xChicken04x Posted December 4, 2007 Share Posted December 4, 2007 Evening all, I have a dilemma. Next year we want to get some day old sexed chicks (girlies.) We would like 3 (well I would have 4) but if we get 3 then that would mean when they are big enough there would be 11 in the cube. We have some big girls and some little ones in there and at the moment we would easily be able to fit more in, but in the summer would it be too hot? Another option is to buy one of these: http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/7051801/Trail/searchtext%3EPLASTIC+SHEDS.htm and attach a perch and nestbox. Then put a run on the end, personally I think this is the better idea. When they would be about 6/7 weeks they would be introduced to the outside world, I know they can't be in the run with the big girls at that age so that would mean building a seperate run for them. So I don't see the point in building a run for them to go in untill 16/17 weeks then putting them in the big run with the girls, I think they should just stay where they are, saving all the hassle of introductions. Also if they had there own run we could have more chicks and not worry about space in the cube, but the family doesn't seem to agree, because they don't want the garden clogged up with chicken runs. So what do you think? xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lovemychooks Posted December 4, 2007 Share Posted December 4, 2007 Oooooo, I think that's a brilliant idea, you should definately buy one of those More chicks are always good Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted December 4, 2007 Share Posted December 4, 2007 You would have to be certain that they would not be either fried alive or frozen to death. The Omlet plastic is specially constructed for its insulation properties.. The toolbox will not have been made with that in mind. I'd have a look at one in the flesh first.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xChicken04x Posted December 4, 2007 Author Share Posted December 4, 2007 You would have to be certain that they would not be either fried alive or frozen to death. The Omlet plastic is specially constructed for its insulation properties.. The toolbox will not have been made with that in mind. I'd have a look at one in the flesh first.. Right Ok, its made out of plastic the only metal bit is poles that lift the lid up. How would the over heat or get too cold? The one in our local Homebase is made out of plastic and is really thick.... xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted December 4, 2007 Share Posted December 4, 2007 The Omlet guys make much of the Eglu's twin walled insulation and its magic properties. Would the toolbox achieve the same effect as it wasn't designed for livestock. Just a thought. Have a look at one up close and see what you think. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xChicken04x Posted December 4, 2007 Author Share Posted December 4, 2007 Ok then We will weigh up the options when the time comes and make sure it is completly warm and safe for out new arrivels. xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BeckyBoo Posted December 4, 2007 Share Posted December 4, 2007 I hate to dampen things but we've got two of those storage shed thingys (loads of bikes and scooters) and they are NOT suitable for animals. They don't close securely, they're actually quite rickety, not draughtproofed at all and the only way you can open them is either lift the roof or the big doors at the front. They are nothing like the plastic of the cube, it would be like putting chickens in a Little Tikes playhouse - probably OK in the summer but you might as well leave them outside for all the draught and cold protection they'd get. It would also be completely not fox proof. If I've mis-read this then just ignore ALL of my above ramblings, but I really really don't think you should get one for chooks. Sorry. Mrs Bertie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sheilaz Posted December 4, 2007 Share Posted December 4, 2007 Yes, I'm glad you're weighing up all the options, it would be so sad to make a hasty decision & then wish you hadn't. Whilst it is sooooo tempting to have more chickens (yes, I started with 2 ) it's far better to have a well thought out plan and happy hens/happy keeper. I'm sure you'll come up with a solution to your dilemma, best wishes meanwhile. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buffie Posted December 5, 2007 Share Posted December 5, 2007 yes having 11 girls now you do get a real urge to keep going. I have finally hit the 'I have to stop at this house' point. I wouldn't personally keep hens in this tool shed. BBx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted December 5, 2007 Share Posted December 5, 2007 Nor me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xChicken04x Posted December 5, 2007 Author Share Posted December 5, 2007 Ok tool shed, not a good idea... But (no offence to you wooden house keepers.) With living in an area with foxes (haven't seen any for 5 years though) they could essily rip the wood off a wooden hen house. So that is out of the question. The eglu's are too pricey with having to buy equpitment for the chicks in spring. Unless someone in the Cheshire area is willing to sell an eglu for round about £150 but I doubt they would sell for that little. What do you all recoment for housing? xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted December 5, 2007 Share Posted December 5, 2007 An eglu, or rablu is great for raising chicks in. I would worry about them being vulnerable in anything else, although Martin did keep some quail in a rabbit hutch for a short period. Personally though, if I couldn't sort appropriate housing, I'd shelve the idea of raising chicks until I could afford/find the right housing. It's all about cutting your cloth accordingly - I'd love more hens, but it just isn't sensible from a time and money point of view. That's purely from my point of view though, and not intended as a criticism. