Help...Im a newbie

[richje100]

Hi guys,
ive just got hold of a 6ft x 4ft shed in good condition. just had to refelt the roof.
i have constructed a sort of table with 3 plastic shopping baskets for the nests. there is no "roof" on the nesting boxes. should i put a cover over it?
also, im not sure the best place to put the bits & pieces. if you imaging, the entrance door (for me, not the chickens) is on the 4ft side so standing looking into the shed is the other 4ft side. in the left hand corner of the 4ft side i have the table approx 4ft long & 1.5ft high running along the 6ft side. wheres the best place to put the chcken door & roosting bars?
I also dont know what feeder & drinker to get or what to use as nesting material. I want to do this as cheaply as possible but obviously got to look after the chicken welfare!!
i have built a run approx 13ft x 6ft attached to the shed with plenty of shelter from the great british weather. the shed is also sat on 2 wooden pallets so its about 6inches from the floor.

if anyone has any advice no matter what, i'd greaty appreciate it. by the way, im looking to get 4 hens, is this space enough?

thanks

Rich

 

[Cats Critters]

there is no "roof" on the nesting boxes. should i put a cover over it?

I would because mine are uncovered and I've had chicken roosting on them and pooping in the nestboxes.

I also don't know what feeder & drinker to get

I would get a metal feeder but with the water it is up to you, but if you plan to give them ACV in their water gite a plastic one because ACV causes the metal ones to release toxic stuff which can harm your chickens.

what to use as nesting material.

I use pine shavings I tried hay but they pushed it all to the side and laid their eggs on the bare wood which caused some of them to brake.

I'm looking to get 4 hens, is this space enough?I've just got hold of a 6ft x 4ft shed, i have built a run approx 13ft x 6ft attached to the shed

The coop is 24sqft. which can hold about 6 hens and the run could hold about 7 hens, So you have plenty of space.​

 

[richje100]

thanks for the reply.
sorry to sound dim, but ACV, im assuming a vitamin supliment?
How high would you recommend i have the roosting bar? i have 2 broom handles which ill sand smooth & take the roundness off it. would this be ok?

 

[Cats Critters]

sorry to sound dim, but ACV, im assuming a vitamin supliment?

Its Apple Cider Vinegar some people add it to help with worming along other things

How high would you recommend i have the roosting bar?

Higher then your nestboxes to help discourage roosting on the nestingboxes

i have 2 broom handles which ill sand smooth & take the roundness off it. would this be ok?

They will work.​

 

[ClairedeLune]

Quote:
no question is ever dim. and

from Denver, CO! hope you like it on BYC.

 

[richje100]

my nest boxes are about 2ft off the ground & the bar i have put is about shoulder height (5ft). would they fly up to the bar or should i put something in to help them reach?

 

[CityChook]

Quote:

from MN!

6x4 is large enough for 4 birds.

a) You don't HAVE to have a roof on the nesting boxes. I don't and I don't have any trouble with poo in the box. All chickens are different, though. Tip your baskets sideways so that the open part faces forward. Nest boxes should be about 18-24 inches off the floor.

b) The chicken door can go anywhere on that wall. It should be 12x12 or larger. If it faces into the wind, consider that in your placement. Before you cut, measure 9 inches above the floor level and make that your lowest edge. That way your shavings won't fall out each time you open the door.

c) With only 4 birds, you don't have to get fancy with their food water dishes. I use cereal bowls. Yes, they empty them daily, but that gives me a chance to wipe them out (keeping them scum free) and give them fresh water every evening. I put mine on top of overturned flower pots to keep the shavings/poo out. I don't think it freezes in GB (??) but if it does, you might need to consider a heated water dish for winter to keep the water thawed.

d) Nesting material can be pine shavings (same as the flooring) or hay/straw. Some people even use shredded paper. I like the pine shavings because if they get dirty, I just scoop it onto the floor.

Also, broom sticks are not the best roosting poles. A 2x4 with the wide side up is better. Chickens don't really wrap their feet around the roost - they prefer to sit on top of them and cover their feet up. Just make sure the roost is higher than the nest boxes as they like to sleep in the highest spot. You don't want them sleeping in the nests or you'll get poopy eggs. 5 ft. is probably a little high if you have large heavy birds, but fine for others. My roost is 3 ft. high as any higher and the girls could hurt their legs jumping down (they are large booty girls!).

Spend a little time searching the site (see the blue bar above for "search") and you will be well rewarded with some great advice/information. And again, welcome!