subject: Hen Ark Plans – Step by Step Instructions Pt. 2 [print this page] Hen Ark Plans Step by Step Instructions PtHen Ark Plans Step by Step Instructions Pt. 2
If you have read "Hen Ark Plans Step by Step Instructions Pt. 1"then you have the materials that I listed in my previous article we can now dive into the hen ark plans and begin assembling your hen ark.
1. First level the area your hen ark coop will be assembled. Use a grade rod which is a 2"x4"x 6' piece of lumber and a 6' level to check for grade.
2. Take your 4"x4"x12'lay them parallel with each other. Cut a 4"x4"x12' piece into two 5 ft. pieces. Place the 5' pieces one at each end of the 6' pieces.
3. Take a 2"x4"x12' pc. of lumber, and cut 2 pcs. At 5'-7"Ea. Place them on top of the 4"x4' end pieces over lapping the 4"x4" at the ends and nail them down.
4. Cut 2 pcs 2"x4"x12' at 11'- 5" Ea. Place them on top of the 4"x4" and nail them down to finish the base of the hen ark. You now have your rectangle base.
5. Cut 18 pieces of 2"x 4"x 5' for your wall studs. Toenail the wall studs, at the bottom of the studs, to the base plate. Toenail 2 studs at each corner for posts, and each stud 2' on center at the perimeters.
6. place 2"x4"x12' top plate on top of your wall studs at the same 2' on center spacing and nail them together. Do this at the total perimeter.
7. On one side of the 12' length wall place another 2"x4"x12' on top and nail. This will be for the slop of the roof.
8. Cut 7 pieces of 2"x4"x6' ceiling joist lumber. Place one at each end and the others at 2' on center. Attach them with Simpson metal joist plates. The lumber should be standing on edge. Span from long wall to long wall.
9. Place a 4'x8' sheet of plywood on top of ceiling joist. Make sure the edges fall in the middle of a joist to allow for nailing.
10. Place roof paper on top of plywood nailing edges with " roofing nails. Remember to nail the field, only where there are ceiling joists. Start putting the paper at the bottom edge of the roof. That's the lower part of the slope. Then work to the top.
11. Install the metal drip edge at the perimeter over the roofing paper edge and nail.
12. Install composition roll roofing. Starting at the bottom of slope and work to the top. Nail off at 6" intervals at the perimeter and the fields only were ceiling joists are underneath.
13. Install swinging door with latch and you have your hen ark ready for your hens
