KatzFarm
In the Brooder
Hi,
Looking for some suggestions on coop run design, lighting, power, and water for this Old Hen House.
Great grandad built this hen house about 1905. We restored it about ten years ago with new siding, roof, windows, and door. Since then it has sat empty waiting for us to be ready to use it. And now we are!
Fencing is something I've thought a lot about. The issue is due to proximity of the hen house and horse barn as they will share some fence. My thought is to use 1/2"X1/2" welded wire on the section of 5' wood four rail horse fence the chickens share with the horses. The sections of fence the chicken yard does not share with the horses would also be 1/2"X1/2" but have a more open frame to allow veiwing. 4' high welded wire is as tall I've seen. I could run an electric fence around the bottom if needed. We have a lot of predators around here; coons nightly, possum, some fox, coyote, hawks, and owls. The flock will be closed up in the evening. The hen house has a poured concrete foundation and I'd install fixed heavy wire mesh screens in the windows for warm weather. I do plan to free range during the days when we can keep an eye out. I see the run as a place to segregate birds and park them when we have known day time predator concerns.
Does this sound like a reasonable approach? Would some single wires run overhead the chicken run deter hawks from raiding the pen?
The original hundred year old wood wall mounted nesting boxes and roosting poles are still in tact. I do want to add electricity for lighting and a brooding heater. Any recommendations on lighting? I'm thinking basic bare bulb porcelin utility lamp holders mounted above and a couple outlets. The hen house is not insulated and I'm not sure what if any insulation I should add and what if any heater should be used. I would imagine a good bed of straw was the answer to both these issues in times past.
Water must also be brought down near the coop as the old hydrants are no longer operational.
I am interested in a flock of around 18 Barred Rocks.
Advice appreciated!
Looking for some suggestions on coop run design, lighting, power, and water for this Old Hen House.
Great grandad built this hen house about 1905. We restored it about ten years ago with new siding, roof, windows, and door. Since then it has sat empty waiting for us to be ready to use it. And now we are!
Fencing is something I've thought a lot about. The issue is due to proximity of the hen house and horse barn as they will share some fence. My thought is to use 1/2"X1/2" welded wire on the section of 5' wood four rail horse fence the chickens share with the horses. The sections of fence the chicken yard does not share with the horses would also be 1/2"X1/2" but have a more open frame to allow veiwing. 4' high welded wire is as tall I've seen. I could run an electric fence around the bottom if needed. We have a lot of predators around here; coons nightly, possum, some fox, coyote, hawks, and owls. The flock will be closed up in the evening. The hen house has a poured concrete foundation and I'd install fixed heavy wire mesh screens in the windows for warm weather. I do plan to free range during the days when we can keep an eye out. I see the run as a place to segregate birds and park them when we have known day time predator concerns.
Does this sound like a reasonable approach? Would some single wires run overhead the chicken run deter hawks from raiding the pen?
The original hundred year old wood wall mounted nesting boxes and roosting poles are still in tact. I do want to add electricity for lighting and a brooding heater. Any recommendations on lighting? I'm thinking basic bare bulb porcelin utility lamp holders mounted above and a couple outlets. The hen house is not insulated and I'm not sure what if any insulation I should add and what if any heater should be used. I would imagine a good bed of straw was the answer to both these issues in times past.
Water must also be brought down near the coop as the old hydrants are no longer operational.
I am interested in a flock of around 18 Barred Rocks.
Advice appreciated!
