Hoop Houses -Plus and Minuses

[wolftracks]

I have a question. I have tiny hoops for raised beds, btw I also did the frame and then tried to bend to fit. Took hours!) I want 2 hoop coops. One for roos and one for hens. Trying to save space. I can't afford the panels and have no way of even transporting any. I see them on CL all the time, but never in my price range. So I'm looking to make both from the PVC and HC.

My question really is lighting. I want to put lights out there, but I only have one plce to get juice from. Have any of you used the christmas lights like in the panel hoops on a PVC hoop with tarps? I'm just trying to figure out what to do that's safe. I'll hve to have my coops really close to take advantage of an extension cord, but I want to make sure I I don't catch it on fire or electrocute (sp) someone or something. Also are the roosts free standing?

 

[yinepu]

Quote:
They are 2x4s, but some people use 4x4s.

Most people build a 2x4 frame and then try to curve the panels and attach them to the frame, which is really hard (we built a tomato tunnel that way, and my husband still doesn't like to talk about it.

)

But one smart BYCer attached the panels to each other and then to the two 16' long 2x4s while flat on the ground. Then they just scooted the 2x4s towards each other to form a hoop at the height needed and attached the two short 2x4s for the ends, adding the vertical ends and door last. If you're building it by yourself, you can just pound some stakes into the ground to hold that edge in place while you move the other side inwards. I wish I could give credit to the clever person who figured this out - if anyone knows, please let us all know.

For winterizing, I added a clear tarp and bought some really heavy clear vinyl (like that used for windows on tents) at a fabric store and am going to cover the vertical walls to act as a windbreak (leaving an opening at the apex of the walls for ventilation). It should also help to keep out a lot of the rain that blows in from the west.

Where winters are severe, some people use hay bales inside; hopefully those with more experience can give you some tips.

we thought that was the easiest part! (4 panels on the smaller coop and 5 on our turkey coop)

we used metal strapping (the strapping with all the holes in it used for hanging plumbing pipe) and made "hinges" to attach the panels to the 2X4's.. then just lifted up the other end and placed it inside the frame. When we build the next one I'll be sure to take pics !

 

[yinepu]

Quote:
in the christmas coop thread there is mention of solar powered christmas lights.. I think those would work well for lighting the inside of a coop

 

[Chook-A-Holic]

The link in my signature will take you to my hoop coop build, complete with materials list and instructions.

Good Luck!!

 

[RHRanch]

Quote:
Thank You!

 

[Hillbilly Hen]

Jake, I absolutely love my hoop run. I got the idea from Chooksaholic. DH was just talking about maybe doing another one next year. They hold up real well to the snow loads. You can see pics of mine by checking the link in my siggy.

 

[TNBEARCHICK]

we LOVE our hoop coops!
the one for the DP layers is 9'X16'
the one for the turkeys is 9'X20'

we will be building at least 2 more this spring (one for muscovys and one for meaties).

We used cattle panels and covered them with poultry netting (chicken wire) with the bottom three feet in hardware cloth (didn't feel the need to go with heavier wire since they are guarded by a livestock guardian dog as well as nite guard lights) and covered the tops with tarps

Ours are more of a permanent type structure (though you COULD drag them if you decided to.. they are pretty darn heavy) and we have a lot more birds in there than ladydoc does (I have around 100 birds not counting quail).
the cost ran between 300 & 350 per coop (I would need to pull out the figures for an exact price).. but regardless.. they have proven to be sturdy homes for our birds and should do great when the Texas heat hits next summer.

we were free ranging the birds but the predator losses were too high this past spring.. with the hoop coops we found an affordable solution to keeping the birds in one area where the lights and guardian dog could do their jobs. Plus now I can actually find the eggs without having to search our property for them!

do you have pics

 

[Boichik86]

Love you hoop-coop.
Not trying to hi-jack this thread but I have a quetion about hoop coops. How do they work in a cold climate? Do the chickens get enough protection from wind and cold?

Hoop Houses can work just fine in cold climates. You just need to remember a few things, chickens can take cold better than wetness, so a tarp covering and placing the HH on well draining ground is essential. If you live in an area with a lot of snow, you will need to reinforce the hoops themselves, you can do this by adding extra 2x4 purlins, extra hoops etc. This will make the HH a little heavier. Also, when there is snow covering the ground, it is time to stop moving the HH for grazing if you are, and fill the bottom with bedding. The dry bedding and extra tarps are all the chooks really need to stay warm and dry during inclement weather. Also, picking the right cold hardy breeds is important too.

 

[TNBEARCHICK]

 

[Fluffychicky]

Does anyone know how big of a hoop house I would need for 30-35 chickens? I am so excited I discovered hoop houses! My last coop was so hard to build and very pricey now I'm moving and I doubt I can even take the stupid thing with me without completely dismantling it.