New Young Bird Loft

[hillfamilyloft]

I am throwing around an idea for a new young birds loft. I have been looking at small loft design. I have come up with a few criteria. 6x12 feet with the ability to separate into two sections. May even make it where I can convert it into a widowhood loft with a hens and cocks side. The following are a few more criteria that I want:

Made of panels so it can be broken down and moved. My thoughts are that I want it mobile and easily mobile. Where I can put it into a U-haul, Be broken down and set up in a day. Want it to be a two man job.

Open and airy. I like open lofts.

Toying with the idea of half solid floor and half slats or grating.

One trap that can enter both sides of the loft. I have thought up a triangular shape with one entrance that spits into two small drop traps at 45 degrees into the loft. Thinking of how this will work with an electronic clock.

I am working on a design that can be bolted together or screwed with large screws.

I want an aviary that runs the length of the loft. About 2-3 foot deep. Removable. Thinking of a 2x12x5 design.

I am very open to ideas and was wondering if anyone in here has a loft made out of panels. I know they do this in Europe.

Randy

[risingstarfans]

Why not just get a flat bed trailer and build on that?

Check on ebay. I bought an old travel trailer, and its working out fine for me as a loft, but I don't fly.

[ND Cooper]

When you take it down, how do, -would you transport the pigeons?
I think that I know what you are after, But could you tell us what the main goal is? As far as being a mobile loft is concerned.
Don't build a house of cards!

[hillfamilyloft]

My thoughts are 2x4 construction with siding, OSB, shingles and the works. It will be sturdy. Each section will need two people to lift. The birds will be put in crates if I ever move it. I do not see if down for more than a few days. I think I have my design in my head. When I find a way to post it, I will put it up. I am looking at about $400 in materials. We will see if I can build it for that.

Randy

[Lovebirds]

My husband built a loft for a guy back in 2005 and in 2006 we had to go take it down and move it. He built the 4 walls and they were bolted together and very easy to take down and put back up. The hardest part was the roof. That was put on after the 4 walls were up and it was shingled and we literally couldn't budge it, but the guys wound up cutting it in half and putting it back together once the loft was up again.
This is it

[LokotaLoft]

that loft looks great , those roofs are always the hardest part of moving them around but a sheet metal roof would make it a little bit lighter but I think shingles are prolly cheaper

[klondike goldie]

all that sounds great. Things must be awful cheap where you live, that paint sprayer and nail gun would put you over budget here where I live. you cant buy much for $400. I hope you can do it and come in under budget. good luck and like everybody says.... keep us posted

[hillfamilyloft]

I will only be able to get one or the other. Nothing fancy on the paint sprayer. A framing gun is around $250. A workable paint sprayer will run $200. Lumber has gone down. Siding $20 a sheet. osb $6, 2x4s $2 each. My thoughts are about $500 will do it. I do have some things laying around.

Another good place to look is at building sites. They have osb, 2x6s etc laying around in throw away piles that they are more than happy for you to haul off.

Randy

[hillfamilyloft]

The Sears run produced a paint gun and a miter saw. I will do a Lowes run for 2x4s Monday and start construction. Looks like the old hammer will get some use after all unless I can rent a nail gun cheap enough.

[hillfamilyloft]

As of now I have spent $120 on the loft directly. I decided to use the plywood/siding like is used on the loft on skylakesions page. This eliminates the OSB. I have cut the 2x4s for the back and front panels. I am going to make the front 7 1/2" tall instead of 7". So I need to re-cut some of the boards.

The siding will be the main expense at $30 a sheet. I will need 7. I still need about $40 for more 2xs and will need some shingles and one more OSB. May also need another roll of hardware cloth and roofing felt. I will keep you posted on the expense. Right now it is looking like about $450.

I will post some pics in the next few days.

[Jay3]

Thanks for the update. Looking forward to the pictures.

[hillfamilyloft]

I will be framing Wednesday. I decided just to do it like I learned when I was 12. My goal is to have it framed and all the bolts drilled and do a dry run putting the loft together. I have decided to do the roof in two panels connected with a 8 to 12 inch middle section. Simple and light. My thoughts are that if I ever move the loft, it will get re-shingled at that time. I will post some pics tomorrow with the dry framing. I have decided to use siding that is primed on one side and osb on the other. Cheaper and easier to exterior paint. Two thick coats covers OSB pretty well. I may prime it first. I have decided to erect the loft and then paint also. I will most likely paint the floor before I put it up. Spray it with the gun and then hand paint the trim.

Randy

[hillfamilyloft]

Framed the front, will have pics Thursday. Wore plum out today and did not get around to it.

Randy

[hillfamilyloft]

Well the walls are framed and bolted into place for a trial run. The traps will be a bit higher than I wanted, but I like my traps above the aviaries. One good thing about the loft being in panels is that if I do not like the front, I can rebuild it and put a new one in. I will see how they go. I will need a few bricks or a step ladder. Here are some pics. I will be working on the roof Friday. May get some siding up. Looking at first of next week for birds. My oldest are going on six weeks and I banded six more today.

Randy

[klondike goldie]

it's looking real good.