farm and fleet

andre1 answers:

I used to have this problem too.Black snakes are another concern,they got 2 of our hens.I got a dog and that took care of the mammals trying to get the hens since my dog preferred to stay outside.He took care of a weasel one time and never had any problems after that LOL Guess it scared the rest of them.

There aren't' any fool-proof methods that really work.Best to remember that animals will also dig under a fence too.I buried wire fence under my pen and also extended it out a few feet.I also locked my hens up at night.
It all depends on your set up.You really need a place to put them overnight.Try thinking like a hungry predator.You may also want to search some yahoo boards.I know there are a few chicken boards and I am sure they can help you better.Best of luck

andre1 answers:

Generator sizes depend on what you want to run with it not the house size. If you want to know the size add the loads of all things you want to power on the genset. Exp. Refrigerators need 600-2500 watts, Lights x the number x the watts of each and look at the name plates on all items you want to run and add the amps to get the watts.
Exp. 20 amps x 120 volts= 2400 watts. Gen-size would be 3500 to allow for start ups and heat loss.
Don't forget some loads need extra power to start up and then they draw less power as they run so add 15% to total power.

Some generators have watt ratings that are fictitious numbers. Exp. Is 6200 watt rating is only if the 220 volt is connected and that is at 70 degrees for a short time at max power BUT in real life it is 5000 or less. Buy a generator and keep it you may need it more often than you think.

Recommendations are likely 7500-10kw diesel with transfer switch hooked up by qualified person to prevent backfeed. Extension cords are dangerous when used with generators unless deigned for such and wire size is larger. Smaller watts if you only run 1 or 2 things for limited time like 1-5 hrs.

Diesel is better since less flammable, fuel stores longer and cheaper buying farm fuel, can run bio diesel, waste cooking oil, Diesels runs at less speed, less noise, last 10x longer, resale value, less maintenance, longer run times and more fuel efficient. More stable power quality. Downside is about 2x more upfront.

Gas generators are cheaper initially, Downside is the opposite of diesel generators. Gas gensets have a short lifetime before failure most 50hrs. The best gas ones are Subaru and Honda.

Hope this helps, just hate to see people make mistakes thinking small gas generators will run a house for 500.00, they will run a few items for a short time, most are made of cheap parts because of selling price and will breakdown at the worst times when you may need it most. Wish the answer was shorter but it's your money and selection should not be based on the initial cost but the value and performance to do the job.
Mike

andre1 answers:

Most any small engine repair shop will have those parts or can get them. You can also get them at outdoordistributors.com. Or Jacks small engines.

andre1 answers:

Some 220v kit can be switched to work at 110v, get the guys to check this out.For that which can't be you basically need a "step up" transformer, you also need to check the current ratings on the gear (how much it draws in amps) Not sure of your Retailers as I'm UK based. However, given transportation costs & exchange rates (plus the fact that US electronics seem to be a lot cheaper than Europe) It may be more viable to buy/hire the equivalent kit.

andre1 answers:

P225/60R17 98S is not a tire size you are going to find in stock at most places, and particularly not at a big-box like Sams/Wal-Mart where tires are just another commodity like toilet paper. It is just not very common - almost unique to this particular vehicle. Low demand = low inventory.

I don't even stock this size yet at my store. My history says I've sold one set of tires in this size in the last year. That doesn't mean they can't be had, they just need to be ordered - usually same-day turnaround. The Kuhmo Solus KR21 is a great value tire at only $84.99 plus installation and are readily available out of my warehouse. The Michelin Hydroedge would represent the high-end at $144.99 - with a few choices in between.