tom123 Posted December 13, 2009 Share Posted December 13, 2009 Well, we are in the process of creating our new chicken run BUT I am still unsure on the exact design! Let me explain everything... We have 3 big hens and 2 bantams at home. I would like to keep them all here but if needs be the bantams can live at my yard along with other hens. I have a large 4ftx2ft coop on legs and an area roughly 4.5m x 1.5m which will be slabbed. I have drawn (badly!) a sketch of the area available below... http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q281/mot321/Rundesign.jpg?t=1260730377 Now, do I... 1. Erect picket fencing around the area and put woodchip down. (hens are Brahmas so no trouble about flying there!) This does mean that I can't put in perches. OR 2. Put up a 4ft high 'WIR' on the area with a roof allowing me to use aubiose and perches, tables etc. Also, how many chooks can I keep in there? 2 of the hens are Brahmas and the other a small Faverolle and the bantams are a pekin and wyandotte. Could I keep all 5 in either of the designs if I let them free range a couple of hours a day?? I understand the fox risk with option 1 but have had hens FR without any trouble as dog is normally in the garden, but I do know that this isn't a reliable protection! What do you think guys? Any other ideas?? Thanks Tom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gelbel Posted December 13, 2009 Share Posted December 13, 2009 With option 1 you can still put in perches - we've used cut down fencing posts in the bigger 'outer' run area. We've stood them on the various large planters that they like to pick morsels from the soil and climbing plants. Others will tell you IKEA shoe racks are good perches and yesterday I was looking at one of the tall pot plant tables I have it the conversatory in a new light. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted December 13, 2009 Share Posted December 13, 2009 I look at everyone's furniture thinking what it would be like as a perch Tom I would go for option 2. Security must win out and you can free range as you say. I would think your hen will be fine in that size run . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