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xChicken04x Posted December 5, 2007 Author Share Posted December 5, 2007 Ok then, we where looking at getting chicks in about 4/5 months so we have all that time to sort something out. I completly agree with you though, it wouldn't be fair to put the chicks in something not sutible for them, I was just asking for opinions for the shed thingy. The chicks would be kept in a brooder for about 6/7 weeks so really we have about 6 months to sort something out. Do you think 11 in a cube would be a bit mean? I think we will have to go for a wooden house and build a secure run arounf it or something. Thank you for your opinions and advise. xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted December 5, 2007 Share Posted December 5, 2007 11 in a cube might manage....you'd need a couple of run extensions though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xChicken04x Posted December 5, 2007 Author Share Posted December 5, 2007 We have a home made run which is 24ft by 10ft, do you think that is enough space for 11 chickens? Sorry for being a pain with all the questions , I just want to be prepared. xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted December 5, 2007 Share Posted December 5, 2007 Isn't 1 sq metre per chicken advised for floor space. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted December 5, 2007 Share Posted December 5, 2007 Have you thought about asking on the eglus wanted section to see if anyone has a spare eglu that they might be able to lend to you? Some people have held onto their spares in case of sick hens. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xChicken04x Posted December 5, 2007 Author Share Posted December 5, 2007 Good idea, but it would need to be perminent, I'll ask if anyone has a eglu they can sell, but I doubt it will be in our price range Thank you for the suggestions! xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BeckyBoo Posted December 5, 2007 Share Posted December 5, 2007 We've yet to build our run (this weekend hopefully ) but our intention is to get our big girls, the bantams and then 4 ex-batts or there abouts eventually all sleeping in the cube with a run for during the day plus free ranging as well. I don't think there's going to be a problem with that many sleeping in the cube, I think it's only about 3 of ours actually sleeping in the roost at night, the rest are in the nest! The main think I think is how much space they have during the day, ours are out every single day normally for 2-3 hours as a minimum then they have perches logs etc in the run, when the new run is built I'm after putting half a hay bale in there as a perch / I'm the king of the castle thing so I reckon they'll have plenty of room. You're brave doing the chick thing tho, once I've got my ex-batts I'm going to have to stop which I will be gutted about. I NEED TO MOVE TO THE COUNTRY - OH PLEASE READ THIS!! Mrs Bertie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted December 29, 2007 Share Posted December 29, 2007 But (no offence to you wooden house keepers.) With living in an area with foxes (haven't seen any for 5 years though) they could essily rip the wood off a wooden hen house. So that is out of the question. sounds unlikely to me, they're not that strong, unless the wood is rotten... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xChicken04x Posted December 30, 2007 Author Share Posted December 30, 2007 I don't think its likley either, but our vet (who is only 10 mins away) got all his flock taken by a fox ripping the wood off his chook house I think we would be pretty safe though, if we got a wooden house, the last fox we saw was 5 years ago and it didn't look too well, but that doesn't mean there isn't more The good news is a forum member, not too far away from us has offered us their eglu for a reasonable price, for the spring, but we will have to how the money works out first... xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted December 30, 2007 Share Posted December 30, 2007 I don't think its likley either, but our vet (who is only 10 mins away) got all his flock taken by a fox ripping the wood off his chook house I think we would be pretty safe though, if we got a wooden house, the last fox we saw was 5 years ago and it didn't look too well, but that doesn't mean there isn't more The good news is a forum member, not too far away from us has offered us their eglu for a reasonable price, for the spring, but we will have to how the money works out first... xx I wonder what his coop was like. Good luck with getting the cash together, shame Omlet don't have a January sale! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
