Post by aussiedream109 on Aug 6, 2013 12:51:23 GMT -5
Wondering if anyone has used the following design (or a modified version) as a mews. I recognize that a sponsor's input should also be incorporated, but I was hoping that maybe those wiser and more experienced than I would be willing to (nicely!) have some suggestions for me. My biggest concern is how to somehow angle the roof since I live in the land of snowstorms, and a flat roof probably isn't the best idea. Thanks ahead of time!
While it looks neat, it seems like a headache and a half to build to me. Granted, I'm not a carpenter, just your average Joe on the street. From my experience and from what I've seen other falconers use, a rectangular or square shape is a pretty safe bet as long as the insides are properly seen to (no nails, split wood, etc). Mine ended up being 8'x8' with an 8' tall front and 6'6" tall back to allow for snow slide off. Worked great and held up fine against the weather.
You'll always hear the generic "Wait and see what your sponsor says." This is great advice, however, looking ahead like you are is a great idea. Learning what you can from other plans and seeing other mews will help you to pick what you want for yours. Keep it up and keep checking out mews and plans. You'll be building one soon enough!
EDIT: Didn't see it was designed to be portable. Might be worth the hassle of designing it that way if it can be easily taken down, set up and transported.
Last Edit: Aug 6, 2013 14:26:56 GMT -5 by SkyRider
Personally I'm a big believer in 8x8 being a minimum size for a mews. The health & Wellness of the raptors we covet for this sport being the paramount reason. They simply deserve it when being stored between hunts, especially if you aren't able to fly your hawk daily. Hawks rarely bate in a straight line and their wing tips and or tail will pay the price for a narrow mews.
Member Dave L.'s Mews is an exceptional design in my opinion.
And go to www.themodernapprentice.com and read over their mews section as well. Lots of great ideas out there but as you mentioned, keep plans fluid in case your sponsor sees fit to make changes.
Last Edit: Aug 6, 2013 15:41:39 GMT -5 by echotadog
It is good to have an end to Journey towards, but it is the journey that matters in the End. - Ernest Hemingway
Didn't see it was designed to be portable. Might be worth the hassle of designing it that way if it can be easily taken down, set up and transported.
I was attracted to it for the fact it is (in theory) portable. The two things I'm concerned about is the roof issue (way too much snow here to have a flat roof), and the fact that adding a double door system is probably going to be a pain without some serious ingenuity.
Echo- not tryin to be a smart butt (truly), but the mew is 10x10 at the base and about 8x8 at the top....in theory, wouldn't that be big enough for an RT? I wouldn't think that would be narrow.....but again, I don't have that much experience yet with these things
In every living thing there is a spirit that needs to be free. ~Unknown
Echo- not tryin to be a smart butt (truly), but the mew is 10x10 at the base and about 8x8 at the top....in theory, wouldn't that be big enough for an RT? I wouldn't think that would be narrow.....but again, I don't have that much experience yet with these things
I was speaking in general terms not about the specific design you posted. Hence the link to this sites Mews thread for more design ideas for Slanted roofs to handle your snow concern. You said you "....was hoping that maybe those wiser and more experienced than I would be willing to (nicely!) have some suggestions for me. My biggest concern is how to somehow angle the roof since I live in the land of snowstorms, and a flat roof probably isn't the best idea. Thanks ahead of time!" Did I not NICELY Offer suggestions ?
It is good to have an end to Journey towards, but it is the journey that matters in the End. - Ernest Hemingway
Post by aussiedream109 on Aug 7, 2013 10:17:44 GMT -5
Steve- thanks for the pic! I've been wondering how I could bolt a square mew together so it could be portable, and it looks like you answered my question! Lol! I work nights, so my brain is sometimes foggy during the day.
In every living thing there is a spirit that needs to be free. ~Unknown
My mews are made up of 4x4 squares. They are bolted together and can be disassembled in a day and moved. Just make the frame and shadow box it or use plywood for the exterior.
Last Edit: Aug 10, 2013 7:37:10 GMT -5 by shortwingn
A 4x8 panel fits in the back of a standard sized pickup -- So if you are doing an 8x8, two panels for each wall, use one panel as a door, all bolted together makes things very portable. Just a thought. Also, very little cutting would be needed for this design, as OSB and plywood sheets come in 4x8, and 2x4 studs do the same.