Gamefowl Barrels

[Mr Oviraptor]

I keep most of my Roosters on tiecord with they're own barrels to sleep in, I keep an electric fence around them to keep predators away but I was wondering about possibly putting a better predator proof door on the barrels?, Is there a way to do that?, Because we were thinking about taking that electric fence down and putting it around our garden next year if we can predator proof them

 

[NatJ]

Hmm, roosters with tie cords to a single house sounds a lot like a setup for cockfighting rooster houses to me

The title did say "gamefowl." That would be the kind of chicken traditionally used for cockfighting.

But some people raise them for shows, or just because they like to have that kind of chicken, or for various other reasons, without actually using them for cockfighting. No matter why they are being raised, gamefowl roosters would injure or kill each other if they got the chance, so separating them is required. Housing a group of males together in a bachelor coop works for many breeds of chickens, but definitely not for gamefowl.

 

[Mr Oviraptor]

The title did say "gamefowl." That would be the kind of chicken traditionally used for cockfighting.

But some people raise them for shows, or just because they like to have that kind of chicken, or for various other reasons, without actually using them for cockfighting. No matter why they are being raised, gamefowl roosters would injure or kill each other if they got the chance, so separating them is required. Housing a group of males together in a bachelor coop works for many breeds of chickens, but definitely not for gamefowl.

Thank you for saying this lol, People always think I'm fighting Roosters when I'm not, I keep the breeds because they are a dying breed, Especially breeds like Morgan Whitehackles and other old American Game bloodlines

 

[Mr Oviraptor]

Hmm, roosters with tie cords to a single house sounds a lot like a setup for cockfighting rooster houses to me

I raise them for preservation, I'm not cockfighting, I keep Bantams and old breeds like Morgan Whitehackles ect, Hoping to get Pumpkin Hulseys and Coal Miner Mugs next

 

[21hens-incharge]

Pics?
Wondering what kind of barrels.

 

[Mr Oviraptor]

Pics?
Wondering what kind of barrels.

Plastic barrels

 

[Mr Oviraptor]

Thanks. That makes a huge difference in how to secure things.
I will think on it and get back to you with ideas.

I tried doing a door out of just the plastic thats cut when you cut out the middle of the barrel but it didn't quite work lol

 

[perkolator]

Right on, not cockfighting

For plastic barrels I'd try making doors out of welded wire fencing, such as the 2"x4" hole size. Cut out a section that's a little bit wider than the opening, and cut one end off leaving protruding tines/pigtails that you can pass through the barrel and bend into "hinges" -- drill at least a hole at top/bottom, about 1/2" in from the edge, pass the wire through and bend it into a loop to secure it.

For a clasp on the other end, maybe install an anchor point in the barrel, such as an eye bolt or some other hardware, then simply use a carabiner between the fencing and the eye bolt for latching it shut.

Alternatively, if you have a roll of plumber's hanger tape and some bolts/nuts, you could make a small loop of the plumber's tape and bolt it to the barrel - that simple piece of hardware could be used for hinges or the clasping end.

Good luck

 

[NatJ]

I keep most of my Roosters on tiecord with they're own barrels to sleep in, I keep an electric fence around them to keep predators away but I was wondering about possibly putting a better predator proof door on the barrels?, Is there a way to do that?, Because we were thinking about taking that electric fence down and putting it around our garden next year if we can predator proof them

If you put doors on the barrels, you would have to close each door in the evening, and open each door in the morning. (The total number of roosters & barrels will make a big difference in how much of your time this takes.)

The roosters would still be vulnerable to predators during the day (probably less danger in the day than at night, but that depends on what predators are in your area and when they like to hunt.)

A predator might just knock a barrel over to get the rooster inside (depending on whether the barrel has any kind of floor, and whether it is fastened in place somehow.)

I am not sure any of these is sufficient reason to change your plans, just mentioning them so you can consider whether they matter (if you didn't already think of them.)

For plastic barrels I'd try making doors out of welded wire fencing, such as the 2"x4" hole size. Cut out a section that's a little bit wider than the opening, and cut one end off leaving protruding tines/pigtails that you can pass through the barrel and bend into "hinges" -- drill at least a hole at top/bottom, about 1/2" in from the edge, pass the wire through and bend it into a loop to secure it.

For a clasp on the other end, maybe install an anchor point in the barrel, such as an eye bolt or some other hardware, then simply use a carabiner between the fencing and the eye bolt for latching it shut.

Alternatively, if you have a roll of plumber's hanger tape and some bolts/nuts, you could make a small loop of the plumber's tape and bolt it to the barrel - that simple piece of hardware could be used for hinges or the clasping end.

That is an interesting idea, and sounds like it might work, but I am not sure about the size holes in the wire. Some predators (like raccoons) might reach right through that wire and kill the chicken anyway. Some other predators (like most dogs) would be stopped by the wire, and it would be fine. So it will depend on what predators are in the area.

 

[Mr Oviraptor]

If you put doors on the barrels, you would have to close each door in the evening, and open each door in the morning. (The total number of roosters & barrels will make a big difference in how much of your time this takes.)

The roosters would still be vulnerable to predators during the day (probably less danger in the day than at night, but that depends on what predators are in your area and when they like to hunt.)

A predator might just knock a barrel over to get the rooster inside (depending on whether the barrel has any kind of floor, and whether it is fastened in place somehow.)

I am not sure any of these is sufficient reason to change your plans, just mentioning them so you can consider whether they matter (if you didn't already think of them.)


That is an interesting idea, and sounds like it might work, but I am not sure about the size holes in the wire. Some predators (like raccoons) might reach right through that wire and kill the chicken anyway. Some other predators (like most dogs) would be stopped by the wire, and it would be fine. So it will depend on what predators are in the area.

My main predators are Raccoons, And my barrels aren't cut at all, They are full and have a floor to them