a wobble to the wall. The walls are secure!

Then, the center post is sunk in concrete with the ends resting in the Vs of the pallets. I only have a single screw holding each of the ends into the pallets, yet the concrete and center pole make this very secure as well.

I ordered a tarp through the mail that is silver and ideal for 'roofing outdoor structures', however, now, I can find no sign that the order was ever placed. The tarp would be a joke to predators unless I could rig a solar-powered electric wire or something. I do like to be able to clean and collect eggs (someday) without having to crawl through the little door. I have a fear that one day, I will crawl inside to be faced with a threatened snake or something.

So... presently, I am leaning toward doing a roof of painted plywood where every other panel is attached on hinges. My reasons are:
* The slope of the roof should easily repel rain.
* Precipitation is very light under those trees.
* This is a rental property, so this structure only needs to live 2 - 5 years.
* The roof overhang would help protect the cheap particle board wall coverings.

Gotta finish this weekend. Cold air has arrived, and I suspect it is stirring predator appetite. My canine / feline security staff is less concerned with guarding the birds and more concerned with snuggling in warmth.

OK - I just checked out the billboard tarps. That is now a consideration. The size I need is $75 unless I cut and glue (apparently an option). I am now seriously considering this option. This is for a lighter weight tarp - but $30 for shipping.

Hmmm - they serve as pond liners too. That could make a purchase of a larger tarp more worthwhile.....

 

[zookeeper15133]

Instead of looking for a solar charger, look for a AC/DC charger. You would need a decent car/truck battery and a trickle charger to charge it once a month.

The charger I got with my poultry net comes with both hook ups. You would only need a 2 mile charger for that.

 

[ChickInDelight]

Oh boy. The roof material decision has been made. Plywood is falling from the sky today. My daughter's friend plans to delivery some tonight - for FREE. He is also bringing piano hinges - long hinges so I can have parts of the roof that open for maintenance.

Progress is slow. Doors are a bit crooked. I need to retouch paint and put on a proper door closure. However, I did get the chickenwire apron on the ground and gravel on top of it around the base.

The really good news is that the ducks are hanging out with me around the house now. It amazes me that the sound of the power drill and me hammering bothers them not at all. They also have no concept of moving out of the way of cars. Silly ducks.

 

[Kaelinstorm]

Wow! Can you come to my yard next?! This is looking totally awesome! I want one XD