pop hole size ?

[hawkeye185]

Hi. I have just made a sliding hatch in the wall of the stable to allow the chickens to go out into the new run.
i havnt cut through yet so what size should the hole be? The hatch door is 2foot square
the chickens are 22 week old warrens and I dont want to be increasing the size of the hole constantly if they grow any bigger.
I was considering starting at about 12 inches square but any thoughts would be appreciated.
cheers in advance hawkeye 185

 

[tygrysek75]

The warrens aren't very large so 20x20cm would be sufficient for them.Mine is 30x30 and I think is to big.

 

[hawkeye185]

thanks for that i will start off at 20 x 20 and see how they cope!

 

[chrismahon]

My latest is 280mm wide by 400mm high. The height is for the cockerels. Our hens would be happy with 300mm. Our rearing units accomodate a broody hen and the pop-holes are 275 wide by 285 high and they have to duck a bit. I would go for 250 wide and 300 high myself, but as Tygrysek says, Warrens are small. If it's too wide two will try to squeeze out together!

 

[Chuck]

1' wide and 1' 2'' high. Just in case you get any bigger ones later. Better to do a one off job as you say.

 

[Marigold]

Yes, a small bird can go through a big hole, but not vice versa!