Chicken shed build thread

[corkman2013]

Would the bird's perch on them sometimes.

 

[Daniel]

Wasn't expecting eggs for 3 weeks! Dread to think of the cost per egg....

 

[Pan mixer]

Wasn't expecting eggs for 3 weeks! Dread to think of the cost per egg....View attachment 300002

Always comforting to know that you have at least 2 of the right sex.

 

[wellingtonfarmer]

Well Daniel I am mega impressed.

Does any member run hens along with ground Solar Panels.
If so what are the downsides please.

Preventing birds jumping on solar panels would be hardest part I imagine

 

[Daniel]

Hit a downside of keeping chickens this evening. Getting the birds to roost up on the system. Took us 1hr 45 to do one side, 4 people, prob 6000 birds.

Think we may have the lighting sequence wrong, walls,roof then system, 20 minutes ramp down on each. Any ideas @Retraceh @wellingtonfarmer

 

[Retraceh]

Try a bit longer dimming time on the orange system lights. I also start with electric wires down the walls and then they tend not to try and roost against the walls. They generally got better quick but that is a lot on the floor. Think we had 200 in each shed last flock!

 

[Frodo]

We are now on our 6th flock in a 16000 multi tier and have noticed a phenomenal improvement. First flock would be similar to yours, last flock we would only put up 200 birds on the first night.

The way the birds are reared is very important and I think our rearers (Noble) have made improvements.

I also put the birds through a bit of jet lag. Where the rearers have lights on 8am till 6pm (or whatever) I change it to 10am till 8pm. Means the birds are tired and start to roost when the lights are still on.

Even if numbers on the floor are high it is rewarding that the numbers reduce so dramatically each night. In a week I would expect it to be a one man job.

 

[wellingtonfarmer]

We are now on our 6th flock in a 16000 multi tier and have noticed a phenomenal improvement. First flock would be similar to yours, last flock we would only put up 200 birds on the first night.

The way the birds are reared is very important and I think our rearers (Noble) have made improvements.

I also put the birds through a bit of jet lag. Where the rearers have lights on 8am till 6pm (or whatever) I change it to 10am till 8pm. Means the birds are tired and start to roost when the lights are still on.

Even if numbers on the floor are high it is rewarding that the numbers reduce so dramatically each night. In a week I would expect it to be a one man job.

We always house in the evening and switch lights off after unloading, gives birds a good nights sleep and then they wake up to food and water! I'm get annoyed if I have to chuck more than 50 a pen

@Daniel try switching wall lights off earlier and then have ropes and ridge (if you have them?) on for a hour

 

[Daniel]

Thanks both. Will make some adjustments and try again tonight.

After all, I've made this build process look easy on here and I wouldn't want to fool anyone......! [emoji3][emoji12]

 

[Daniel]

Palletiser installed and commissioned, I hope I never have to go into the control software, it's very 2001, programme even contained in an old 3.5" floppy disc!

Video for @sleepy

 

[Daniel]

Haven't posted for a while, not least because the learning curve has been very steep on this new unit! But their woodchip arrived this week and the birds have been loving it. They haven't put weight on as I would like and are a good week behind schedule, but that's livestock for you!

 

[Daniel]

Final part of the jigsaw commenced today, installing the egg conveyor between the old shed and the new:

 

[S J H]

Have you got the fencing sorted @Daniel I've suddenly got an urge to go banger racing.

 

[Daniel]

Have you got the fencing sorted @Daniel I've suddenly got an urge to go banger racing.

Ha ha, yes all sorted a local chap and friend of @Andy26 is doing it.

 

[Pan mixer]

Final part of the jigsaw commenced today, installing the egg conveyor between the old shed and the new:

View attachment 315868View attachment 315870

That conveyor looks like it might be a bit vulnerable to passing tractors and vehicles - now that would make a mess.

 

[Tim G]

That conveyor looks like it might be a bit vulnerable to passing tractors and vehicles - now that would make a mess.

No, it would make an omelette!

 

[Pan mixer]

No, it would make an omelette!

I was going to say that but thought it a bit too cheesey

 

[Daniel]

That conveyor looks like it might be a bit vulnerable to passing tractors and vehicles - now that would make a mess.

The high bit is where tractors pass under, the rest should be out of their way. I think it might be wise to sink RSJs into the ground in front of the legs?

 

[Philip Watkins]

The high bit is where tractors pass under, the rest should be out of their way. I think it might be wise to sink RSJs into the ground in front of the legs?

Some form of crash protection would be a good idea.

 

[Retraceh]

Does the conveyor take the eggs into the packer in new shed?
How are the birds getting on?