Why I hope to never again build a PVC run or tractor...pics

[stilldeb]

We have two very large pens out of pvc pipe and zip ties with heavy tarps over the tops. We like it because you can make any shape you want out of it. Both of ours have peaked roofs and several 'doors'. They are semi-mobile and we move them periodically. We don't have a large predator problem, no neighbors, and everybody is locked up tight at night, so it works well for us. So far, our biggest problem was that we had 80 mph straight line winds and one of the pens picked up and moved about a foot from the coop, even though it was attached, no match for the storm, was like a giant box kite...so now it is belted on with ratcheted tie downs.

deb g
kY

 

[gavinandallison]

Am I strange? I like hardware cloth and zip ties!!

 

[dbounds10]

Quote:
I think you might need some sort of therapy!

 

[Barb Root Hinkkanen]

It's done! The '4 hour' project that turned into many many more hours - it's done!

I can build just about anything, pretty well I think, for someone with minimal professional experience.

But this PVC portable run just about did me in. I like zip-ties, I really really do. But I don't care to see another one for quite a long time, thank you!

I hate hardware cloth. I hate very little in this life (life is too short for it) - but, hardware cloth and I simply do NOT agree. I wanted it to bend right - it went left. I needed it to be straight, it went the opposite direction. ARGH.

But I perservered and it's done.

It's 8'3" one way and 8' the other. Used 1/2" PVC for the framing members with electric conduit holders for the pvc-to-wood connectors. 1/4" hardware cloth on the bottom 36"; 1/2" hardware cloth for the second layer. Ordinary tarp for a top. No, this is a fair-weather only kind of set-up at this time. As my chicks are 6wks old, they don't need much for 'furniture' or nesting boxes or such. I bring their waterer from the coop and liberally sprinkle chick crumbles for some foraging fun. They've not figured out bugs yet - won't eat 'em. The ground is much too moist to dust bathe in. But oh, grass is GOOD! And since weather here is very cool, they've only been out for about 45min daily (temps are 55 - 60 degrees - ok, but not as nice as that great brooder light!)

Enjoy the pictures.

Yes, that's a tarp for a top. We've got 4prs of red-tailed hawks who use our neighborhood for their hunting grounds. Wanted to protect from the hawks, yet still be able to forage. (When the tarp gets ripped up, it's simply $2.99 at Ace Hardware to replace. Did I mention I HATE hardware cloth? Couldn't imagine being that high up and dealing with it.)

Door detail thumbnail (click to enlarge) - sorry, it's sideways:


Found the 'handle' at Menards - it's a 3/4" piece of pvc that's been 'bent' to shape already. Cool, eh?!

Hinge detail thumbnail (click to enlarge) - sorry this is sideways too:


The hinges are a pair of 'T' connectors - the one on the door itself is 1/2" all the way around, so it's part of the door, the one on the 'frame' is 3/4" straight with a 1/2" T, and the 3/4" straight fits over the 1/2" doorframe piece of pvc and 'floats' - well it would, if it wasn't for that hardware cloth! But it stays in place pretty well.

For a lock, at this time, we're using two green garden 'twist-tie' wire, it's quick, easy and I have a roll of 1000 feet!

Hope I gave you some ideas! Hardware cloth is my nemesis!

Nice job! I have similar problems with hardware cloth. It is quite difficult to work with.

 

[Barb Root Hinkkanen]

To the OP.....I understand. I really do. I enlisted my SS last fall while my DH was out of town working. We raided his trailer that he had brought home from a remodel and got all the 2x4's off that. The main cost to me was the hardware cloth and zip ties.

And I feel the same way about hardware cloth. You have to have on a long sleeved shirt and gloves to handle it to get through without too many wounds!!! And I love zip ties. And I understand they will degrade over time and plan on checking them on a regular basis and replacing them....but they made it easier for me.

The real advantage of yours is that you can walk into it. I understand it is for putting your babies into to 'free range' and is not for long term....and they won't be 'living' in it.

I do have a pair of cochins living in mine for now that I am getting ready to move but it served me well in an emergency. I have placed cinder blocks all around and it is secure. I also have a tarp on the back 1/3 that gives them a place to get out of the rain and there is a roost inside and a 'nest box'. Mine has wheels so it can be moved.

After moving the cochins my 6 weeks old chicks will go in for a short period of time until the new, 3rd, coop are run are built.

Good job on yours....I really wish I could stand up in mine!

I have a picture of this that I drew to build! I even have the wood on top! I have a couple of plans. The second one is for a larger run, using two 10' pieces for each with three pieces of the wood bracing screwed in. My only problem is I drive a Chevy HHR and it only holds 9' lengths so how do I get it home from the store...hmmm, maybe it will be sticking out the back or the window. I should take a picture of that!