Hello from Nottingham

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crazyhorse

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Hi

I have been looking at the forum for a few weeks. I havent got any hens yet.
 
Hi Crazyhorse and welcome to the Forum.
Have you found the main Poultrykeeper website at http://poultrykeeper.com/ ? There are lots of helpful articles on there about keeping chickens, and people on the forum will be pleased to help you along the way. Are you planning to get some hens soon? Do keep in touch and let us know about how you are getting ready for them.
 
Hi. Thank you. I am planning on getting three or four in a few weeks. I have a big garden with an area of. 25ft by 18ft earmarked for the hens. It has sunny and shaded spots and is protected from the wind by wooden fencing. I am wondering if i could utilise a spare shed I have.
 
Lots of threads on here about suitable housing, Crazyhorse, and as many opinions as there are members I think. The main thing is to research carefully what are the most important things to look for in a chicken coop and run. Lots of people do convert sheds very satisfactorily and it would be a pity to miss out on their hard-won experience. Maybe if you outlined your plans, others could comment? Have a look at the very long thread 'Building a new run' at the top of this section, for some starting points. It sounds as if your girls will have a lovely lot of space - does the wooden fencing go right round, and how high is it? (remembering that foxes can jump 6ft)
 
Hi

Thanks for the reply. It's six foot solid fencing along the back stretch of the 25ft stretch, then it's four foot solid fencing on each side of the 18ft sides, and for the front part 25ft stretch, it's six foot heavy duty fencing trellis covered with honeysuckle and clematis with wire mesh three feet high attached to it. There is a solid rose arch in the middle of the fencing and we are going to put a six foot wire gate there. I'm also going to add two or three feet of wire mesh on top of the four foot fencing. I want a bigish hen house as I don't think I will be leaving the hens out when we are not there (incase of the fox coming). So I think I will add a small run to the hen house in that instance.

We have two good dogs (used to free range poultry) who have chased the fox off when we used to have rabbits, but I do appreciate how dangerous foxes are to poultry. I'll have a good look throug the forum thanks.

Lisa
 
Hello Crazyhorse and a big welcome to the forum! :-)99 :D Lots of good advice here and of course on the website as Marigold has pointed out.

Have you decided on what breed/type of chickens you would like? The area you have set aside sounds perfect for them! :D

We have adapted sheds and playhouses for chicken houses and they have worked very well for us.
 
Hi Foxy

I'd prefer good layers who are friendly or not skittish.

Lisa
 
Hi Crazyhorse and welcome to the forum. I worked in Sandiacre for a while.

Whatever coop you get you will always want to change something. Things won't be exactly as you would like them. If you convert a shed you will have that opportunity as time goes on to add or change bits. Then you will be in a better position to know a good coop when you see one if you are looking to buy. In time you may want your shed back to store all the chicken stuff !!!
 
Hi

Following one of the above replies, I've been looking at wooden children's play houses. But, then there's the transport issue, I only have a small hatchback. Grrrrr.

My husband is rubbish at DIY. :D

LISA
 
Hi Crazyhorse,
When I lived midway between Mansfield & Nottingham I picked up 6 Lohmann's off realcycle/freecycle last year from a 'egg farm in Derbyshire' they were changing their stock and needed space for 5000 pullets so he was offering 2000 86 week olds free for collection. They did their darnest to get me to take lots more but my set-up was only suitable for 4/5 and I refused more than 6... They were mainly free-range but sheded until they had laid.

If you're buying shelter for say 3/6 hens of any breed then look at JTF in Hucknall =
http://www.jtfmegadiscountwarehouse.co.uk/branches/branch-hucknall.php
http://www.jtfmegadiscountwarehouse.co.uk/join-free.php
Other than being a user I have no connection with JTF.
 
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