Harvey Ussery Coop Design Issues

[candacemusarra]

So we built Harvey Usserys Coop and use it with Premier 1 Electric Net fencing. The fencing thus far has been amazing, but we have been struggling with the coop.

A. Harvey made it seem like it was possible to move this with people and not a tractor. We are finding this to not be the case. Heavy and impossible to turn, seemingly impossible on any slope.

B. This has no floor. I have no idea how you can move the chickens while they are in the coop. I have no idea how you would move them if you decided to leave them out of the coop, especially with having to move the fence.

C. Our first set of wheels have already fallen off and were attached the way Harvey described. The second set of wheels are already beginning to angle in a way that looks like they are going to do the same thing. We initially thought we purchased wheels too small and went a size up, but even with the bigger wheels it hasn't been any easier.

PLEASE HELP! I'm 26 years old and I don't want to have to throw my back out every time I try to move this dang thing. I'm about to pull my hair out (or cry).

 

[WthrLady]

I'm not familiar with that type of tractor.

However, it should be moved while the birds are out of it. Could you move the net to block them from the coop, move the coop and then move the fence>

As for moving that coop. Try using a mover's dolly. Put it under the back floorboard. hook a ratchet moving strap to the top of the dolly and to your roofline furthest away from you and tighten it. Tip back and move.

Or on one side with the strap up and over. IF it works, you can apply a large eyehook for quick hookup later.

OR you can try some of those carpet sliders for furniture. You'd be amazed at how well they work on the grass too! Just put them under the corners and leave them there.

Those things are HEAVY.. wood adds up.

 

[eviemethugh]

Totally agree with wthrlady. Especially the dolly.
We move ours with the chickens in it, but they don't usually get to go out of it and run forward to the fresh grass and are out of the way.
Are the sides plywood covered shingle paper? Depending on where you live, I would consider taking them off and replacing the sides with something more lightweight. In NC full sides like that will bake a chicken during the summer even with the front and back open. Greenhouse plastic (or tarps) secured at the top and with a pole attached at the bottom, you can roll them up to allow a breeze and sit the pole on a nail to keep them up. Even aluminum corrugated roof would be more lightweight, maybe with a hinge on the last one so it can be open on warm days and closed during the winter.
Also, trust...you do NOT want a floor. The best part of pastured chickens is poop management built in! Plus a floor adds weight.
With 4 fixed wheels you will never be able to turn, only go straight. We have a long bolt from the inside poking to the outside on every corner (8 total) and take the wheels off everyday. We can move the coop like an etch a sketch by holding the bolt on the same corner to pick up the coop and slide on the wheel where it is needed. We leave the wheels off to prevent bowing of the wood.

 

[WthrLady]

They also have corrugated PVC roofing. Lowes has it. Not expensive, hearty and lightweight. The white one, lets light in but created shade.

If the dolly works. You can make a handle for permanent use. The trick is the leverage. Think of it like a large trash can with the two wheels on one side, and the handle on top., you put your foot near the wheels, push down on the handle to transfer the weight to the wheels, and roll it around slick as you please. Same deal