Few random design/building questions

[saddina]

I've read quite a few threads on construction here.... and have a few hazy questions.

It seems several of you use a sheet pan or disposiable pans for droppings trays, I was thinking of checking out yard sales or good will for old sheet pans, and lining them with newspaper.

Should I buy the pan first and plan on making each section the size of 2 pans?

I'm thinking 2x1 lumber should be enough to put it together, any compelling reasons to use 2x4's? (I used them on my detachable run, and it's strong enough I could do pull-ups on the frame before I covered it in wire).

I should have a door in both the wire and boxed sides yes?

2 foot celing is high enough?

We have extremely mild winters (only a freeze every few years), and we often wear sun dresses in December, any reason they can't be out year round? The chickens and bunnies each have thier own mister I turn on if the day goes over 90.

I'm thinking harems of 1 male and 4-5 females in each section, to spread the love, as it were so each pen would be roughly 6sqft (2x1 enclosed, 2x2 wire) anyone see a glaring error there?

Do they need a oval bone thingly like finches have?

Any good quail books to reccommend?

Planning on plotting out the plans this weekend, but thought I'd check my loose ends.

 

[NancyDz]

I've been scoping out pan/tray possibilities for the same reason.. to plan the size around the pans.. I think it's a good idea. I found some oil drip pans that seem perfect so I'm probably going with those, but otherwise i was going to use baking sheets.

Not sure about the lumber size but someone will chime in there.

As far as the height , I've seen some quail cages that are only a foot high, they don't really
need height, a shorter roof will give them less room to gain speed when they startle and bonk the top hehehee

As long as they have a place to get out of drafts , they should be fine in the cooler weather,
I think they ae fine in the heat also as long as they have shade and ventilation.

Your ratio sounds fine.

Not sure on your other questions...

Nancy

 

[HobokenChickenEmergency]

2 x 4's are WAY heavy. Dh used them for my chicken coop, and it's as heavy as a Hummer when I have to move it.

I WISH there were some quail books. Although, I haven't checked Amazon yet. I think I will....

Anyway, my ceiling is 2 ft high (old rabbit hutch), and it works great. I tacked up some low-hanging fabric so they couldn't bonk.

 

[saddina]

About to have my estrogen showing here....

What's an oil drip pan?

 

[simplyscrambled]

...I think for catching oil drips under a car?

 

[NancyDz]

I didnt know either.. to me it was quail dropping pan LOL

I guess some people put these pans under their cars to catch drippings?
They were at my Ace hardware.. i was wandering around looking for possible
cage building supplies. They looked like large cookie sheets made out of steel to me.

It was 24" x 18"


Nancy

 

[saddina]

Google to the rescue.... it's an oversided cookie tray thingy.

http://images.google.com/imgres?img...t:en-us:IE-SearchBox&rlz=1I7ADBS_en&sa=N&um=1

 

[NancyDz]

YEA That's it !

I think they were about $8 a piece at Ace... I havent looked anywhere else for them though....


Nancy

 

[saddina]

Considering what I paid for good cookie sheets last year thats not so bad.

 

[NancyDz]

Also have looked at Sam's club they have a two pack of cookie sheets... more industrial size.. I forget the price but that was another possibility for me. Probably could find those online to see. I need to check Smart & Final too. they may have something that would be good.



Nancy