How to build laying boxes and PVC water and feed dispensers (& Update)

[Mrs. Green Thumbs]

I want to make 2 laying boxes 2x2x2 and have them hanging off the back wall of my coop. I have no idea how to do this. Will I need L bracket's? what's the deal here? And also I'v seen photos of those nifty PVC pipe feed and water dispensers hanging in other BYCer's coops and would LOVE to know how to make one for my girls! Thanks! Oh and for those of you curious Jasmin our EE chick is still kicking and GROWING so fast! She still has an opening where her umbillical cord was but the over all hard area has decreased.

 

[Mrs. Green Thumbs]

Here's A couple pic's of what I want in theory.

 

[Mervin]

I don't think I'd use just L-brackets. I saw some other pics of your coop and I believe the L bracket would only be fastened to plywood. Depending on the type of plywood the weight of the nest box might put a lot of strain on it and pull the screws right out. I would attach a couple of vertical braces in your framing to support it at least. The weight of a 6-8 lbs and that of the box it self could wear it out quickly. As far a brackets go, I'd suggest utility shelf brackets. L-bracket, even large ones, aren't really designed to bear a lot of weight overhead. They're much better for holding things down at right angles. Another option would be to make a knee (brace) out of wood to hold it up.

 

[Mrs. Green Thumbs]

So you mean put 2x4's inside the coop before I put the wood on? And I had planned on using a good sturdy sheet of wood for the rear because I knew the boxes would be hanging off it. that's why the rear isn't done yet. And what is a knee brace? Like leg's under the boxes?

 

[KatyTheChickenLady]

I can't answer the nest box question form a carpenters standpoint, bu t what I would do is frame the opening on the inside with 2X4's so that you floor would set across the 2X4 the the plywood then jut out the back. Then I would support it with shelf brackets or wood triangles with one edge along the bottom and one against the wall of the coop . . . does that make any sense?
as far as the feeders and waterers go, check out my thread and if that's what you want I will be happy to share instructions, they are very simple. https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=331575
great job so far!
p.s. as soon as I let my girls out of their big fancy coop, the first place they head to is the old rabbit hutch!

 

[Mervin]

Yes, but I'm not sure it necessarily has to be 2"x4". I'm sure a 2"x2" would work. You just need some solid wood in there for the fastener to grab on to. Also it will bear the load a lot better by deflecting some tension. Plywood, I think, would probably work for a while. Someday, not so far into the future, the weight of the nest box and the hen would likely pull the screws back through and upset the apple cart so to speak. A knee brace is would be like legs underneath I guess. I still think you need something solid (framing) to fix it to though.

 

[Monk]

Check out, View My BYC Page, and coop. It has detailed pics on the nesting boxes, PVC waterer and feeder.

 

[Mrs. Green Thumbs]

My only problem is I don't exactly know how to brace anything... I'll have to play around with the design... I'm thinking if I cut the flooring to extend like... a tab behind the coop and screw some 2x4's that we have left over from the pallet's as leg's under the boxes could we attach them with screws and L bracket's?

 

[Mrs. Green Thumbs]

Monk - That is EXACTLY what I was referring to. I want to offer plenty of treats from our kitchen and veggie garden but I also want to provide a smaller feeding system inside the coop for a midnight snack or rainy day's. The first time I saw your photo on another thread here I was enamored with your design! Perfection! I can see them mounted near the large door on the front of the coop for easy access and refilling and they save space!

 

[KatyTheChickenLady]

MONK!!!!! I have been imagining that waterer forever but couldn't figure out how to keep the water from flowing out . . . please expalin in detail! and how did you hook the keyhole thingies to the back? and do you think black pipe would be ok or should it be white?