Smuvers 1st CP (Cattle Panel) Coop

[pitbullmomma]

Hahaha, I love you, crazy betch!

 

[CapricornFarm]

How hard is it to work with the cattle panels to make a hoop coop? I only ask because my in laws convinced my hubby that it would be “too much work”. They are farmers and were dairy farmers at one time.
I’m not sure I could do it without help, so just wondering. Thanks!

It really is not that difficult. My husband and i did it easily and we are both 60.

 

[lazy gardener]

I would not want to bend the CP alone. When I made mine, I laid the panels out, and attached them to the 2 x 4's. Then, hubby and I braced one end against some cinder blocks, and walked the other end up to make the hoop. Braced that end with cinder blocks, used ratchet straps to help with positioning, then lag bolted and braced the 2 x 4 ends of the frame. Then, it's a simple matter to put in the 2 x 4 ridge pole, and frame in the ends. I did it this way b/c I did not have the strength to drive the staples with the 2 x 4 standing on edge.

 

[rjohns39]

I've found that when using a frame where the 2x4 base is vertical (like smuv's), it was easier to stand the frame up so the 2x4 was flat on the ground, attach the panel, then flip the whole thing over and pull the panel into place and staple it down. When I did my long ones (3 panels), I attached the panels first, then bent three at once. I don't recommend this practice as it's much easier to bend each individual panel into place and then connect them to one another.

 

[aart]

Nice build thread Smuvers!

Agrees that getting the panels home is the biggest prob.
I had some used hog panels delivered on a 16ft trailer,
and had a buddy with trailer help with new cattle panels.

Rachet strap can really help in handling the initial bending of the panel,
and shaping it later.

I don't like to hammer nails let alone fence staples.
I used these:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/aarts-hoop-coop-chicken-tractor.72211/

 

[Smuvers Farm]

Nice build thread Smuvers!

Agrees that getting the panels home is the biggest prob.
I had some used hog panels delivered on a 16ft trailer,
and had a buddy with trailer help with new cattle panels.

Rachet strap can really help in handling the initial bending of the panel,
and shaping it later.

I don't like to hammer nails let alone fence staples.
I used these:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/aarts-hoop-coop-chicken-tractor.72211/

What are those aart? They don't looked enclosed.....

 

[aart]

What are those aart? They don't looked enclosed.....

Nylon wire shelving clamps.
They 'snap' on, I did alternate them(one up, next down),
tho that doesn't really show clearly in the linked build article.
Once all the HC is ziptied and screwed down, those panels aren't going anywhere

 

[bluejeans]

I need to add a coop for some silver apple yard ducklings i already bought 100 feet of fencing and that cost me a small fortune. And every thing i do when finished.. i blame on some one else!