Starplate building system for a coop?

[rnoyster]

Has anyone on this site ever used the Starplate building system for a coop? I found it advertised in the Strombergs catalog. It appears to be something that would be workable, fairly inexpensive and possible even portable (depending on the size that you would make it.
Dick

 

[Rare Feathers Farm]

If you do a search on here you will probably find more info...I have seen one on here before...but I think there were unique issues with the walls or something...

 

[Big Chicken Little]

A friend built one in an afternoon and covered it in wire the next day for his outdoor finches. It looked nice and was very strong. I would think it would make a good coop for 12 birds or less... with a little creative engineering you could combine 2 kits.

 

[skunknchatter]

They're pretty cool looking. It would be a unique chicken shack for sure. I don't see why it wouldn't work. Actually it might be something for me to look into

 

[Chauntecleer's Keeper]

How about some pics

 

[rnoyster]

I don't have any pictures, but if you go to Stromberg's Hatchery site, they have several pictures under the Starplate Building System. It is basically a dome, made from triangles. You buy a set of the plates and 25 2"x4"'s of the same length, and assemble the unit. You would then have to roof it and put wire, etc on it.

 

[rnoyster]

OK Folks, I have received the Starplate system. I have the materials ready for the build. Now all I have to do is get the time. I will upload pics as it progresses. I think that it will work fine when completed.
Dick

 

[Zahboo]

What's a starplate building system? Is it something like the starplate tool boxes?

 

[sillybirds]

I looked at their website . That looks like a great idea! I'm interested in hearing how yours works out. The only thing that looks a little tricky is the roofing... have you decided what you're going to roof yours with?

 

[rnoyster]

Well, being a Plumber by trade, I'm lost! But, my bird buddy states that it would be real simple to just use either shingles or roll roofing. It would sure be heavy, but I'm not trying to make it into a chicken tractor either!LOL!
I'll be making it out or 25- 2"x4"x8' treated lumber. They have a plan option to make a square door inside one of the triangles so that it is easy to get into it. It will be 7' high at the sides and 11 1/2' high at the peak. The inside measures 12' wide. So that all totals 110 square feet of floor space. By adding a run off to the side (or sides) to allow the birds to run in, I think that it will do pretty well.
I figure that I have spent $140. for all the materials to construct it. Then I will need shingles and wire. The runs will be netting over a pvc pipe frame. My carpenter buddy said that he thinks he can get me the 4-5 bale of shingles from one of his suppliers (open bales) for a couple of dollars per bale. TSC sells the netting, fence, etc. so that will be purchased when needed. The PVC pipe for the frame of the run, well, did I mention that I'm a Plumber? LOL!!
The instructions and templates to cut the lumber are included in with the plates and appear pretty straight forward. I just need some time.
I will make sure to take pictures from start to finish for all to see.