I really like this, looks easy with two people building it. The only thing I would do differently is to add the chicken to the upper sides all around and on the roof part, otherwise how are you going to keep out squirrel and rabbits? Now I know that rabbits may not climb that high to get in the opening at the top, but the squirrel most definitely can, that is why I would enclose the whole structure w/o the chicken with chicken wire
Unfortunately this setup will not deter my ground squirrels. They will just climb up the wood post, over the chicken wire, and down into the garden. As it is, I believe the chicken wire will also allow small squirrels and field mice to enter through it. Best to use fine mesh netting all around, and over the top to prevent just about all critters, including harmful insects. You would need more 1x2' cross pieces to provide support against high wind for the fine mesh netting. The edges of the netting will also have to be firmly sealed to prevent intrusion of ground insects crawling between the wood and fine mess netting. I live in the high desert, and the critters around here are very persistent and will always find ways to enter into a structure that has food or water. It is nearly impossible to prevent some intrusion of these critters.
Just remember that wood is treated with chemicals for preservation. The impact from leeching may be negligible, but something to remember when making vegetable beds.
I really like this, looks easy with two people building it. The only thing I would do differently is to add the chicken to the upper sides all around and on the roof part, otherwise how are you going to keep out squirrel and rabbits? Now I know that rabbits may not climb that high to get in the opening at the top, but the squirrel most definitely can, that is why I would enclose the whole structure w/o the chicken with chicken wire
What is the final cost?
What are the finished measurements? Is this an 8x8 enclosure?
Unfortunately this setup will not deter my ground squirrels. They will just climb up the wood post, over the chicken wire, and down into the garden. As it is, I believe the chicken wire will also allow small squirrels and field mice to enter through it. Best to use fine mesh netting all around, and over the top to prevent just about all critters, including harmful insects. You would need more 1x2' cross pieces to provide support against high wind for the fine mesh netting. The edges of the netting will also have to be firmly sealed to prevent intrusion of ground insects crawling between the wood and fine mess netting. I live in the high desert, and the critters around here are very persistent and will always find ways to enter into a structure that has food or water. It is nearly impossible to prevent some intrusion of these critters.
Just remember that wood is treated with chemicals for preservation. The impact from leeching may be negligible, but something to remember when making vegetable beds.
Amazing video!
I wouldn’t use pressure treated lumber around a vegetable garden. I prefer to keep my chemically treated wood and my food separated.