Redesigning an A frame Coop

[candacemusarra]

Hello Everyone,

A few years ago, my husband built the A-frame coop designed by Harvey Ussery. We were so excited because it was supposedly mobile and designed for the long term. Well, as with many mobile coop designs, they aren't built for a property on a slope. It was next to impossible to move. And because it was a low A frame, I could never get into it to clean it out. And the deep litter method was next to impossible because it would just cake on the slope.

So I'm thinking about trying to convince my husband to lift this and make walls for it so that we can get into it and clean/compost in it. Has anyone ever taken something like this on?

 

[lazy gardener]

That would be a perfect solution.

 

[candacemusarra]

Hmmm, I guess I'm wondering if I'll have to take things apart in order to lift it? So overwhelming!

 

[Johnny98]

Worst case, an off-road/farm jack and a pile or two of pallets for cribbing and you guys could raise it up pretty easy to get some corner posts under it. Easy way is a local farmer type buddy with a bucket on his tractor.

 

[candacemusarra]

Worst case, an off-road/farm jack and a pile or two of pallets for cribbing and you guys could raise it up pretty easy to get some corner posts under it. Easy way is a local farmer type buddy with a bucket on his tractor.

When you say cribbing, do you mean using pallets as the walls?

 

[Johnny98]

No, although that could sure work after sinking some 4x4 corner post in.

This is easier than explaining, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Box_crib

Just think of the pallets, stacked flat near each corner, as a cheap easy layer to temporarily hold up the structure while you do your thing.

When you say cribbing, do you mean using pallets as the walls?

 

[pennyJo1960]

When you say cribbing, do you mean using pallets as the walls?

I think that was just to lift it

 

[candacemusarra]

No, although that could sure work after sinking some 4x4 corner post in.

This is easier than explaining, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Box_crib

Just think of the pallets, stacked flat near each corner, as a cheap easy layer to temporarily hold up the structure while you do your thing.

Oh thank you for the link! That makes sense. We do have a neighbor that has a tractor with a bucket and I'm sure he could help us get the roof on. This is really helpful, thank you!

 

[aart]

Yeah....'A-frames' make great roofs, but lousy coops.

 

[Folly's place]

Then also change out the chicken wire for hardware cloth. Much safer.
Mary