Need Ideas - Affordable Small Flock Eggmobile

[Molpet]

I personally don't think chickens would be happy in a coop that won't stay warm (hence the wire walls) have you thought about predators???

a wood coop isn't warm at -17f either
the cattle panel is the frame... it's covered in Hardware Cloth with a HC apron, then covered in 2x4 field fencing, then clear tarp https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/mos-cattle-panel-hoop-coops.73385/

 

[shedinator]

those are in places that don't get feet of snow and the birds can go out in the winter. I Have cattle panel hoop coops and 6 birds in an 8x8 is great in the winter... but I end up with 12 and it's crowded on snowy days

My breeder turkeys are in a CP hoop coop. Once the snow gets more than a couple inches high, that one becomes stationary.

I think the 26" wheels on the Chickshaw would mitigate that here - the last couple winters, I don't think we've seen more than a foot of accumulation, and by the time it gets that high the lower strata are pretty well compacted. I do think I would need to enclose the bottom in winter, though... maybe some kind of catch pan underneath the roosting area? Idunno, gotta troubleshoot that. I also want about double his number of nesting boxes, but I think that's easy enough to accomplish. If I could just figure out how to save on materials...

 

[Molpet]

My breeder turkeys are in a CP hoop coop. Once the snow gets more than a couple inches high, that one becomes stationary.

I think the 26" wheels on the Chickshaw would mitigate that here - the last couple winters, I don't think we've seen more than a foot of accumulation, and by the time it gets that high the lower strata are pretty well compacted. I do think I would need to enclose the bottom in winter, though... maybe some kind of catch pan underneath the roosting area? Idunno, gotta troubleshoot that. I also want about double his number of nesting boxes, but I think that's easy enough to accomplish. If I could just figure out how to save on materials...

I have over 20 hens in the big hoop coop and 9 nest boxes... They use 3 unless you count the ones the broodies take over.

 

[shedinator]

I have over 20 hens in the big hoop coop and 9 nest boxes... They use 3 unless you count the ones the broodies take over.

That's good to know.

 

[ButtonquailGirl14]

a wood coop isn't warm at -17f either
the cattle panel is the frame... it's covered in Hardware Cloth with a HC apron, then covered in 2x4 field fencing, then clear tarp https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/mos-cattle-panel-hoop-coops.73385/

umm... a lot warmer then one with drafts! a LOT warmer than being in the open where their body heat cant warm it!

 

[Molpet]

umm... a lot warmer then one with drafts! a LOT warmer than being in the open where their body heat cant warm it!

Agreed.. out of the elements and no drafts is a must

 

[ButtonquailGirl14]

Agreed.. out of the elements and no drafts is a must

 

[aart]

If I could just figure out how to save on materials...

Get someone else to pay for it? Sorry.

Only way to save on material costs is to scavenge and scrounge until you get all you need to build, which will take time, effort, and storage space....and some good luck.

I offset the cost of my coop and run by selling stuff I had but didn't need or use,
but I'm old and had a good job at one time so had a couple high ticket items.

 

[shedinator]

Get someone else to pay for it? Sorry.

Only way to save on material costs is to scavenge and scrounge until you get all you need to build, which will take time, effort, and storage space....and some good luck.

I offset the cost of my coop and run by selling stuff I had but didn't need or use,
but I'm old and had a good job at one time so had a couple high ticket items.

Yeah, I need to find some of these things second hand. But I also think his parts list is overcomplicated. Was just hoping someone on here had built it or something like it and could offer some tips.