Any people out there that can help me with this

Roughlee Handled · « **on:** January 20, 2009, 13:08 »

I am trying to plan the construction of a chicken run. Now its going to be big and this is causing me problems as it is beyond my knowledge.(if it was smaller I could cope.) The I area have is 5m by 10m and I am going to use all of it.

Now I was going to dig each post into the ground to a depth of 60cm and concrete the posts in. But as I have 11 posts to set I have changed my mind and am going to go for Metpost 4 x 4" 'Wedge Grip' Concrete-In Post Support

How do I attach the rails between posts. Sound like a stupid question I know. The rails will be spaced one at ground level and one between the two sheets of weld mesh and one at the top.

I want to get started this weekend so I have to order "stuff" today or tomorrow, so I can keep my self occupied. I am finding it strangely hard to concentrate at the moment. I keep thinking of my girls and I want to get "Big Speck" home. But before I can do this I have to build fortress and then purchase or hatch friends for her. On the plus side she is with a Black Orpington cockerel so I could start on a incubator.

There is a urgency to this project but I know it will take me a long time to finish.

Any help.

too many girls · « **Reply #1 on:** January 20, 2009, 13:14 »

quiet at work again Rough?
sorry can't help with the run thingy.

Roughlee Handled · « **Reply #2 on:** January 20, 2009, 13:16 »

Not very busy but I have to get this out of my head. I also have to start the run this weekend.

Aunt Sally · « **Reply #3 on:** January 20, 2009, 13:20 »

If you don't want to get into carpentry joints you can just screw them together; even skew nail or srew them would be fine.

How about right angle metal Angle Brackets :?:

Vember · « **Reply #4 on:** January 20, 2009, 13:36 »

I'd go with the angle brackets as ASally has suggested

Although that said I haven't used rails between the uprights but very thick galvanized wire - pulled from end to end, hubby has one of those tightener do da's so that it's very taught

Use screw in holey things(like this pic) to attach the wire to the posts only obviously used some slightly bigger ones

I find it makes things a bit more flexible in the wind

Sarah

mikebucks · « **Reply #5 on:** January 20, 2009, 13:49 »

Hi, if you use decking screws they pull in very easily and won't rust or corrode and putting two in each end, top and bottom would mean it will be quick to do. ..and if you change your mind your electric screwdriver will pull them out easily and you can then build a bigger run!!

poultrygeist · « **Reply #6 on:** January 20, 2009, 15:27 »

My run is similar, though smaller. I just drilled and screwed the cross rails to the uprights on the outer face.
The weldmesh is then fixed to the underside and topside of the crossrail as well as the uprights. Makes it harder for the mesh to be prised away IMO.

Got some photos somewhere.

Rob

poultrygeist · « **Reply #7 on:** January 20, 2009, 15:31 »

Here's one that might show what I mean....

Rob

richyrich7 · « **Reply #8 on:** January 20, 2009, 15:47 »

You want to visit a timber yard, they will have loads of kit just the job, you can get metal joints that have the nails already made into them so all you do is hammer in place, what you want are T joints.

karlooben · « **Reply #9 on:** January 20, 2009, 16:36 »

my run is 10 m by 6 m's , i have 5 {3'3 } posts down the length of the run an 2 down the width between the main corner posts,they are in the ground with post stakes , they are then held together at the top and bottom with 4'1 gravel boards . at each corner i have 3'3 cut down posts at angles holding the main posts solid { protects the main fence in high winds } .

then in the centre of the run is more posts holding up main gravel boards to keep the run from bowing inwards as it will be pulled in as u place the wire around it .

karlooben · « **Reply #10 on:** January 20, 2009, 16:39 »

RH there are a few pics on chicken chat of parts of my run the post is MY RUN AND THE GIRLS , it mite help u a tiny bit .

Roughlee Handled · « **Reply #11 on:** January 20, 2009, 16:42 »

Thanks all. I love it when a plan comes together.

And karlooben I was just typing "do you mind, but I have to ask you have you got photos? I you show me yours I will show you mine. Well when it is finished."
Thanks I will search for it.

karlooben · « **Reply #12 on:** January 20, 2009, 16:46 »

hope u find them , if u want more detailed pics i can do some tomorrw afternoon and get them online asap.

it took me 2 months to build my run but i did do probably 90% on my own.

muntjac · « **Reply #13 on:** January 21, 2009, 04:54 »

id make some triangle corner blocks out of of 2 x 4 plus the thickness of the wooden upright materail and drill then screw these to the uprights and then cut and fit the cross members to the blocks . this will help it stand up to the wind as well and make a nicer finish

Aunt Sally · « **Reply #14 on:** January 21, 2009, 09:28 »

Brilliant idea Munty ( and cheap too

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Any people out there that can help me with this

too many girls

Vember

poultrygeist

poultrygeist