New Tractor/Run In Progress

[nancypo]

We did have to re-design the door latching- was supposed to be on the bottom, now on the side, but have to use other hardware. I also had to fill in a gap with the bamboo by the door. Ah, always design flaws the 1st time!

 

[cluckcluck42]

Looks really good!! I wish I had some cheap PVC lol.

 

[nancypo]

You could try a building supply re-sale place, maybe?

 

[nancypo]

And then you could see if you know someone in the electrical biz?

 

[nancypo]

Update on the coop/house and run-

Well, I added a fresh coat of paint today, painted the 2x2's for the front edge, added the black vent for some light and ventilation, nesting walls are in, back wall all done. We should be done tomorrow, hopefully. Will add a front door frame, netting, ladder and house roost door. I must say I love the opening roof, my idea!

Chicks are all out this afternoon enjoying the warm (70!) spring afternoon. They're really enjoying themselves!

 

[elmo]

Whew! For a second there, I thought you were going to try to rely on the plastic chicken wire to protect your chickens from raccoons at night! Of course, that wouldn't work out so well for your chickens. I assume you're going to finish up your coop with hardware cloth/welded wire, right?

It is possible, although rarer, for raccoons to come out in the day, so just keep that in mind. Our tractor is covered by hardware cloth, but it would be much easier for a critter to dig under the edge, so we never leave our chickens in there when we're not at home to keep an eye on things.

 

[nancypo]

We don't have racoons in our area, they hang out by the river. Will use this, as it's only on the front. Too dry here for them...

 

[nancypo]

I should add I'm in a very urban area...

 

[elmo]

I live within the city limits of Dallas. We have seen raccoons in our backyard, frequently, and we know many other people who live in the city here who have lost chickens (sometimes their whole flocks) to raccoons, sometimes to possums. After tragedy strikes, they rebuild their coops more securely. Many of these people used chicken wire made of wire (not of plastic), and found this was not secure enough.

I wouldn't risk it, myself. You may not have seen raccoons before, but you've never offered them a chicken dinner for the taking before.

 

[nancypo]

Thanks, will think about it. Like I said I never heard of racoons in this part of the city... the stray dogs would probably take care of them...