Kabouter
In the Brooder
- Apr 25, 2017
- 9
- 5
- 17
High everyone,
I am going to grow meat birds for the first time this year and wanted to run my plan past the group.
I am building a hoop coop based on these plans (http://www.plamondon.com/hoophouse.pdf) from Robert Plamondon. I have altered the dimensions a bit to provide 100 square feet of paddock space. It will be built with 12' 2x6 for runners and 8' wide. Three cattle panels make the roof. All told, according to my math, it should weight about 350# and be easily moved every couple days by our tractor.
The coop cost $387 to build in total ( provided I haven't forgotten anything, I will actually build it this weekend).
For predator protection, I purchased this solar electric fence unit (https://www.premier1supplies.com/p/intellishock-30-solar-fence-energizer) for $216. A single hot wire will go around the bottom of the coop.
For our processing, I purchased the Starplucker SP-1 from CCONLY for $578 shipped. I also purchased a folding fish fillet table which I will use for my evisceration station.
We are going to start by raising 30 muscovy ducks. This should give them 3 square feet per duck, and we hope it will be enough space if we move the tractor every couple days.
The plan is to use the hoop coop as a greenhouse in early spring and fall to extend our growing season a bit as well.
I am still figuring out feeders and waterers for the ducks.
Interested in comments and suggestions, thanks!
I am going to grow meat birds for the first time this year and wanted to run my plan past the group.
I am building a hoop coop based on these plans (http://www.plamondon.com/hoophouse.pdf) from Robert Plamondon. I have altered the dimensions a bit to provide 100 square feet of paddock space. It will be built with 12' 2x6 for runners and 8' wide. Three cattle panels make the roof. All told, according to my math, it should weight about 350# and be easily moved every couple days by our tractor.
The coop cost $387 to build in total ( provided I haven't forgotten anything, I will actually build it this weekend).
For predator protection, I purchased this solar electric fence unit (https://www.premier1supplies.com/p/intellishock-30-solar-fence-energizer) for $216. A single hot wire will go around the bottom of the coop.
For our processing, I purchased the Starplucker SP-1 from CCONLY for $578 shipped. I also purchased a folding fish fillet table which I will use for my evisceration station.
We are going to start by raising 30 muscovy ducks. This should give them 3 square feet per duck, and we hope it will be enough space if we move the tractor every couple days.
The plan is to use the hoop coop as a greenhouse in early spring and fall to extend our growing season a bit as well.
I am still figuring out feeders and waterers for the ducks.
Interested in comments and suggestions, thanks!