Misty's Yard

[sublimelyoblivious]

Here is what I have done this weekend,







I am not fond of the idea of keeping the tarps covering the entire thing, that is just for now, because it was really really hard to put up there. We just needed to check the fit, and weigh our options on what is next.

I haven't measured the peak height, but it is made of (3) 10X10X6' pet safe dog kennels. And it is pretty darn tall, between 8 or 9' There is a door on both sides of the front, and one in between.
I don't have a bird, so I can't free loft it, but I know this wouldn't be a good place to do it (YET).
I am planning those modifications in my wee little head as I go....
My husband is interested in turning one side into the mews, by covering it with sheet metal or something
{I would rather not, the way I look at it I kinda tricked him into a 20x10 weathering or even larger, once connected to a formal mews, I get the back panels and one spare to work with. }

So for now I am looking at what I need to do to make this comfy for a new bird and new falconer, and meet it's needs. I was planning on an A fame, and giant hood for severe weather, and just basically trying to meet inspection requirements.

Ideas, suggestions, criticisms.....

[Chuck]

I have something similar; a 10 by 10 ft. kennel with a wire top and shade cloth over the wire. In the middle pic. is there wire covering that hole where the panels meet...I can't tell. If this were mine I would cover half of if not the whole side of the roof with plywood or something. I also put about a foot of wire mesh flat on the ground all the way around the kennel and attach it. Helps keep critters from digging in and I cant even see it anymore because the grass grows up through it. IMO I wouldnt free loft until the bird is intermewed but thats what my sponsor me plus the chain link can mess up feathers; I hung tarps on the inside so where the bird can bate, the walls are "smooth". You'll be fine. I trapped my immy RT yesterday, but havent been online here in awhile. Good luck to you!

[sublimelyoblivious]

Thanks chuck...We are sealing up the little gaps all the way around where the corners meet. The peak part is mostly covered, but as you pointed out, those curved corners make a sizable hole. Also the doors have a big gap all the way around that might as well be a pet door! so all of that has to get closed in better.

As for wire....do you think inside and outside?
Right now there is a border of rocks around it(outside), and I was thinking of chicken wire on the ground, and gravel on top of that(inside). I was thinking of covering the whole floor with it, once it is totally clear. Should I scoot the rocks back and lay a row of chicken wire and throw my rocks back down?

Also, my husband wants to stake it down with 3 ft rebar...and def. take the tarps off half....but I am trying to figure out how to make the "tarp side" more cozy, as far as security and comfort in bad weather.
For this season, I could put ply wood all around and make a decent "window" and next year try to build again. (my husband thought he was getting out of it)
Or something like that....
right now I am building an a frame and Giant Hood for severe weather circumstance......
thanks for the tips...keep them coming....

[Chuck]

Id put the wire on the outside only; under the rocks. The grass will most likely be worn down in some areas from the hawk and less sunlight plus more foot traffic than normal. This may keep the wire exposed which could entangle the bird. I too had to fill in gaps around my door; I used metal conduit pipe cut it and smashed the ends flat so I could screw em in to the door frame. I have a good bow perch and a bath pan and thats it. Ironically my new hawk likes the bath pan rim more than the bow perch lol. I do have an indoor perch as well for severe weather. Lemme think on it some more. I'm still learning as well.

[sublimelyoblivious]

good thinking....once I have gravel I will put the wire inside...but for now I will just move the rocks and get a good barrier....we still have to stake this bad boy down.
I am waiting on hearing back from my sponsor who is out of state ATM....so I am winging it on my own for now.....
We were thinking of adding to the top and bottom of the gates....I guess these things are made for HUGE dogs, because both my cats and my smaller dog could fit right through, so I figure the Opposums and anything else could get in as well.
UGH....So we will have to get out there and start patching....
It rained all day yesterday, and only the foot or two by the opening got wet...that's good I think!