Playhouse Conversion

[CorinneC]

Hi!

I have just lost my two ladies to a fox in the middle of a playhouse conversion for them. To say we were distraught is an understatement!

I am planning on getting a few more chickens and the conversion is pretty much ready. I would appreciate some advice, maybe someone has done this before. I wanted plastic because we have previously had red mite infestations, so everything in there is plastic except for the roost. I have more or less turned it into a lockable fortress on a wooden platform. The playhouse itself is slightly rounded so not sure how to seal the bottom.

The playhouse is a Smoby Jura Lodge (4x4ft)

Question 1: What kind of easy clean lining would you recommend? Vinyl? Preferably not wood.

Question 2: Do the ladies have enough/too much space? I'm planning on getting 4.

Question 3: what size run is recommended for 4 chickens? I want them to be happy and have plenty of space to dig and cause mischief.

Thanks!

 

[Mybackyardpeepers]

That is so cool. Can't wait to start getting my coop up.

 

[DobieLover]

The size should be fine for 4 birds.
You can remove all but one of the nest boxes. And I would put it on the floor near the door so you can get the eggs easier. The rim of the box is at the same level as the roost and it is likely to get pooped in.
Is there any way to remove the green panel that reads "Smoby" in the gable peak and secure HC over the opening? Is there one on both ends? It really lacks ventilation.
I would also secure HC over the openings to the windows so they can be left open for more ventilation during warm months.
You can put down sheet vinyl on the floor.
I go twice the minimum recommended size of 10 sq ft/bird for the run space and use 20. I would just make your run as big as you can afford to make it. And put perches and logs in it for the birds to roost on.

 

[CorinneC]

Hi, The plan is to have the whole thing inside a run eventually, thats why the windows aren’t netted. Also was planning on collecting eggs from the windows, thats why the nest boxes are there.

The big round window in the back is open so it has ventilation, as are the little hearts on the windows, just netted over. Would that be enough without having to net the windows?

The most i can stretch it to is probably around 6ftx4ft run. Would that do? They would also be let out to roam in the garden when we are there. The run would only be for when we are not home.

Thanks!

 

[DobieLover]

Hi, The plan is to have the whole thing inside a run eventually, thats why the windows aren’t netted. Also was planning on collecting eggs from the windows, thats why the nest boxes are there.

The big round window in the back is open so it has ventilation, as are the little hearts on the windows, just netted over. Would that be enough without having to net the windows?

The most i can stretch it to is probably around 6ftx4ft run. Would that do? They would also be let out to roam in the garden when we are there. The run would only be for when we are not home.

Thanks!

Sorry, but that's not enough ventilation.
I would secure HC over all windows so they can be left open and remove all but one nest box. You only need one box for 4-5 hens. I have 2 boxes and 10 pullets and no problems.
If you plan to reach in through a window for egg collection, just leave the HC off that window and secure it at night.
A 6x4 run is too small. That is only 6 sq ft per bird. You need to shoot for the minimums and you will still find it is very small.

 

[CorinneC]

Alright, I’ll take that into consideration