Need advice for hoop design chicken run

[suzyQlou]

I am not too handy, but I figured I could tackle a chicken run. I used a hoop-design that kycklingars so kindly shared in the chicken tractor section of the coop designs ( backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=22688-kycklingars-4x10-tractor ).

Well, about ten minutes after the pipes were bent, one of them snapped like this: (sorry, I have a photo at i157.photobucket.com/albums/t65/suzyrizzo/010.jpg, but I'm not allowed to post it because I'm new here?!?!)

Anyways, I'm trying to decide whether I should give up on the design, or just replace the one bad pipe. What do you think? My friends in real life are getting tired of talking about my chicken project, lol.

Thanks,
Sue.

PS. This is my fist chicken experience. I'm planning on raising three hens in my suburban backyard. I live in central PA, and I will (eventually) build a 3x4 coop on wheels so that I can move the run and coop around every few days.

 

[DebB11]

can't help you but I'm watching cause I am planning on using the PVC hoop run too...

 

[suzyQlou]

Deb, I'm really hoping that someone will tell me that the pipes work perfectly (when they're installed correctly) too. I love the design. It's compact and lightweight, but big enough for the girls to have some space. I even fit inside (in a pinch) which is something I really want to have in my tractor's run. It was cold here over the weekend (in the 40's) while I was working. Maybe that's why the pipe didn't hold? Maybe they're more stress on the pipe when it's first bent?

 

[perchie.girl]

Quote:
I think the temperature might be your problem as well. If you are using the same material that is specified in the original design... I just took a look and that is a really compact little coop. I took a look at your pix. From the picture I could see you have at least two others that are trying to bend in the middle and snap as well. I would be surprised if the original design lost several pipes before they found some that worked.

You might try the grey electrical conduit vs the white. Electrical conduit is pretty flexible.

By the way there is nothing wrong with doing a square hoop. it would be the same weight. Just add two right angle connectors and glue together. Lay flat while it sets then use in the same application.

Keep us posted.

 

[rgmcgi]

I agree with the Square idea and also think you can accomplish a similar goal by widening the base a bit and sticking with the Arc. That might mean it isn't as tall, but it will certainly put less stress on the PVC. The nice thing about the arc is that you don't have to buy the PVC cement or corner pieces the would be required for the square. They're not that expensive, but always seem like the are over-priced compared to the pipe. Rich

 

[perchie.girl]

Quote:

I agree wider would be better for a hoop. Maybe the original people used a heat gun to relax the PVC. Heat guns are used for stripping paint and for shrinking tubing on electrical connections. You can rent them.

 

[zookeeper15133]

I built the same coop as my first one. I used 1/2" PVC instead of 3/4". I have not had any problems. It has been in use for 1 year now.

 

[farmer_lew]

PVC is flexible, but only so far. If you try to bend it too far, it will snap. Either widen the base, or go with the squared-hoop idea. When gluing PVC connections, it is best to use the purple primer AND PVC glue. The primer actually causes the surface of the pipe to soften a bit allowing better adhesion with the glue. And make sure you are using PVC glue and not ABS glue. The glue will set up pretty quick.

Good luck and

~Farmer Lew

 

[PapaChaz]

the 1/2" does bend easier without snapping. we see a lot of people make greenhouses that way around here. it's a simple idea, but works great.

if you're worried about temp extremes, use cpvc instead, that's what the plumbers use for hot water lines because it withstands the temps. I'm not sure how it would bend tho, it might be more brittle, anyone else tried it?

 

[little brown hen]

How long of a section do you guy's use?