Hen house and run questions

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Hi all,

I'm considering getting some chickens and have a few questions before I jump in. My plan is to build the house and run myself. The back of my garden has a concrete slap measuring approximately 3 meters by 4 meters. Firstly, would this be an ok size for a run for 3 chickens? I would let them out in the garden when in, but they would spend a fair amount of time in the run during the week. My plan was to build a wall around the concrete pad (a foot tall or so) and fill it with dirt /grass it over, or use mulch. Would this be appropriate? Would I need to wire over the top of the run too?
Secondly, what are the basic measurements for a hen house? For 3 birds, how many boxes would I need, and of what size? Are there any types of paint or water proofing coatings to avoid? I could insulate the walls of the house too (have a 1-2 inch gap between inner and outer walls). Would this be needed?
The plan for a house I have in mind would be one raised on stilts (so there would be more room in the run to forage) and have a removable bottom tray.

I apologise for all the questions :D .
 
Hello and welcome to the forum :)
The run size is ok for 3 chickens - if you grass it, it will not last long- they love digging- I would wire the top of the run if you can- it keeps predators out and stops crows, magpies and wild birds eating the feed and eggs. Try to build/buy the biggest, best made coop- you will probably want to get more chickens at some point :D A coop at least 4x4 or better 6x4 would be good- you can always keep them locked in if the weather is anything like last winter. Two nest boxes would be good- you only really need one per 3 hens but more is better. As for insulation-- the trick is you want it warm in winter,cool in summer -dry, draught free but with plenty ventilation. I think a home made coop is a better idea as you can design it to suit yourself and make a much better quality coop for less money than if you where to buy one. I would take a look at some of the chicken house sites to get ideas- not ebay lol- most of them are cheap imported rubbish- try looking at flytes of fancy, Forsham cottage arks, Smiths sectional buildings, Littleacre products and Wells poultry housing to name a few- they are all very good quality, made to last coops.
regards, David :)
 
Hi David,

thanks for the reply! I'll start drawing up plans for the house :D Are there any paints/water proof coatings to avoid (I'm not sure if any are toxic to chickens)?
 
Hi, the best waterproofing and anti-red mite sloution is good old fashioned creosote- very hard to find these days but excellent stuff. other than that most wood preservers are ok once properly dry- I have used cuprinol and "ducks Back" they are very good.
regards, David :)
 
Also, I could do 6x4, but whats the ideal height?

Thanks for all the help!
 
At least three foot but higher is better for access to clean etc- also good for ventilation if higher and some birds like to perch as high as they can.
regards, David :)
 
This is another option you could consider, a cheap but good quality playhouse from B&Q. They have to conform to a high standard as the end users are children,so better quality that their standard garden sheds. This one is T&G, raised on stilts(18") with a decking base. Also has 2 coats of woodstain(Sandolin natural Oak) and measures just under 4x4 and is around 4foot in height. Being off the ground not only protects the base, with the door in front makes it easy to clean as well as clear from vermin underneath. We have 2 lads sheds as well from B&Q that have lasted really well. This time of year a lot of garden centres have sales on with playhouses going cheap! We have a fantastic 6 x 4 playhouse that is around 5 years old and looks as good as new. We breed large fowl and ducks that need space so we have opted for converting sheds and playhouses to accomodate their size.

On the back to the side of this one we have cut in a pophole with a wooden door on metal runners also bought from B&Q. The cost of the house was £75, the runners £7.00 each and the pop hole some left over external ply. We also added extra ventilation by drilling circular holes (x5) and adding soffat covers.
 

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Hi Foxy,

that's a great idea. I'll head to B&Q this weekend to check them out.

My next big issue is.... what hens to get? There are so many to choose from. Suggestions of good birds for a beginner?
 
I've been looking over the lists of breeds for a while. I liked the look of black rock - but it appears they're in short supply at the moment and the closest "offical" breeders are hundreds of miles away. I'll get the wife to check over the link to see which she prefers the look of :D .
 
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