HELP!! Hoop Run Question

[Hamptons06]

So I built the frame and put up the wire stock panels but I have a problem and need some help.... the center of the panels won't stay up. They keep buckling in the center. What can I use to keep them up? I keep looking at pictures and don't see anyone using anything obvious. I bet this is something so simple that I'll just laugh at myself.

 

[patandchickens]

I honestly have no idea -- are you trying to make it too wide? will it be stable once you have the ends on?

Basically I am only replying to bump this up to the top for ya

Good luck, have fun,

Pat

 

[Bear Foot Farm]

are you trying to make it too wide?

That would be the most logical reason.
There has to be enough arch to be self supporting​

 

[Mtn Cur]

What are the dimensions at the base? The front and back in width should be somewhere close to 8.5'-10.0' too much or too little of a arch and you will have problems. The depth doesn't matter, just however long you want. All of this info is for the 16' panels.

Here's a link to a really beefy hoop coop- https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=3227009 hope it helps.

 

[Hamptons06]

It's 8' x 8'. I thought for sure that would be big enough.

 

[Mtn Cur]

So your using two of the 4 x 16 cattle panels you buy at tsc?

If so you shouldn't have any sag at all. The cattle "panels" are a large diameter wire and should be self supporting when arched and anchored.

If it is a roll of wire for fencing cattle you may need a center support.

 

[Hamptons06]

Quote:
It was a roll wire.... but the metal is thick and 2"x4" openings. Exactly the kind I'm seeing in all these hoop coop pics.

 

[Bear Foot Farm]

It was a roll wire.... but the metal is thick and 2"x4" openings. Exactly the kind I'm seeing in all these hoop coop pics.

"Roll" wire is nowhere NEAR the thickness of a cattle panel.

Cattle panel rods are around 1/4 inch indiameter​

 

[Lotsapaints]

yep for wire you would need a frame the cattle panels are the easiest fastest way then if you need more protection add wire because now you have a frame....

 

[Mtn Cur]

Well, You have two options. First is put a support in for the exisiting wire (probably the cheapest solution). Second is buy real cattle panels- around here they are about 20.00 bucks a piece 4'x16'. For the size coop your building you only need two pieces. Whatever your decision, good luck.