First time help with chickens

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careyking

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Hi there
Have moved into a new house where they have previously kept chickens, The enclosed gated pen surrounds a large tree and is approx 4m x 3m, the featherboard fence is 6ft high. Inside is a chicken house which i guess would house around 5 chickens. I intend to buy some Amber star chickens in a few weeks.
The only things I am unsure of is whether i need to have some overhead cover to protect from birds of prey ie galvanised mesh, or is there another deterrent. Also would a 6ft fence be foxproof, and would i need to put mesh or something similar beneath the fence or maybe lay some large stones against the sides.

Any advice would be appreciated
 
Too small for birds of prey to land and take off Careyking, especially with a tree in the way. Would need to dig a foot down of fine mesh in along the fence which will stop rats as well -large stones will add protection. Height should be OK but you could add mesh at the top to be certain as I have seen a fox jump a 5' 6" wall without touching the top. I think always best to shut them in at night. Would limit the run to 4 and treat/ clean the coop thoroughly before introducing them.
 
Didn't occur to me about take off room for the birds of prey. will take your advice on digging down just to make sure. I guess a determined fox could clear the fence so will add a foot of extra wire on top.
Thanks for your help
 
Hi Carey and welcome to the forum. How lovely to move somewhere where you have chicken equipment all ready for you!
What sort of chicken coop have you inherited? ie plastic or wood? There are lots of threads on here about redmite and it would be good to research this thoroughly to find out how to locate and treat any infestation before you get your chickens, as you will find it difficult to treat the coop once they're using it.

And what about the floor of the run? Is it just earth, or is it covered with any sort of woodchip, or what? There again, it will be a good opportunity to clean the surface, dig out and dispose of any old bedding, maybe dig over the earth and put down some ground sanitising powder before researching what sort of bedding or surface you would prefer for the run. Just earth on its own will get horribly muddy and filthy very quickly. This is another subject we spend ages arguing about on here!

Another advantage about putting wire over the roof of the run is that it excludes wild birds, which can bring in redmite on their feathers, and contaminate food and water,though you're going to get them coming down from the tree in any case I suppose. What sort of tree is it? When you say 'large', how large? The chickens will enjoy the shade, but a tree in the middle of a run can be a bit of a mixed blessing. With no obstructions, if you can put wire mesh over the roof of the run it excludes wild birds, which can bring in redmite on their feathers, and contaminate food and water,though you're going to get them coming down from the tree in any case I suppose.

We shall all be interested to hear how you get on, with so many interesting decisions to make in the next few weeks.
 
Hi there
And there was me thinking it would be simplistic!
The coop is wooden, have cleaned it out quite well, but i'm guessing it's not quite thorough enough, so will get some sanitising powder as you say.
The floor of the run is earth with quite a few large stones, was told they prefer this as keeps them busy? not too bothered about the mud in winter as it is well contained
The tree is about 26ft high with a 7x5 tree house within it so not a large amount of leafed branches. I guess it would be a bit futile to put meshing over completely if there will be a continual bird prescence above. Could you advise on the best site to buy all the sanitisers and equipment etc

Thanks
 
Don't worry about wild birds, most are healthier than a lot of the chickens ! I'd have that tree house down and convert it a bit quick !
The best treatment for the house is creosote in and out, getting it into all the crevices, especially on the inside. You might find there is wire already dug in around the bottom but it is an essential. Foxes will climb wire, especially when the chickens are in the pen and are very tempting. Tehy attack day or night. The ideal is to run two strands of electric wire aound the pen, one about 9'' form the ground and the other at three feet.
If previous owners have used the pen, it should have the basics but check the state of the wire as it does deteriorate and you can be sure a fox will find any weak spot.
Your choice of hens is a good one as they have great temperaments and lay lots of brown eggs.
 
Just to add to Chuck's comments. Creosote outside can be neat, if you can get it (trade only in 20L drums), but best mixed 50:50 with paraffin on the inside as it soaks in well and doesn't leave a sticky surface. Just don't spill any on the floor as chickens will be scratching and eating the dirt. Creocote may be all you can get which can be used neat inside and out, same applies to spillages. Needs plenty of drying before the hens go in -2 weeks is best.
 
hi chuck seems to know what hes on about foxs do climb wire so dont pull it to tight this makes harder to climb also if you dig it in round the bottom sink it to about six inches and turn it out a foot foxs usually start diging at the base of a fence and turn it out at the top as well and on the tree take off lower branches as the can aide would be jail breaks all the best uncle fox
 
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