This is the only space i have, is it going to be enough ?

[Reg]

Quote:
Sliding door, Perches all finished. varnishing under way !

Just run the wiring for light & i should be ready to build the run in two weeks.

Blimey this really mite happen after all.

 

[blefky]

Just gotta stick my nose in here.

8 x 6 run
That's 48 sq feet. That's plenty of room for four hens. Give them perches, hang up cabbages and the like for entertainment, they'll be fine.

6 x 3 coop but above the run
The coop area is more than the "four sq feet per LF bird" that we generally use as a guideline. Your run is very secure and will generally be open to them. They'll be fine.

But as i said from Oct to March they get the greenhouse aswel which will be give them a 16 x 6 run which will also protect them from the wind & add heat from the sun on the glass. In the summer i hope to let them out every night for a run about.
Use of the shed in winter, and a run about most summer evenings? They'll be fine.

My run has concreate path all round outside, It has 1/2 mess on side which are 6ft & a plywood roof. Only a mouse could get in there.
Sounds like you have it under control. They'll be fine.

Coop vents yes with covers to close if to cold & a light.
Ventilation is key - most breeds of chicken are pretty darn cold tolerant, it's the cold and damp that is responsible for many cold weather ailments. If you keep it clean and add plenty of ventilation, they'll be fine.

Run is built on a veg patch so i intend to dig it over most weekends. should keep the birds busy & me fit

When the growned becomes to mushy I will it dig it out & replace with soil from other parts of the garden.
This is an easy one. Try it, if it doesn't work change to a different type of bedding: sand, straw, I use pine shavings. You'll figure out what works best for you and they'll be fine.

Does this all sound so bad ?
No, it doesn't. We all want to help, and there's so much well intended advice (my own included

) but I think you're off to a good start, you'll find your way. Oh, and did I mention they'll be fine?

Don't forget - we want pictures!

 

[Sinfonian]

Reg, I want to say many things in this, but will keep it as short as possible.

First off, great choice on your chicken ark/tractor/coop, I based my design off of this very model, with some differences to meet my needs. The key there is to meet MY needs. You do whatever you want. They're your chickens. Everyone has their opinions, and while this site has worked it's way into what I like to call "best practices", you can do what works best for you. May you have problems with pecking order issues? Sure, but you may not. Learn as you go along with everyone else here.

As for your chicken choices, go with whatever you want. I'm going 4 chickens of four different breeds for their colors. They look pretty. Again, do whatever you want.

I'm sorry that you got so many strongly worded opinions here. My experience is folks are very nice here. I think you just got some strong opinions.

Good luck and enjoy the experience!

 

[blefky]

Hey Reg, on the topic of different breeds coexisting, here's a pic I call "bottoms up" - they're enjoying some hot cereal on a cold day.

There are 2 red sex links, 3 easter eggers, 3 buff orpingtons, 2 wellsummers, 1 barred rock, and 1 white leghorn. The RSL's were first, the others were integrated a bit later. Also, I have some in the brooder and some in the incubator at the moment. Chickens are absolutely addictive.

You gotta love 'em!

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Wow, 9 pages of discussion. I obviously haven't read them all and I like what blefky said above.
I have 2 points. When your girls are out they will make quick work of frogs and newts and tear them apart right before your eyes except for the ones that jump into the water quick. Is it possible to make a small tractor that you can move each day about giving the girls some time around the property while?
Also, I like a mixed flock too for the variety of feather and egg color. This especially works with more docile breeds. There are some small breeds that lay very well.
Being in UK you may have good access to some breeds people here don't. I have some humble suggestions for you.
Scotts Dumpy - small placid bird lays a full sized egg a day and comes in black, cuckoo, white, brown, silver and gold.
Jaerhon - small gentle bird lots of big eggs, great coloring
Bantam Croad Langshan - smaller version of a huge very docile and friendly bird that lays the prettiest egg you'll see.

 

[Captain Carrot]

Quote:
In that case, get some ads of your own out there. Place an ad in the free paper and in Loot, "looking for POL Wyandottes, from March onwards." Try the internet sites too...


http://www.friday-ad.co.uk/luton/farming-and-livestock-for-sale/poultry-N-1z140tk/No-40

www.loot.com

good luck

 

[Reg]

Quote:
Fantastic I have a fan

Thanks Becky its nice to hear from someone who think keeping chickens in a run is ok

 

[Reg]

Quote:
I have already thought about the newts. I said i would let them out I did not say free run all over the garden. fenced off top end well away from my little friends.

You have some of the birds i want.

Silver laced Wyandottes & Golden laced. just 2 of each !!

But its going to be tuff to find them when i want them.

Thanks for you advice

Reg

 

[Reg]

Quote:
In that case, get some ads of your own out there. Place an ad in the free paper and in Loot, "looking for POL Wyandottes, from March onwards." Try the internet sites too...


http://www.friday-ad.co.uk/luton/farming-and-livestock-for-sale/poultry-N-1z140tk/No-40

www.loot.com

good luck

good idea

Reg

 

[Reg]

Quote:
You just have to love this guy