Mini-van-coop-fire evacuation-mobile, PREDATOR BREAK IN!

[chickenreferee]

This deserves a call into "Car Talk." Better get in quick before they go off air! You could also post it on their web site...we "chicken people" can show those "hot rodders" a thing or two..

mo

I agree! I'd love to hear what they'd have to say about this! Love those guys.

 

[7 Biddies]

The tractor looks like a conestoga wagon. How appropriate, being you're out west!

I'm astounded at your creativity! Keep posting.

 

[Hummingbird Hollow]

Just an idea.... I had planned to remove the motor and have the nest boxes under the hood so that I could just open the 'hatch' and get the eggs.
Also, you might want to (if your not already planning to) cover every available window and door with hardware cloth so that you can still open them when it's hot.


Saw this and thought you might find it interesting.

The engine on this van still runs, although I need to jump start it right now to get it going (don't know if the battery is gone or it has just been sitting so long that it lost it's charge) and I intend to use it to move the tractor every day or so. However, I am intrigued by the cover for the rear of the mini-van. Do you know if this is a commercial product or something someone converted from an old tent?

 

[canesisters]

It's probably available through any of the big camping stores - like Campmore or Dicks Sporting Goods or maybe even Bass Pro Shop. Way back when I was still driving the old van (before it broke down and became a possible coop and then got junked) I had looked at these as a cheap, self contained way to go camping.

 

[Hummingbird Hollow]

It looks like it's attached to the van with bungie cords, and that alone gives me some good ideas. I had purchased some of those stick on hooks that you can use for hanging artwork and kitchen towels, thinking to stick them to the outside of the van. I might still try that, but reinforcing with bungie cords would be good too. I'm trying to limit the number of screws I actually screw into the sheet metal, because I figure each hole will increase the speed that the poor old van rusts.

 

[mynamesjenelle]

OK I thought about this and I think I have an idea for you! What if you make a 'tunnel' of flexible netting attached on one side to the tractor, and on the other side to the exterior perimeter of the hatch door opening and to the exterior of the hatch door (so it won't get caught in the door when you close it). Sort of like the accordion connector between train cars that allows them to move yet stay connected. When it's open it will make a tunnel, and when it's closed it will make a sort of u-shape where it attaches to the van and door. I made this horrible drawing to demonstrate:




It will probably be much closer together than this but that's just to give an idea.

 

[Hummingbird Hollow]

OK, I'm done for Wednesday. I built the frame for the hatch-door wall. While once again, I don't intend this wall to be predator proof, I'm worried that if I'm trying to chuck 35 reluctant 4-week-old Freedom Rangers into the van for the night I could badly injure or kill one slamming that hatch door down. So, the idea is that the middle opening will be rigged like a pop door and the sides will be covered with something solid. The top will be poultry netting, like in the front of the coop space. I'll be able to close the chickens inside before actually closing the hatch.



I secured the tarp a bit better, having to cut it in one place so that I can access the van through one of the sliding doors if necessary. I need another roll of duct tape to finish that part. One roost is in place, but I need to purchase one more 8' 2"X4" for the other roost. They'll both be kind of low, but thought that would be better for meat chickens, plus it keeps them out of any drafts from the two side windows.

Hopefully will be finished tomorrow and can turn my attention to finishing the tractor and figuring out how the heck to attach it to the van. Thanks Jenelle for the suggestion. I'm thinking something along the same lines.

 

[Stumpy]

Thanks for the update! It's looking great.

 

[laturcotte1]

I am on the edge of my seat. I love it and can't wait for more...more...more.

 

[wsmith]

Nice!