Mobile House

Ohio History

PVC-Frame Poultry Shelter

On the other end of the field from the feeder was the shelter house. If it follows common designs I've seen, this coop was built from PVC pipes held together by a wooden frame. A tarp was draped over the tope and secured at the end Conestoga-wagon style. It creates shade while reflecting the heat and allowing a breeze to circulate. The chickens can enter and exit through the openings at the bottom. At this time of day, most of them were taking refuge in the shade to keep cool. There was another good reason to stay under cover: we spotted several hawks circulating overhead while we were there. It would be very easy for a bird of prey to swoop down on these little hens not even yet full size. I also wondered how they secured the hens for the night; the broiler chicks would (hopefully) be fine in the enclosed runs, but this shelter was definitely not secure. Possibly there was a way to pull the tarp down to the ground; I am not sure. It was definitely an interesting setup!