jmcoburn
In the Brooder
I've decided to build an enclosure after my second attack this month. Thankfully, my hen made it out unscathed but I've decided that I don't want to free range anymore.
I have a bantam rooster, 1 full size hen (EE) and 3 pullets- Barnevelder, Wyandotte, and Light Brahma, so they're going to be fairly large hens. My current plan is a L16'xW16'xH6' pen with their coop inside of the enclosure. I know they say 10 square foot per bird and this gives them more than that...but is it really big enough? I feel bad copping them up but I don't want them to die. Right now they have the nott of the bank barn which is avout 800-1000 square foot (pullets) and I was letting the adult birds free range when the weather was nice (until yesterday).
Here are my thoughts for the pen. I rent so it has to be temporary/moveable. Any suggestions welcome!
The pavers are to line the bottom in order to prevent digging under the fence. I will roof half of the top and part of the sides for wind/sun/precip shielding. I was thinking of putting the tire with ashes for dust baths and various roosts and things to help keep them occupied. (Please give other suggestions!) I might let them out for a little while on the weekends while I'm around to watch them but this will be where they will spend the majority of their time.
I have a bantam rooster, 1 full size hen (EE) and 3 pullets- Barnevelder, Wyandotte, and Light Brahma, so they're going to be fairly large hens. My current plan is a L16'xW16'xH6' pen with their coop inside of the enclosure. I know they say 10 square foot per bird and this gives them more than that...but is it really big enough? I feel bad copping them up but I don't want them to die. Right now they have the nott of the bank barn which is avout 800-1000 square foot (pullets) and I was letting the adult birds free range when the weather was nice (until yesterday).
Here are my thoughts for the pen. I rent so it has to be temporary/moveable. Any suggestions welcome!
The pavers are to line the bottom in order to prevent digging under the fence. I will roof half of the top and part of the sides for wind/sun/precip shielding. I was thinking of putting the tire with ashes for dust baths and various roosts and things to help keep them occupied. (Please give other suggestions!) I might let them out for a little while on the weekends while I'm around to watch them but this will be where they will spend the majority of their time.