All inclusive housing for bantams

[redinator]

I snagged a batch (7) of straight run assorted bantams at Tractor Supply. We have small hawks that I've seen snatch squirrels out of trees. I typically don't let standard sized chicks free range unsupervised until they're about 6-8 weeks old.

I'm thinking I may need to keep the bantams in an enclosure full time. Anytime I search for chicken coops I get either the undersized coop run combos, or a run (dog kennel with chicken wire). When I looked for an aviary I got a bunch of bird cages and more dog kennels. Then I remembered seeing some catios when I was looking for chick pens. I'm looking at something like this: https://a.co/d/5ga13H1 I'm sure if I had the skill set I could build something better, cheaper, but I don't, but I could adapt something like this for the bantams.

Are there better options, if so please post a link. Should I get something more horizontal so they have more foraging (ground space) area? Should it be wider so they can fly around? I have some good spots in the yard I could put it, but I can't decide on that until I know how big it needs to be. TIA.

 

[Slothinc]

Interesting idea! I do feel like it would be better if it had more floor space though, rather than vertical space. There is about 15 sq feet of ground in that enclosure, which may be okay for a few bantams, but I don’t think it would work well for 7 adult bantams. Maybe attaching this to a larger run would work? I like all the openings that can latch shut and it does look like it has some fun features. But bantams will appreciate scratching at the ground during the day so they do need ground space just like the larger chickens do.

 

[redinator]

Interesting idea! I do feel like it would be better if it had more floor space though, rather than vertical space. There is about 15 sq feet of ground in that enclosure, which may be okay for a few bantams, but I don’t think it would work well for 7 adult bantams. Maybe attaching this to a larger run would work? I like all the openings that can latch shut and it does look like it has some fun features. But bantams will appreciate scratching at the ground during the day so they do need ground space just like the larger chickens do.

That sounds doable! I could remove the back panel and attach it to a run (dog kennel, lol).

 

[redinator]

That sounds doable! I could remove the back panel and attach it to a run (dog kennel, lol).

Actually, I might be able attach it to the backside of the existing run. The bantams could be let into the run during the day when the standards are out foraging. The could also end up being a logistical nightmare . . . hmm . . .

 

[Slothinc]

I would suggest that you have at least 7-10 sq feet of ground space per bantam, if they are going to be confined at all times! Attaching a dog run would be a great idea! Here are the modifications I would make: I would put a hardware cloth apron at the bottom around all the sides that don’t attach to the dog run.

I would buy a tarp large enough to wrap around one side. (Marked in purple on the pic) I would probably get a silver tarp to reflect heat, or a reversible one that can be turned to the reflective side out in summer and the dark color side out in winter.

And then I would attach the dog run to be able to utilize the little doors already incorporated (2 blue arrows pointing to them.)

 

[redinator]

I would suggest that you have at least 7-10 sq feet of ground space per bantam, if they are going to be confined at all times! Attaching a dog run would be a great idea! Here are the modifications I would make: I would put a hardware cloth apron at the bottom around all the sides that don’t attach to the dog run.

I would buy a tarp large enough to wrap around one side. (Marked in purple on the pic) I would probably get a silver tarp to reflect heat, or a reversible one that can be turned to the reflective side out in summer and the dark color side out in winter.

And then I would attach the dog run to be able to utilize the little doors already incorporated (2 blue arrows pointing to them.)

The double sided tarp sounds like a good idea. It also opens up options for another area of the yard that gets alot of sun in the summer.