Hello, new here and new to chickens.

[Mark Park]

Yep, I missed that. You only need one roost hung at least 24" off the floor and 12" from the wall. No need for different roost heights usually.

Especially for only three chooks

 

[beany_bot]

Ok folks, I've re-jigged things as bit as per the advice I have received.

The roost is now 29 inches aff the ground. A soft wood, rounder edged 3x2. It is now 14 inches away from the back wall. I've made a ramp for them as you see. Not sure if it is too steep for them but all I can do is observe and adapt once I have them.

"Do I have a light in the coop" - no. Only natural light.

 

[beany_bot]

Especially for only three chooks

I'm starting with 3 chooks but I've read a lot about "chicken math"... so don't expect to end up with only 3. Just being realistic.

 

[beany_bot]

I think you've got the roosts perfect right now, except a little further from the back wall. They are generally a heavier bird so lower roosts are good. The nest boxes look good too. You could put a 2x4" across the front so they'd have a smooth edge to land on while jumping up there. Or even a 2x2". Do you have a light in there?
They will go to the highest roost because chickens like to be as high as possible.
You could also build a little ramp on the side opposite the nest boxes and put up a higher roost.
I would definitely have a door for their outdoor access, because a nightime predator has all night to figure out a way to get in.
I tried no door and found one dead hen half eaten. A possum got in and killed one of my 1st 3. And getting over the top of your run! Owls are sneaky, hawks Love chicken.

It's great that you're planning ahead.

I dont have a door or covering for the bottom here. But their run is very VERY secure.

I realise I can hear the eyes rolling at that statement but I've spent a month building it and have been hyper aware of predators when doing so. Is all 1/2 inch hardware cloth (including the roof part that isnt covered in solid clear roofing), dug down with rebar and concrete 2 feet down every side. I've gone over ever single square inch of it a thousand times and I would be amazed if even a feild mouse managed to get in.

Also, in the UK, the only predator we get is foxes and cats really. They arent getting into the run. No chance.

As for free ranging in the garden, that will only happen when we are in the garden and during the day. No issues there hopefully. It's not a huge garden, surburbia.

 

[StinkyAcres]

It looks good! I think you're all set! I doubt they will use the ramp at all, especially while they are younger, but it doesn't hurt to have it.

 

[Bawkbok]

We have a 6ft fence around our property (outside of their secured run). Do you think they could clear that at 16 weeks?

Our BO pullets are 20 weeks old. We also have a 6ft privacy fence. They are new to the recess free time but show no interest in challenging the fence. Our BO hen > a year old, has never challenged it and she is now too large and heavy to bother. You should be fine.

In terms of their friendliness, our hen likes to fly onto my lap and sit there for long periods of time. She loves affection. It was not always that way. Acquiring her at 15 weeks of age, she did not like to be touched. Same with our current BO pullets. I sit in the run with them ignoring them. When I notice them close to me I will gently speak to them in a soft voice, smile big and look away. Sometimes I sit there and hum, sometimes I talk to myselves, sometimes I read the phone etc. You get the idea. One is now even brave enough to peck at my leg. It takes time and patience. Don't expect them at this age to want to be with you or handled much. I sometimes force myself on them but I don't want them afraid of me so I limit my physical touch. The more time you spend with them the more comfortable they will be in your presence. Eventually they may become a lap chicken, but maybe not. I have found they are usually a friendly, inquisitive breed. Best of luck!

 

[beany_bot]

In terms of their run. It's currently very thick and sticky mud. I'd like to break it up a bit with an addition. Keep it a bit dryer and "scratchier". What would you recommend or say to avoid? Bark chips? Wood chips? Straw? Sand?

 

[StinkyAcres]

In terms of their run. It's currently very thick and sticky mud. I'd like to break it up a bit with an addition. Keep it a bit dryer and "scratchier". What would you recommend or say to avoid? Bark chips? Wood chips? Straw? Sand?

Wood chips are probably best. Avoid straw and sand in wet areas.

 

[Mark Park]

I think you've got the roosts perfect right now, except a little further from the back wall. They are generally a heavier bird so lower roosts are good. The nest boxes look good too. You could put a 2x4" across the front so they'd have a smooth edge to land on while jumping up there. Or even a 2x2". Do you have a light in there?
They will go to the highest roost because chickens like to be as high as possible.
You could also build a little ramp on the side opposite the nest boxes and put up a higher roost.
I would definitely have a door for their outdoor access, because a nightime predator has all night to figure out a way to get in.
I tried no door and found one dead hen half eaten. A possum got in and killed one of my 1st 3. And getting over the top of your run! Owls are sneaky, hawks Love chicken.

It's great that you're planning ahead.

Exactly -- they are bug burds and don't need to hurt themselves jumping off a high perch

I dont have a door or covering for the bottom here. But their run is very VERY secure.

View attachment 4083984
I realise I can hear the eyes rolling at that statement but I've spent a month building it and have been hyper aware of predators when doing so. Is all 1/2 inch hardware cloth (including the roof part that isnt covered in solid clear roofing), dug down with rebar and concrete 2 feet down every side. I've gone over ever single square inch of it a thousand times and I would be amazed if even a feild mouse managed to get in.

Also, in the UK, the only predator we get is foxes and cats really. They arent getting into the run. No chance.

As for free ranging in the garden, that will only happen when we are in the garden and during the day. No issues there hopefully. It's not a huge garden, surburbia.

Aha -- you are in the UK. I kept chickens in Devon for many years.

Your fence looks great -- They won't be leaving, no dog will worry them and nothing will get in. By the way -- cats won't bother your chickens and neirher will buzzards, owls, peregrines, or any other birds of prey, if you even have them near you.

You will want a light on a timer eventually, because extending the winter daylight hours will stretch your egg season.

Your biggest problems will be mites and rats. Don't leave the feeder out at night and give the girls a dustbath with diatomatious earth in it.

 

[beany_bot]

Exactly -- they are bug burds and don't need to hurt themselves jumping off a high perch

Aha -- you are in the UK. I kept chickens in Devon for many years.

Your fence looks great -- They won't be leaving, no dog will worry them and nothing will get in. By the way -- cats won't bother your chickens and neirher will buzzards, owls, peregrines, or any other birds of prey, if you even have them near you.

You will want a light on a timer eventually, because extending the winter daylight hours will stretch your egg season.

Your biggest problems will be mites and rats. Don't leave the feeder out at night and give the girls a dustbath with diatomatious earth in it.

Shall I put the feeder in their coop?