Unsecure chicken perches

[Smiler33]

I've actually very easily persuaded John that we need to have a proper bigger run for the girls. He is really good at DIY and likes making things, so will do it himself, although I'd love an Aviaries4U one there's no way we could afford it.

 

He's told me to find out as much as I can about them - what are the must have, nice to have, and don't have in relation to a run? Where is a good place to get materials and what grade mesh is fox proof? I think unfortunately it won't be on a concrete base, but imagine it's OK to have it on the ground if there's mesh around the outside to stop any diggers (like the Cube run).

 

I'm not sure when he'll be able to start it, but to get him to agree is a real good first step !!

[Cooks]

that was fast work!

 

I dont have an Avaries4U run but I think my run is lovely, like you my hubby made mine and that means a lot I think.

 

I have a concrete base now but originally the WIR was put up with a soil base, it was horrible! I didn't like it and was hard going on my back to clear out so hubby took down the WIR and put the concrete base there then put it back up, I also swapped the eglu for a cube

Gutting is attached and the weldmesh we used was 19g which is fine but others have the stronger 16g. Cheapest to buy from Hills of Devon.

 

NOW

 

BEFORE concrete base and cube with sleepers surrounding to prevent digging

[Lewis]

The only thing I'd say about soil is you may have a problem with rats digging in to get to the food - although a few people have slabs around the edge and earth in the middle and get on great with it

 

Ours is 16 gauge weld mesh, maybe have a look at the WIR inspiration thread for ideas

[Olly]

I have slabs round the edge and earth in the middle, and it works for me. Might depend on whether your run area gets very wet in rain. I had an Aviaries4U one, and I have a hatch to reach in and get the eggs out so that I don't have to walk into the run first thing in the morning when I've got my work clothes on. A roof is essential, and guttering is really worth while as I have a whole extra water-butt just from the run.

 

I followed ANH's advice and had a 'stable door' type door - if your OH is up to this, it's very useful as I just open the top half to throw treats in, I can even fill the drinker and feeder by leaning over (see note above about work clothes!).

[Poached Egg]

That is good news!

 

Just to add that some people on here have gone for mesh underneath the run as well which would help with the diggers/rats. Also you might want to keep an eye on freecycle/freegle for slabs.

 

If you haven't already done so, I would look at the 'We're all planning walk in runs PART 1 / PART 2' Stickies. We picked up loads of tips and ideas from there.

 

Good luck!