We are getting 5 chicks next month --so exciting!!
Hubby and I have discussed if all the girls live (and none turn out to be roosters) we want to be able to add 2 more in 2-3 years to keep us getting some eggs so it'll eventually be a many as 7 standard hens. There is only my hubby and I that want eggs so they will be pets who donate eggs and not the other way around.
We are building a completely covered (gable roof), Forte Knox (tight construction, 1/2" hardware cloth, etc.) that includes a 4x13 run (52 sq. ft) with a 4x5 hen-house (20 sq. ft.) that is raised 28 inches off the ground. We are making it higher off the ground so we can get under the hen-house to clean, deal with an emergency or grab a wayward egg.
We are also fencing in another larger area (about 60-80+ sq. feet--will decide later once main coop is done) that is only covered with netting that they will have free access to and from their main coop when we are home (only 6 hours a few days a week when we are NOT home). This larger area will not have all 1/2" hardware cloth, but 2"x4" green wire as they will not be left there alone to save us some $. Our entire backyard is securely fenced. That'll give them a usable run of about 112-132+ sq. feet most of the year with 52 sq. ft. of it sheltered run plus hen-house for all year use. The nests are attached to the exterior to allow them use of all the floor space. They will get to roam the yard in a supervised manner (possibly a tractor) a few days a week on our days off to protect the grassy areas from being destroyed. We have 2 dogs so need to keep the girls safe although training will be ongoing for the dogs.
We are going to use playground sand over cement for their main run and pine shavings in their hen-house. The adjacent run will be ala natural--clay soil topped with 1-2 inches of smooth pea gravel. Thinking of adding wood chips--what do you all think? I want to be able to give them some chopped alfalfa hay or other greens in this run. I also will give them "toys" such as a organic young dark leaf lettuce filled hanging ball, a home made flock block, crickets, meal-worms, etc. in their main coop.
The hen house will have 2 cross ventilation openings near the top and 3 additional windows that open (hardware cloth for protection). The pop door can be left open too due to the high security.
Because we have so much covered run they can use it all year as our temperatures are not extreme so I was hoping this would be sufficient. I want to buil this thing once but correctly to make is EASY to care for and keep the hens happy. Any thoughts? Anything you would change? Please pick my plans apart so I can get it as close to right the first time!
Thank you all for your help!!
We are building a completely covered (gable roof), Forte Knox (tight construction, 1/2" hardware cloth, etc.) that includes a 4x13 run (52 sq. ft) with a 4x5 hen-house (20 sq. ft.) that is raised 28 inches off the ground. We are making it higher off the ground so we can get under the hen-house to clean, deal with an emergency or grab a wayward egg.
We are also fencing in another larger area (about 60-80+ sq. feet--will decide later once main coop is done) that is only covered with netting that they will have free access to and from their main coop when we are home (only 6 hours a few days a week when we are NOT home). This larger area will not have all 1/2" hardware cloth, but 2"x4" green wire as they will not be left there alone to save us some $. Our entire backyard is securely fenced. That'll give them a usable run of about 112-132+ sq. feet most of the year with 52 sq. ft. of it sheltered run plus hen-house for all year use. The nests are attached to the exterior to allow them use of all the floor space. They will get to roam the yard in a supervised manner (possibly a tractor) a few days a week on our days off to protect the grassy areas from being destroyed. We have 2 dogs so need to keep the girls safe although training will be ongoing for the dogs.
We are going to use playground sand over cement for their main run and pine shavings in their hen-house. The adjacent run will be ala natural--clay soil topped with 1-2 inches of smooth pea gravel. Thinking of adding wood chips--what do you all think? I want to be able to give them some chopped alfalfa hay or other greens in this run. I also will give them "toys" such as a organic young dark leaf lettuce filled hanging ball, a home made flock block, crickets, meal-worms, etc. in their main coop.
The hen house will have 2 cross ventilation openings near the top and 3 additional windows that open (hardware cloth for protection). The pop door can be left open too due to the high security.
Because we have so much covered run they can use it all year as our temperatures are not extreme so I was hoping this would be sufficient. I want to buil this thing once but correctly to make is EASY to care for and keep the hens happy. Any thoughts? Anything you would change? Please pick my plans apart so I can get it as close to right the first time!
Thank you all for your help!!
