American Pastured Poultry Producers Association www.apppa.org
APPPA GRIT Issue 25, Summer 2003
Build your Own: Killing Cones and Transport Boxes By Jody Padgham
Here it is, close to the time of year when we remember we really were thinking of replacing a few
pieces of equipment last year, and probably never got around to it. Whether time got out of hand
or economizing is an important factor in your operation, these patterns may be just the thing to fill
in the equipment gaps. Randy Anderson and Vince Maro of NW Wisconsin recently shared how
to quickly and inexpensively build your own killing cones and transport pens.
Killing Cone: Randy had purchased some used cones, but soon found that the cones were too
small for his 4-5 pound broilers. This simple pattern can be adapted for larger chickens or
turkeys:
Buy 16” wide roof flashing from the local lumber store.
Measure 34” on one edge. Measure 17” on the opposite edge, centered over the previous
measurement. Connect the ends of these two measurements and cut the edges, which will be
evenly angled, with a tin snip or metal blade on a power saw.
Make a cone by bringing the cut edges together, overlapping 1”. Drill three holes along the seam
through both pieces. Insert rivets and smash flat, if you can find something to support the cone
while you are smashing. (If you don’t have the ability to rivet things, I think short, flat headed bolts
will do. Just be sure the nuts are on the outside of the cone so the bird’s skin doesn’t get caught)
The finished cone will be about 4” diameter on the bottom and 9” diameter on the top.
If you want a smooth finish on the top, before riveting the cut edges, take the long side and bend
½ inch over, using a vice grips or vice and pounding flat with a hammer.
Punch a hole in the top side for hanging. Flatten the back a bit if desired.
Transport Crate:
For about $14.25 you can easily make this sturdy transport crate, which is designed after a typical
wood poultry crate. We didn’t get a chance to weigh it, but I’ll guess it weighed about 15 lbs. This
crate can be used to carry 8-12 chickens. (Note: Vince decided to make this crate extra tall so he
could carry turkeys. A standard broiler crate would typically only be 10-11” high. If you wish to
make this crate shorter, cut the 2x2” pine to the length you wish the crate height to be.)
Materials:
 2 pieces ½ “ plywood cut 24” by 36” (two 4’x8’ sheets will make 5 crates)
 2”x2” pine cut into 10@ 12” pieces (2@ 8ft will be plenty)
 wood lathe: 8 pieces cut 24” long, 10 pieces cut 36” long. 1 cut 16” long.
 2@ narrow 2” hinges
 1@latch. Can use a toggle latch, a barrel latch, or your favorite. As flat as possible for
eventual stacking of crates.
 1” deck screws

2” deck screws
Cut the plywood pieces to size. In the top piece, cut a 14”x14” square hole, centered from each
side.
Screw both hinges to one of the sides of the cut door, attach to the plywood top. Attach the latch
on the opposite edge. Turn the top over. Using 1” deck screws, attach the 16” long lath parallel to
and slightly over the cut with the latch on the other side as a stop for the door.
Lay the uncut plywood piece on a flat surface. Use 4 of the 12” long 2x2’s as upright corner
supports and balance the top with door on top. Use 2” deck screws to go through the top to attach
the supports in each corner.
Place two additional 2x2 supports on each long side, 1 ft apart. Attach to top with 2” screws.
Place one additional 2x2 support on each short side and screw in.
With a helper, turn the entire crate over. Place the loose bottom on top of the 2x2 braces, lining
up the corners. Screw each brace to bottom using 2” screws. Turn upright again.
Attach the lath to the sides. We ended up drilling the lath and then screwing with 1” deck screws.
Place 4 pieces of lath on each side, matching the lengths with the sides. Space lath evenly and
match edges. Leave ½ inch of open space on bottom to allow water to run out during cleaning.
Final step: attach last pieces of lath to long top edges as supports for stacking. Be sure the lath is
thick enough to accommodate the latch you have chosen.
That’s it- pretty easy! Very sturdy, not too heavy, and CHEAP! These crates should last several
seasons if well cared for. One participant noted that if the bottom plywood was painted, it might
last longer and be easier to wash. These guys just created this design this year, so there surely
will be refinements- think of your own as you experiment and customize to your own operation.
Thanks to Vince and Randy for an enjoyable demonstration and sharing their expertise!