tom20175
Hatching
- May 31, 2016
- 2
- 0
- 7
Hi there,
I'd like to build a mobile run for 12 hens. I've done a bit of reading online, and I think I've decided on a 10x12 run which seems to agree with the rule of thumb I've read: 10 square feet per hen.
What I'm not so sure about is the height. I need to keep weight of the run in mind because I plan on making it mobile. I will place 2 15" tires at about mid-point, and use an idea someone posted to create a retractable wheel lift here: http://www.avianaquamiser.com/posts/Revised_chicken_tractor_wheel_lift/
I'm trying to decide on the height of the run. Since I'd like it to be mobile, weight is a factor. I'm thinking of using 2x4 lumber, 24" on center. Originally, I thought of making it 5 feet high, so I could get inside the run easily if I wanted to. But once I realized how heavy all that lumber would be, I started reconsidering the height and now I'm wondering if 4 feet, or even 3 feet would be better.
So, before I begin construction, I have a few questions, and I'd appreciate feedback on any of these:
1) What height would you suggest for a mobile run?
2) Is the 24" on center framing overkill? Could I get by with 30" or even 36" on center, or would I risk warping?
3) Does anyone have some pictures, or links for retractable wheels? I found this one, and I think it will work, even for my dimensions:
4) Any favorite links or pictures you've come across for a nice run?
Thank you!
Tom
I'd like to build a mobile run for 12 hens. I've done a bit of reading online, and I think I've decided on a 10x12 run which seems to agree with the rule of thumb I've read: 10 square feet per hen.
What I'm not so sure about is the height. I need to keep weight of the run in mind because I plan on making it mobile. I will place 2 15" tires at about mid-point, and use an idea someone posted to create a retractable wheel lift here: http://www.avianaquamiser.com/posts/Revised_chicken_tractor_wheel_lift/
I'm trying to decide on the height of the run. Since I'd like it to be mobile, weight is a factor. I'm thinking of using 2x4 lumber, 24" on center. Originally, I thought of making it 5 feet high, so I could get inside the run easily if I wanted to. But once I realized how heavy all that lumber would be, I started reconsidering the height and now I'm wondering if 4 feet, or even 3 feet would be better.
So, before I begin construction, I have a few questions, and I'd appreciate feedback on any of these:
1) What height would you suggest for a mobile run?
2) Is the 24" on center framing overkill? Could I get by with 30" or even 36" on center, or would I risk warping?
3) Does anyone have some pictures, or links for retractable wheels? I found this one, and I think it will work, even for my dimensions:
4) Any favorite links or pictures you've come across for a nice run?
Thank you!
Tom
