[moboma]

HI

We are Mark and Bev

We have a boat yard in the sunny depths of the Norfolk Broads.

After searching the market we have decided to produce affordable chicken houses in GRP.

We made one in the shape of a pie for our 4 girls, we have had a lot of laughs and comments on it.

So we have decided to take the plunge and start producing them.

We are looking at novelty houses such as the Chicken Pie a large EGG an upturned boat and a minin caravan.

As well as the more traditional

We would welcome any advice from seasoned keepers, as to what is missing in the marked and all the little niggles you have found with conventional  housing

All your comments would be welcome, as this is a new field for us, but the plesure our girls give us (apart from chasing the dog)

Makes us want to do more

Mark and Bev

[nettynoodles1]

hi sounds interesting, can you post a pic please to give an idea of what it looks like?!


 the 2 small houses i bought for my chooks have both been rubbish tho not cheap.
 the small triangular one fell to pieces  the door came off along with the support and the wire so its not in use till i fix it (some time never lol) and the larger of the 2 bought ones had far too many lift off bits! eg the back door and the run  lid both bits fell to pieces...... but maybe i just chose badly.  or maybe its because my ponies can get to them  and wanted in to eat the corn pmsl. most important to me is ease of access for cleaning and eggs.

the home made one has lasted the longest still going strong(ish)

hope that helps.

[moboma]

Thanks for the reply

We will post some piccys end of next week as we are in the middle of making a new mould.

One of the main reasons for us working on this project was strength and cleaning.

With GRP it can be hosed or pressure washed with out any fear of damage and easily dried with an old rag

We have found it to be perfect for the job

And as an added bonus no yealy painting

[Aunt Sally]

Hi moboma

I have an eglu and well know the benifits of plastic.  I'm sure you've had a good look at them to see what the design problems could be.

Ventillation without drafts is one of the most importaint.  With plastic you can illiminate nooks and crannies where red mite may lurk too.

[moboma]

yes no small cracks and gaps is a real advantage.

As for ventilastion we are working on a dome system that is on a screw thread that can be opened of closed to the desired settings

[Aunt Sally]

Try to keep the working parts simple so that there is less to go wrong and less to clean.  Make sure the structure does not let rain in !

Obviously the target market is the back garden pet/egg flock so consider how many birds are needed to be housed. I'd say from 2 to 10 with 4-6 being the most usual.  A fox proof run would be a good addition and feeders/drinkers, making it a one stop shop.

[moboma]

The aim is to make all our houses three part

The main shell with recesed doors,a removable roof

An internal shell with moulded nest box water and feed that can be lifted out for filling or cleaning

We aim to keep it all as user friendly as possible.

[poultrygeist]

Hi. Sounds a great idea and good competition for those eglu people !  

As well as the ventilation, do they keep warm in Winter ? (just playing Devil's advocate here)

Obviously perches of some sort.
As Aunt Sally said, a run that can be securely attached.
Can't think of anymore niggly details to pick at yet.  :roll:

A pophole door that can be opened/closed from outside the run.

Good work. Any photos of work in progress or are there copyright issues ?

Rob

[moboma]

Advantage of GRP is you can remove the issue of cracks and holes.
So  cold air cant get in, and as it is also 100% water proof  you dont get cold dampness seeping ineither.

With the air vents we are planning they can be opened and closed to suit the weather just with a twist

We may also in future look in to a unit with built in heating for younger birds.

Photos will be avalible in a couple of weeks

[kimT]

In a the shape of a pie?.................this I have to see

Good luck with your project.

[moboma]

Fraid So
 
Ok i have a warped sence of humour.

I certainly gets attention when people see a huge pie in your garden.
kids where not to please when i said i was going to put our girls in a pie but now they bring there friends round to see it.

We are just taking a new mould off of it so cant sent pic at mo but will do soon as it is finished.

[Aunt Sally]

Don't forget insulation - Double layer with an air gap makes it warm in winter cool in summer.

[peggyprice]

Sounds like a great idea - I love the idea of something a bit more quirky, as long as it is
a) safe & suitable for the birds
b) cleanable without too much bending/twisting (that's me, not the house   )
c) relatively easy to move if necessary

Let me know if you want to do some market testing - will be happy to try out a prototype for you  

[Wildeone]

I think the big thing is you can make them as cute and as funny as you want too BUT they must work! ! ! !

i.e. they have to be practical as well as beautiful!

If you manage that with a secure run and at a price thats accesable i think you may well be onto a winner! ! ! !

[babe]

sounds...erm ... interesting??

wild and wacky will only suit a small market, and eglu pretty much have the monopoly on that.

a pie is a gimmick, not sure how many people would actually want to house their pets in a pie.

(say me who just bought a new handbag with cupcakes on it :roll: )