permanent hoop coop?

[Frithest]

I need to build a coop and am looking for advice from anyone who is using a permanent hoop coop. We have eight unsexed chicks - I'm expecting 3 to 5 hens and we have plenty of room. I bought the chicks from Andy and Pam at www.raincreekpottery.com, where they keep almost their entire flock in large, tarp-covered hoop tractors with plastic tubs for nesting boxes and they have been very happy with the system. We're in WA state (they're in Port Orchard, I'm in Seattle). Andy has posted a really nice set of photos on their website, of how to build the coops. I need to adapt their design for urban use, meaning a permanent, predator-proof hoop coop covered in something more acceptable than a tarp to appease my very particular neighbors. I'm thinking indoor-outdoor acrylic or polyester awning fabric over hardware cloth, with sides that can roll up when it's hot. I also want to use the deep bedding system, and be able to lift the entire coop up and away once a year for a thorough raking out. My questions are 1. will this fabric hold up for a couple of years, and 2. how to make it both predator-proof AND semi-movable? I don't want to predator-proof it with a hardware cloth base because I think that'll make it hard to rake out. The deep bedding system I've seen was directly on the ground (no plywood base) and I'd like to try that. I have a million ideas in my head but would love to hear from anybody who has tried something similar. If I make a 2x4 frame for the base, with hardware cloth attached to it and buried, then a hoop coop that fits inside the frame and is held in place by that, might this work? I'm butt lazy and trying to avoid cutting any more wood than I need, and avoid daily cleaning.
This is my first post, sort of an introduction, BTW. Have loved the threads I've been reading (particularly the tackiest coop contest, and the story of Nan).
Thanks!

 

[georgiagail]

Look at what FarmTek has to offer regarding such buildings:

http://www.farmtek.com/farm/supplies/cat1a;ft1_tension_fabric_buildings.html

Farmtek also carries shade cloth which you might consider over tarps.

Gail

 

[fdehaven]

If you look at my page it is hoop style.
I love it and you can easily build it.....

 

[wishingbee]

Hey there!

I can't be of any help to you regarding the hoop design, but I just wanted to thank you for providing the link to Rain Creek Pottery. I'm in WA as well and have been looking for local, well raised chicks. This link looks like a promising lead for me!

Good luck with your search, hope you find exactly what you're looking for.

 

[wardrum]

Here is a link to some Im not sure how permanent they are but they are really nice I think http://henhoops.com/index.html

 

[ceeceeholt]

Quote:
Love your set up.....also, confirms my husband and I are not nuts when I saw your chairs facing the coop to "watch" your chickens

We do this every night and my husband said we were crazy, but having so much fun!!

 

[Frithest]

Thanks for the feedback so far folks. I'm still looking around and enjoying this opportunity to make things for the babies.
Ceeceehold and fdehaven, we have little camp chairs surrounding the brooder box in our kitchen right now. We bask in the glow of the chick's cuteness.
Wishingbee - I can't say enough about how glad I was to find a local source for rare breeds. Pam and Andy don't sex the chicks, so if you want girls you have to wait until they feather out and they can tell for sure who's who.
Georgiagail - those hoop enclosures are just what I have in mind, but are so spendy!

More to follow as I get this show on the road!
Frith