Warm boot recommendations please

[MariaB]

Does any one keep their chickens on an allotment? We have five girls in the garden which is not very big and am shortly getting an allotment in my village. I wondered if any one had tried this and if it worked or not. We have a secure run so I am not worried about foxes getting to the girls and I pass the allotments every day on my way to school so can check on them twice a day for food and water requirements. Do you think they would be lonely and the only other thing I worry about is if someone stole them or helped themselves to the eggs. Thinking of putting their house in the run and then locking it with a padlock and then when I am gardening letting them out for a nice bit of grass and dig around. Our run is 6 ft X 12ft so they would have plenty of space. My house also has a door that opens on a timer so will shut at night and open in the morning.

Any comments would be appreciated.

Maria

[Electricbarbarella]

I know a few people who have chooks on allotments and they get n fine, I personally like having mine in the garden so I can watch them, but then I am just a bit sad.

[Saronne]

Have you checked with your allotment managers that hen-keeping is allowed? Some allotments (like ours) forbid the keeping of livestock on plots and others allow it. Also, if you're allowed hens on yours, just be wary of slug pellets, etc. that neighbouring plot holders use on and around their plots. No doubt you will use netting, etc. to contain your girls.

 

Saronne x

[The Dogmother]

I know several people who keep their girls on a lottie, you need to be careful though about penning them on soft soil, which a fox could easily dig through.

[MariaB]

yes we are ok to keep hens on the allotment. have already checked that one out and run is going to have a mesh bottom too so nothing can get under.