My little project turned into THIS doubleldecker!

[equus2]

I got the notion to build a little 12" X 24" run for my newly hatched quail. Myu first independent woodworking project! Nothing fancy, was my plan. I hatched only FIVE.

But, the project grew a bit, and THIS is what I ended up with! Had most materials on hand, neighbor gave us the hardware cloth, shingles. It's 24" deep front to back, 48" wide, and each level is 12" I'm limited in my carpentry skills....so nothing is perfectly square or level. But, it's functional! Has two levels, and when I'm done, I can split each level into two. You can take the center shelf out, and in its' place, put in a vertical divider for two taller sections. Or just leave it open.

Any suggestions? I'm going to wire light bulbs on each level for supplemental heat. I'd like a way to feed and water from the outside.....hate to cut a hole in the wire, though. Do I need to put dropping trays under the first shelf?

Well, now, I'm just going to HAVE to fill the bator one more time!!!

 

[SterlingAcres]

That's cool! Good job...

I'd definitely make a pan for the top half though or they'll be crapping on each other. LOL

 

[smom1976]

yes the poo falling on the poor guys on the bottom was the first thing that came to my mind as well..

and yes my little projects turn that way too..

 

[Poison Ivy]

You could make a couple smaller access doors so that you can open them instead of the bigger doors. The one I have mine in now has only 1 large door on it. I'm always afraid mine are going to fly out while I change the water or feed up. So I'm going to redo a hutch I have so they can have a up & down stairs so they can get on the ground if they want. Plus have a flip up door in the floor so I can block them from the upper part so I can clean and feed up without worry.

 

[equus2]

Thanks for the advice. A droppings pan should be easy enough. And, smaller access doors are a must. Hubby thinks I should chop the legs to 1/2 their length, and attach with hinges what I cut off....so I can adjust the height.

 

[Chick_a_dee]

Is your hardware cloth pulled tight? ... I'm making my brooder and I've put hardware cloth on my "windows," and top for my light, and I can't get it to pull nice and tight grrr, suggestions?

 

[equus2]

Hm, I don't know....This seems to be tight, was a fairly stiff gauge. Nasty stuff, almost poked an eye out! I cut it AFTER I nailed it on. Someone also recommended laying it flat and pounding it out. Made it a whole lot easier to work with.