4m x 3m Omlet pen, cube, new auto door still boxed and coop light

[Q.O.M]

Hi

We have got fed up of the constant rain that we have had since we got the chickens 2 months ago. and along with the mud and soggy chippings - I have had enough!

 

Today we have put the girls on gravel, on top of some patio stones. Now it drains really easily. Wwe have tried washing away the poo with the hosepipe and it works well.

We put the paving stones on gravel so it can drain easily.

We have also put a couragated plastic roof on it.

 

Here are some pictures hope they work!!

 

http://s288.photobucket.com/albums/ll168/TheVWs/?action=view&current=2008_0503chixkens20078.jpg

 

http://s288.photobucket.com/albums/ll168/TheVWs/?action=view&current=2008_0503chixkens20082.jpg

[Snowy]

That looks great - much drier! Mine go straight to my patio when let out - it is paving slabs set wide apart with loose gravel in between. They spend ages scratching about in it! (and I spend forever sweeping the gravel back into place ) Just don't stand too close when they are scratching in it, especially with bare legs *ouch*

[WitchHazel]

Looks lovely! lucky chooks.

[Egluntyne]

It looks great.

 

Well done.

[Ain't Nobody Here]

That looks lovely - so tidy and pretty with the plants . Like the little ornaments, lights and stepping stones .

[chelsea]

Very nice set up - looks so neat and tidy Well done!!

 

my girls love to dig up chipping, stones and pebbles - they spend hours in the garden doing it (and then im behind them with the broom sweeping up )

[Q.O.M]

Thanks

[Q.O.M]

Thanks.

Will the gravel possibly hurt their feet??

Thanks,

Harriet

[moomin]

Hi there,

 

I wouldn't have thought it would hurt their feet, I had the same concern when I got my chickens as we are in the middle of building a patio and there's rubble and stones everywhere it looks like a bomb site at the moment. They seem to love scratching around in it and doing the chicken dance!!

 

You could see how it goes, maybe put in some perches for them to sit somewhere different. I put in a bit of railway sleeper for mine, an offcut of about six inches and they sit on it all the time.

[Ain't Nobody Here]

I agree, some perches would be good. They seem to like sitting on branches. I've got a largish log, 2 thin branches and half an old shoe rack which they all use regularly.

[Q.O.M]

Hi,

Thanks

I am off to make some perches tonight!

They tend to free range for 4-5 hours each day so I think they will be ok.

Tanks for your replies.'

Harriet

 

Also we had our biggest egg so far today which is about triple the size of the normal ones!!

[daisymay]

Looks lovely. Think that's a great idea with the roof....I sense a trip to a diy store coming up for me!

[Cyber Chook]

Wow, having just taken delivery of a cube and five lovely chooks on Tuesday, and then watched helplessly as it rained and rained and RAINED, I've only just managed to get out and start sorting things out better. It looks like you've done a great job - very satsifying I'm sure! The lights are a good idea, too.

I'm getting bark chips and log roll lawn edging (ebay bargain at £12 for 7 rolls!), and I'm looking forward to setting up a fab chicken palace. I'll get there eventually...

Caroline

[Q.O.M]

Hi

Thanks for all the suggestions for perches - I found a piece of oak looking stuff yesterday in the shed and once I have cleaned it up I will pop it in the run for a perch and have a look in the woods later when and if I walk the dog! The lights were so the children could see the end of the run as they have to check on them before they go to bed and to stop them tripping up - I have spent more time fiddling with chickens than indoors doing the housework!! I do not get much of a look in on this forum as my daughter has become a chickenalholic!! - and reads eveything before I do!

What she did not put down was that my husband and son have been away on a rugby tour all weekend, so when he arrives back tonight, there will have to be some careful parking of the car as I have removed loads of the gravel from his drive!!

 

Enjoy the sun this week - shame I want it to rain to test it all out!!

 

Lucie

[Ain't Nobody Here]

I have spent more time fiddling with chickens than indoors doing the housework!!

Eight months down line, I'm still doing that .

 

I have removed loads of the gravel from his drive!!

 

BTW, the corrugated plastic is great in the rain. I've got two alongside each other slightly overlapping along the top so it's really well covered. Now the weather's a bit better though, I've put one on top of the other - keeps most of the rain off but lets a bit more sun and fresh air in!