Building Basics: Mobile A-Frame Chicken Coop Day 1 POSTPONED UNTIL SPRING

In this workshop, participants will learn basic building skills including the use of simple tools.  The workshop will be held in two parts.  During part I, we will discuss a wide variety of farm structures including sheds, hay storage, and hoop houses, as well as chicken and swine tractors.  There will be a tour of Neshanic Farm where Dr. Joseph Heckman has built a number of useful structures from found and foraged materials.  During the tour, we will highlight the evolution of the buildings and the thinking behind the designs as well as the basic skills needed for their construction.  Also during part I, we will look at a building plan for our group project.  We will discuss how we chose the design, the prep work involved with the project, as well as the basic plan for building the structure as a group during part II.  The following day, Saturday, during part II of the workshop, we will build the design discussed: a small, mobile A-frame chicken coop suited for backyard poultry or a 4-H project.  Participants will receive instruction on using saws, drills, and other simple tools and will work in teams to assemble the coop.  We will discuss materials, cut wood (including angles), drill pilot holes, and assemble the coop using simple joinery with screws and gussets.  Each participant will receive a copy of the building plan.  It may be possible for participants to purchase a pre-cut kit to assemble their own coop as well.  If you are interested in purchasing a kit, please let us know in advance.  On Saturday, there will be a potluck lunch.