The hoop coop build

[Hopperkiller]

I've used the same silver tarp for about 3 years now, maybe more, and it'll go at least that many more, I expect. Granted, it's under a large Maple, not in full sun, but it's stood some pretty stiff breezes, like the 60 mph breeze we had last week; not the 1st sign of a tear. It's what's left of one of those hoop style, tarp-covered shelters that the wind took down several years ago.
I'm building another hoop coop, will be used as a greenhouse. I'll roof it with the poly panels you referenced. How did you fasten them down to the livestock panels? I'm thinking hd zip ties.

Notice a lot of people using zip ties and can't help but wonder if the sun ever shines on them. I quit using zip ties outside for anything other than temporary emergency. The sunshine in my area destroys zip ties in about six months. I tie wirh galvanized wire now.

 

[mikeyv0295]

A landing or porch, as wide as door and same depth,
height half way between ground and bottom of door,
would suffice there better than a ramp.
A couple concrete blocks would do.

Not really high enough for a ramp.
Some numbers would help for scale.
Height of bottom or door.
Height and width of door.

I make my ramps no less than 8-10" wide for two way traffic,
cleats all the way across spaced 4-6".

It’s a 1x8 board, I can easily add cleats all the way across. The ground to the bottom of the door is just over a foot. The door itself is 12 3/4” wife but I can’t remember the height. I think close to the same. I’m only having 5 chickens so if they can’t deal with not having a 2 way traffic ramp then Idk what to tell them lol.

 

[mikeyv0295]

I love it and like how you placed your roosting bar lengthwise. We're in the middle of making an 8x8 as well. It will have corrugated metal roofing completely over the back section and just partially over the entire length. Draggable with outside nesting boxes. We'll add additional tarp over the top in bad weather as needed. View attachment 1287305

Thanks! Good luck with it! Looks like a great start.

 

[aart]

It’s a 1x8 board, I can easily add cleats all the way across. The ground to the bottom of the door is just over a foot. The door itself is 12 3/4” wife but I can’t remember the height. I think close to the same. I’m only having 5 chickens so if they can’t deal with not having a 2 way traffic ramp then Idk what to tell them lol.

2 way traffic for you might not be an issue with a foot drop....mines 30" off the ground.

 

[mikeyv0295]

2 way traffic for you might not be an issue with a foot drop....mines 30" off the ground.

I agree

 

[mikeyv0295]

Say hypothetically I didn't add a run and kept the birds in this full time, would 5 be fine? 8'x8'. We are gonna be free ranging often but I always like to plan for the worst or at least for possible situations that might come up.

 

[frostic]

Wow very nice.

 

[Ms Biddy]

Say hypothetically I didn't add a run and kept the birds in this full time, would 5 be fine? 8'x8'. We are gonna be free ranging often but I always like to plan for the worst or at least for possible situations that might come up.

In my opinion, yes. This is perfectly nice, especially if they're allowed to free range regularly. Because it's small, it would need to be cleaned frequently.

 

[aart]

Say hypothetically I didn't add a run and kept the birds in this full time, would 5 be fine? 8'x8'. We are gonna be free ranging often but I always like to plan for the worst or at least for possible situations that might come up.

Hypothetically, yes.
Realistically, maybe not.
Be ready to adjust as necessary,
which may be after something gets under or goes thru the tarp and into the coop,
or they become crowded and/or overheated and start crabbing at each other.
I'd add HC under the tarp.
Then start building a secure run now,
you'll be glad when the temps start to go up.

 

[mikeyv0295]

Hypothetically, yes.
Realistically, maybe not.
Be ready to adjust as necessary,
which may be after something gets under or goes thru the tarp and into the coop,
or they become crowded and/or overheated and start crabbing at each other.
I'd add HC under the tarp.
Then start building a secure run now,
you'll be glad when the temps start to go up.

I don’t mind making adjustments and I’m sure at some point we’ll be adding a run, on top of free ranging. That’s a double tarp on top so it would have to get through 2 tarps, chicken wire and fit through the cattle panel. Which I’m sure if something is motivated enough it’ll do it. What’s HC btw?