Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[Ponypoor]

I was thinking so the window can be open all summer, so the inside is exposed to the weather and to keep the insulation from being exposed, but as a mite/mice haven I'm re thinking that. I think I want the bird hatch to open inward, so can latch to the inside of the big door.

The window....as a Dutch door, I would still have to double frame it so I can close it in the winter, yet leave it open at night in the summer.

Bracing....If I don't clad the inside and use something thinner than the OSB to lighten the weight, will it still warp? What would be sturdy enough that a predator can't simply lean against it and bust through?

You can get various thicknesses of OSB and other plywoods. I have used Fir also it’s comparable to OSB here in price. As for heavy you will require appropriate hinges for the door. I would use strap hinges for an exterior door.

I would use three of them.

https://www.homedepot.ca/product/ev...6yCHc-83QCLeGSWzHhg0owsj3TiFp8GhoCT1EQAvD_BwE

 

[Ponypoor]

Will 2X3s fit the door depth? 2x2s can warp so easily (ask me how I know) especially with a somewhat heavy door. Not a big difference in price between 2x3s and 2x4s here, about 50 cents per 8 footer - but cutting/ripping a 2x4 in half is NOT a good option, either - and it still makes it kind of thin (only a hair bigger than 2x2s) once ripped - IF you are able to rip them straight.

I would strongly suggest angled corners (45 degrees) instead of butting the framing if you are able. I do understand, though, if you only have a hand held circular saw it is near impossible to make an accurae cut, so it diesn't work (again, ask me how I know!)

Yes angle cuts are tricky. I personally do not use angle cuts I square everything up together. To make the door more sturdy use a back panel to the door.

 

[TOMTE]

& my folks chewed the honeycomb WITH the honey altogether?

Mmmm, yummy..! Straight from the comb is best. I don't chew the comb though because I hate when it gets stuck in my teeth. I just suck on it and mash it against the roof of my mouth with my tongue to get every last drop out, and then I spit out the wax

 

[Ponypoor]

Late? I've not heard he's passed away.
I'm going to have to pay more attention to the news

Yes today - I was surprised also as he was shown a couple weeks ago performing.

Two broody tax birds

 

[TOMTE]

Honeycomb tax

 

[featherhead007]

Mmmm, yummy..! Straight from the comb is best. I don't chew the comb though because I hate when it gets stuck in my teeth. I just suck on it and mash it against the roof of my mouth with my tongue to get every last drop out, and then I spit out the wax

I do that with sugar cane. Very fibrous but oh so sweet.

 

[Sylvester017]

2fer Tuesday.
Sylvie tidying up Pooh’s wattles. I was so happy to see this on the video camera because the new feeder has caused some tension between those two.
Now Sylvie has mastered it they seem to be friends again.
View attachment 4180134

Sylvie...always a lady

 

[Ikslo]

Yes today - I was surprised also as he was shown a couple weeks ago performing.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Back_to_the_Beginning

 

[rural mouse]

If I am reading your sketch correctly, yes.

So, bottom of door only - both sides clad . 29" by 29" (all the way to the outside edge of 2x2s.)

If you are having any cladding on the top (i.e. window is't full upper half of door), then I am missing something and need more info.

So, allowing for a bit of loss when cutting....30" x30" times 2 gives you 60" by 30", with some left over (18" top & side of osb). Just food for thought - 18" would make a nice deep broody nest...........

What I use and LOVE for things exposed to the elements: Spar urethane (I use the oil based - lasts longer than the water based). It is non-toxic when dry - but I wouldn't put it on until dry due to the fumes. Use multiple coats - can't 'over protect'!

How long does it take for the fumes to go? And how often do you have to recoat?

I got 5 8foot 2x2 and 2 sheets 4x8 plywood 3/8 inch thick, and screws to assemble. Haven't gotten other hardware or sealant...the lumber yard/hardware store closed 5 min after I placed the order, so I figured get stuff cut and assembled tomorrow, then start sealing stuff, then attach hardware.

 

[rural mouse]

I use AJC fender washers - these specific ones have a center hole small enough to catch deck screws, but big enough to hold hardware cloth well. (the carton will say "AJC' or "ALB', etc. note sure of the exact dimensions, but I would guess they are 1" wide/diameter.

Haven't gotten those yet anyway. I have to double check my hardware cloth, but I might have enough on hand if I 'seam' it, but won't do that until after I get the window built. How far apart should the scews/washers be?