kitschwitch Posted May 18, 2009 Share Posted May 18, 2009 Hi All, I've been lurking here for almost a year now but we've finally got round to it and the cube arrives this week! Very excited and have a chance to reserve some hybrids from Southmead ready for collection on the 29th. I've read so much but really now want to ask, as I was thinking of getting 6, should I add the extension now or see how they do with the standard 1m run, can't consider a WIR at the mo as we rent and think it would be better to wait until we buy a house so that it's truly permanent. Thanks Di Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phosphorus Posted May 18, 2009 Share Posted May 18, 2009 I would add the extension personally, but then it depends how much time they will spend in there. I have 6 currently living in a cube in a walk in run which is about 10 ft by 14 ft to give you an idea - I could put a couple more in there, but we will be extending when we do, to give them the space. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted May 19, 2009 Share Posted May 19, 2009 I would add the extension from the off tbh. The standard run is a bit snug for 6. Welcome to the forum. Great username. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Space Chick Posted May 19, 2009 Share Posted May 19, 2009 I had 4 in my standard run, now 3, and even now its not a great deal of space, so if you are getting 6 I'd say you definitely need an extension. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quickcluck Posted May 19, 2009 Share Posted May 19, 2009 I had 6 with 2 extensions which was just about right, they are now in a WIR..... Very exciting for you, you will never look back! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seagazer Posted May 19, 2009 Share Posted May 19, 2009 I agree with everyone else, you will need an extension for 6. I had 3 in a standard run and I felt they didn't have enough space. Good luck with your chickens Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Angels4 Posted May 19, 2009 Share Posted May 19, 2009 I've only got the standard run and I've got four girls in there (well 3 girls and 1 boy) mind you they are only 10 weeks old, but IMO they already seem a little cramped. I suggest you go with the extension from the start. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egg Lou Posted May 19, 2009 Share Posted May 19, 2009 Like others I would not recommend the standard run for 6 girls, I originally had 1 extension plus standard run for my 4 girls and this was about right. Since added another 2 extensions so have a 5 mtrs run in total which if fine for 7 girls ( 4 Large and 3 Bantams poss ..same as 6 large?) However I would not have been happy with them all in a standard run unless out free ranging all day and only in at dusk. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peggotty Posted May 19, 2009 Share Posted May 19, 2009 Hi and welcome, I too was a lurker for many months! I have recently added an extension to the basic run, and feel a lot happier with the size for the girls on the days no one is at home and they have to be safely shut in. Although it's now too unwieldy to be moved off it's area of paving slabs. We ordered extra hoops and clips too, so that for extra stability we have one each side of the join, and one hoop near the front end. We fixed the front end with bungees at the top and sides so that the top half can drop down and I can climb in when necessary for mucking out(there is no way I can get in through their door!) Oh, and when I say 'we' fixed/made/bought anything, I mean my OH - it's a really bad habit of mine claiming for his successes! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janty Posted May 19, 2009 Share Posted May 19, 2009 I had six girls originally in the standard run plus extension and then we got a second extension. The more room you can give them the better. Plus, if you add it onto your order now you will avoid further postage charges. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kitschwitch Posted May 19, 2009 Author Share Posted May 19, 2009 Thank You so much for all the replies! It's really appreciated, so now the question is are we down to 4 or add the extension? Quickcluck, is your extension still for sale because we could pick up next week?? If not then how long would 6 be ok for in the standard with very limited free-ranging - mainly weekends - if I order as an extra, will pm you in a sec I suppose though as OH is away till tomorrow, the decision should be made when we build it up and depends on space - Cube arrived today....Yaaayyyyy!, although it looks slightly damaged - have called Omlet and they are on the case as I would like to get the girls next weekend. Hope we have enough room as I really want to start with 6, that's 1 each for the darling step's, 2 for OH and 2 for me!! Little worried about the kittens though (1 yr and counting) - one of them brought me a pretty big "baby" rabbit last night, first time for a rabbit kill in 12 years plus of cats Thanks again, and all advice more than welcome, need to do chicken shopping list now Di Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quickcluck Posted May 19, 2009 Share Posted May 19, 2009 I have pm'd you Di.......... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egg Lou Posted May 19, 2009 Share Posted May 19, 2009 Thank You so much for all the replies! It's really appreciated, so now the question is are we down to 4 or add the extension? Quickcluck, is your extension still for sale because we could pick up next week?? If not then how long would 6 be ok for in the standard with very limited free-ranging - mainly weekends - if I order as an extra, will pm you in a sec I suppose though as OH is away till tomorrow, the decision should be made when we build it up and depends on space - Cube arrived today....Yaaayyyyy!, although it looks slightly damaged - have called Omlet and they are on the case as I would like to get the girls next weekend. Hope we have enough room as I really want to start with 6, that's 1 each for the darling step's, 2 for OH and 2 for me!! Little worried about the kittens though (1 yr and counting) - one of them brought me a pretty big "baby" rabbit last night, first time for a rabbit kill in 12 years plus of cats Thanks again, and all advice more than welcome, need to do chicken shopping list now Di Hi Di I have replied to your pm and hope you come and see run with girls in even though yours has now arrived as I'm sure it will help still.. if you are set on 6 girls then what about considering bantams? You can see full size and bantams in mine if it helps Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quickcluck Posted May 19, 2009 Share Posted May 19, 2009 have pm'd you!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quickcluck Posted May 19, 2009 Share Posted May 19, 2009 My Pm is stuck in my outbox Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
