Need design help for breeder coop

[LoneCowboy]

The dimensions in the essay aren't adding up.

It says cut the legs 16" and that they should extend 4" below the brooder. But if you are putting them under the cleats, then you've got to delete the 4" on top plus the 1" for the cleat.

 

[patandchickens]

am too lazy to go see what website sez, but I can tell you that the book illustrates it being done in the 'obvious' way, whicj is to set the horizontal cleats *between* the vertical corner/legpieces.

So, like, put the 4 plywood sides together, screwing into the leg piece, which will stick out 4". Then put the horizontal pieces on to hold the lid - they will butt against the corner/leg pieces.

Make sense?


Pat

 

[LoneCowboy]

Yeah. I've got it done, I just put the cleat on top of the legs which is really bad wood working, but it's only a 2' X 2' so there really isn't a weight or sturctural issue to worry about. I was just lazy. The legs only sit out 4" below the sides right? That's the only part I'm worried about. They told me to make them 16" long. but they shouldn't only be 12"

 

[patandchickens]

yup, you have the right result. Built the Plamondon way you do need 16" legs, but built your way, only 12". So the thing sits 4" above the ground.

Good luck, hope it works well for you!

Pat

 

[LoneCowboy]

Why is it 16" their way? They say to leave 4" on top for bedding. Was I not supposed to leave so much of a lip on top?

 

[LoneCowboy]

Oh, I see from their picture that they took them all the way to the top. Why would you do that? Then you have to cut out the squares for them out of the top piece. Oh well, mine will work fine. I did put some corner pieces in on top.

Thanks for all your help. I've got to go find the light fixtures now. I'm just waiting for my blue oprington to hatch

 

[Rafter 7 Paint Horses]

Lone Cowboy,

I was talking about the plywood one. They call it insulated because of the material you put in the top part that insulates it.
I didn't make myself clear in the previous post, sorry.

We did find that if you don't put a brace across, under the plywood top, it will sag after time, leaving space for the heat to escape & the chicks will get cold.

DH does make the legs 16 inches, all the way to the top for extra stability. We move these brooders around a lot and needed the added strength.

As the chicks grow, we put bricks or blocks of wood under the legs to raise it according to chick size and heat needs also.

Like I said, we have been using this style brooder for over 3 years, and they are wonderful. We have used similar plans before, but the 4 inch deep top covered with pine shavings or shredded paper made all difference in the world.

Jean

 

[LoneCowboy]

Thanks Jean, I figured it out. Duh. I didn't put the brace, because mine is only 2' x 2' I only do 50 chicks at a time. I got it built, just need to get the right bulbs and we are set.

Thanks everybody!!

 

[Rafter 7 Paint Horses]

We talked about doing a smaller one, but never got around to it. We are planning on hatching a lot this year again, so we will have to make some of the small ones. We will be brooding chicks everywhere!!!

Did you put 1 or 2 light fixtures in the one you made?

Jean

 

[LoneCowboy]

I put 2. I still need to get the bulbs. It's been freezing or below here every night, so I've made the curtains too.

I've got the book on order so I can see all the stuff I did wrong when I get it. Did you get the ceramic light fixtures and just mount them right to the wood, or did you put in thin electrical boxes? DH is all worried about fire, so I've had to put in those out door electrical boxes with the gasket.