UK lock-in for flocks - advice...

[Dee the Feather]

Thanks Perris, I had not seen this and it looks very useful.

 

[Perris]

don't mention it. I found it useful too.

 

[HollyWoozle]

It's a difficult time and I appreciate that options are limited, however I wouldn't be happy to leave them to the elements when they have previously overnighted in a coop, especially right at the start of winter. I would definitely try to make them some sort of wind barriers at the very least, as others have suggested, or something to join the cage to their original coop. Or can you buy a polytunnel and put their coop inside it?

 

[rhart5344]

Hello UK small flock owners, I have a flock of 13 and from Monday will be putting them in a cage (which we will roof) about 4 metres by 3 metres, a bit crowded unfortunately but the best we can do. It's on muddy ground, wondering if to put straw down weekly. Also wondering if they will need separate coop to sleep in or whether they'll survive (so long as it's moderately mild) under roof cover but open-ish sides.

Advice? Thoughts? There's a lot of us out there!

Animals adapt to there environment for better or worse. But the key principle's are always the same.( Water-food-shelter) It doesn't have to be what we humans consider COZY.Housing will be your biggest issue with having 13 birds but still doable. I personally have 5 coops of different sizes and shapes and the birds tend to form a flock of there choosing and hang out and sleep this way. I have found the recommended area for chickens to be a human way of thinking. For example : I have a 4x8 boxed shape coop with tilt roof and 15 birds sleep in this coop side by side. They have free range to choose 4 other coops !! But they FLOCK together. As I add chickens the same results form. The birds tend to flock together and choose their housing.So my key point is. Do what you can do and your birds will figure it out and let you know what is needed by there actions. I have two small polish girls who perches on a rubber tire on the ground !! So I have to take them in EVERYNIGHT and place them in a coop. But the next day they will be on their favorite tire The only real issue I see you having would be a lot of bumble foot problems with the muddy floors so I wood recommend a (deep litter method) for your run. Just keep adding chips and give the birds plenty to perch on to stay out of the mud as much as possible. Happy birding !!