Pro - Does anyone else's nest boxes get soaked in rain?

[no1smiles2000]

Hi Ladies,

 

Well i got so excited about getting chickens i dont think i planned it well enough.

 

Got a cube & run for wedding present from Parents but think i might be better in my small garden with a walk in run as they are getting mucky & hard to keep.

 

 

Now what i am thinking:

 

My shed is agains the fence so if i put the run in the area there (which i have insidently just cleared) then i would only need 2 sides? could i use the fence as a side? its a sturdy fence etc so no risk of it blowing over. (God forbid)

Would i need to check with my neighbours or could i just but the pannels up against the fence & shed?

 

The i could have the cube agains the run giving the chucks more space, and they would probably only free range occasionally. which will make hubby but me dont like the thought of them cooped but but they've trashed my garden, we're getting a dog & i want to expand my veggie patch!haha

 

I will post some piccies.

 

Just thought if i do it against the shed & fence it might be a tad easier as i'll be doing it! unfortunately hubby isnt very handy & loves his sofa & bed!

[Redwing]

I am guessing the fence is a high one, 6ft?

 

You would need to fill in the gap between the shed corner and the fence and any gao under the shed too, weldmesh would do the job, make it small holes if mice live under your shed! then yes you could make those two sides of the run

 

If your neighbour owns the fence would say its a no no, I dont think you could attach something to their fence

 

If you made the roof the height of the fence or less I wouldnt think you need to check with your neighbour but good communication is key in these sorts of things so I would recommend that you let them know what is happening

 

Bear in mind water run off, your neighbours wont be impressed if you slant the roof over the fence in to their garden, not everyone is a fan of water features! so plan carefully

[no1smiles2000]

well talked to hubby & he thought it'd be a good idea & gonna check with my neighbours.

 

Now could i pick your brains again?

 

what do i need?

 

What wood did you use etc?

 

BB

[Falkor]

My WIR and cube are in a corner and use the shed and two fence panels as sides.

 

Here are a few pics of the build and finished article. My run is of the chunky variety. But I think most people use 2x1 wood.

 

It is a freestanding in that none of it is attached to the fence panels or the shed. It is based on a front frame which is concreted in.

 

 

[cockadoodle1]

Shopping list for WIR's

I used the following

 

Timber from Wickes, size 50mmx50mm and made up 1.8m x 900mm panels to make a 4.5m run. I kept mine away from the fence cos I have blackberry bushes trained on it

and 200m away from shed but put weldmesh under shed and filled it with concrete to stop rodents.

Weldmesh from www.hillsofdevon.co.uk 900m wide to fit panels They are the cheapest by far.

Roofing I used Wickes clear plastic corrugated sheeting £6 ish per sheet

I set the run on Breeze blocks and screwed the panels to it to secure it

When I cut the weldmesh I allowed 200mm extra to allow me to flange it out similar to the omlet run idea

Total cost around £350 for a 4.5m x 1.8m run. You will need various fixings also but these are not added in as they came from my stock

Hope you find this useful