How can I put wheels on this? I have googled and googled and I can't seem to find a way to wheel it and make it roll.

[MarGyver7]

So you definitely would want to reinforce it some to compensate for the flimsy joints.... with angled cross braces (wood or pipe) extending from at least a couple feet up on each side of every vertical post, that extends down in each direction at an angle to at least a couple feet outwards to the adjacent horizontal base pipes that would normally sit on the ground. Then you would attach a bicycle wheel with washers and carriage bolts high up on each vertical post* (see instructions below for that...I'm typing it now so stand by for that....or not ), high enough that they would allow ample enough ground clearance for it to be moved, but not allow birds or predictors to slip under it...keep that in mind if you plan on keeping chicks in there. Of course you could make it to have removable wheels or adjustable heights by drilling holes at various heights on the pole and using wing nuts on the bolts for easy removal and refastening of each wheel*....will post again shortly

 

[MarGyver7]

Ok....first I should say that the reason you want larger wheels like for a bicycle, as apposed to something smaller that would come from, say... a lawnmower, is because of ease of movement of something that large, especially over bumps and rocks that may be in the way...The larger the wheel the easier it will be to pull....you could probably just use child size bike wheels to save money if you have a lawn tractor or atv (or big strong man) to pull it.
Of course if you want to go the Amish route you could whittle yer'self somebig ol' wooden wagon wheels lol. BTW... this method I'm stating will get this thing moving without stressing it's structural integrity to the point of breaking something but it will be flexible enough to flex a little bit over slightly uneven ground without permanently bending the pipe....just don't drag it over a spot where, for example, there is a big dip, causing the center-most wheels to raise really high off the ground for an extended period of time...Maybe this is the point where I should add some sort of dis-claimer LOL( **The instructions below explain what I, with my own experience in mechanical engineering, would do in this case. The designer can in now way be held responsible for any damage or injuries resulting from said instructions )...to be continued....

 

[kcan2]

Just an idea albeit not an inexpensive one - you could place one furniture dolly at each corner, and two (or more) to support the middle, bungee cord the dollies to the fencing, and roll, if it doesn't come apart it may work

 

[TooCheep]

@kcan2 - Afraid that won't work. Those small wheels are good on a flat floor, but not in an uneven grass field. And you still need to reinforce the frame before you could move it.

 

[McChooky]

View attachment 3320366

I tried SEVERAL methods of attaching wheels but this is absolute easiest way to lift and roll one.Its much cheaper to do it yourself than buy a lifting wheel kit.

 

[McChooky]

No but I wish there was someone who could help

Because its so LONG (and heavy) it will likely get hung up.You will have to lift it high off the ground in order to move it to compensate for the ground being unlevel. I made a short chicken tractor thats lifted 5 inches off the ground and it still gets hung up.The chickens will get out the bottom when you move it when its set high off the ground.Thats the problem.

 

[MarGyver7]

Ok for attaching the angle braces you want the whole thing as flat as possible so shim under it with blocks or rocks so that the base pipe is as straight as possible and you have enough ground clearance to attach wheels and have them sticking below the ground pipe (it can be checked with a string line or laser level but doesn't necessarily have to be perfectly level with the ground below...just make sure there's enough clearance to move it). Then use either fairly thick walled aluminum pipe with each end flattened (hammer it flat) and predrilled (approx the same diameter as the existing pipe or even a little thinner is ok) or at least 2x2 thick wood (2x4 would be even better but adds more weight) and attach precut angle braces to the posts and base plates. Keep in mind that if you use wood you need to make the two pieces on each side of the post slightly different in size so they don't meet at the same spot where they are attached at the post, or just jog out the bottom a little on one where it attaches to the base pipe. (did that make sense???) After (or before) the angle braces are done you should also add pipe bracing (easiest to clean) across the ground between (right next to) each of the longest base pipes where each post is ....This will keep it from wracking too much and help keep the wheels in alignment, and it would also be a good idea to add angle ground level braces at each of the 4 right angle corners where each base pipe joins to the other... the birds would have to hop over them to get across the pen in all areas though, another reason this would not be best for chicks.
Now, if you want to keep the wheels on permanently (ideal) and not deal with adjusting the height or removing them, after attaching all of the angled post and ground braces while the whole thing is raised up, measure up each post the radius of the wheel, but having the wheel to stick down a bit below the bottom of the base pipe to keep it elevated for moving, yet not enough room for birds to go under it....Then of course you want some sort of rope or chain attached to the front corners for when it needs to be pulled.... uuugh I gotta go make lunch and get other things done but if you need a more detailed explanation or a diagram let me know. Anyway, it would be a bit of work to get that thing movable but it's do-able if you have the time and parts to do it!

 

[McChooky]

I might add you want bigger wheels too.

 

[Nyhillbillies]

Mar, thats a really well thought out solution! Thank you so much for responding to the call. I’m SO glad you’re working on the side of Good!!

 

[MarGyver7]

(<<<< blushing ) Awww stop it ....LOL