janeears Posted August 8, 2010 Share Posted August 8, 2010 I wasn't sure quite where to post this - but would really appreciate any words of advice from Omleteers! We have 3 chooks in an eglu classic with an extended run but I'm feeling increasingly anxious that they haven't sufficient space for an 'interesting' life. There is a significant fox problem in our area which makes it unrealistic to let the 'girls' free-range plus our garden could not be made secure to keep the chooks in. I keep looking at WIR : would this appease my anxiety?! We couldn't afford one just yet but I'd be willing to save up if it was felt that this would offer the hens a more fulfilled life. The largest WIR we could manage would be approx 12 x 5 x 6 and we'd put in perches etc to make the most of the height. What do you think? How much space do your chooks have if they're not able to free-range? Many thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jools Posted August 8, 2010 Share Posted August 8, 2010 As much space as you can give them is the honest answer and it sounds like a WIR the size you mention would be ideal for them, so I would definitely start saving. And have a look at Bay Animal Housing as I bought some run panels from them recently and thought they were exceptionally good value. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
janeears Posted August 8, 2010 Author Share Posted August 8, 2010 Thanks for your honest reply, Jules. I'll have a look at the website you mentioned. I kept chickens 20 years ago in a very different setting and just want to give my lovely girls a well-deserved lovely life. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
janeears Posted August 8, 2010 Author Share Posted August 8, 2010 Just had a quick look at the Bay Animal Housing website. The products look super . Would you reccomend an Onduline roof rather than the meshed roof that seem to be in the pictures? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hopetofinish Posted August 8, 2010 Share Posted August 8, 2010 Hi, I am about to order a WIR from Bay Animal Housing. 12 x 6 x 6 with the edging that stops the bedding being chucked out and it looks really good value. Hubby was going to build one, but at this price, he is happy to order. Chris responded to my e-mail promptly tonight which is an encouraging sign, and there has been good feedback on others on this fourm. I am looking to keep 3 chickens, and am hoping this is sufficient room to keep them happy Edited to say hubby is going to put the roof on Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
janeears Posted August 8, 2010 Author Share Posted August 8, 2010 Thanks for your reply, HopetoFinish. I, too, had a very quick answer from Chris - very impressive on a Sunday evening! What is your husband planning on putting on the roof?!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hopetofinish Posted August 8, 2010 Share Posted August 8, 2010 I have ordered!!! I think onduline seems the preference from what I have read here . Told Chris I found him via this website, and that I would post a photo when constructed! Think he will do a roaring trade if the run turns out as good as it looks. I have order the 1/2 inch mesh with mine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
janeears Posted August 8, 2010 Author Share Posted August 8, 2010 I agree with the roofing choice - most 'experts' here seem to prefer it. Can't wait to see photos. are you putting it on slabs or concrete? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hopetofinish Posted August 8, 2010 Share Posted August 8, 2010 Janeears - The run is going on slabs. Now just have to decide on the coop Hubby fancies having a go, and he has been so good in saying yes to me having chooks that I think I will let him. He is good at DIY, and I am off to my sisters this week, and she keeps chooks so will photograph her coop, for him to have something to work with. What breed chickens have you got? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
janeears Posted August 9, 2010 Author Share Posted August 9, 2010 We have 3 beautiful ISA hybrids; all very different plumage. Hermione laid her first egg today to our delight! I really like the Bay Animal Housing products and have contacted Chris with a few questions to see if we can get the right WIR for our situation. I love the kickboard ones but thought I could save some money by attaching extra-deep plastic lawn edging/plastic ties around 2 sides - have done wthis on our current run very successfully. How exciting for us both! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
janeears Posted August 10, 2010 Author Share Posted August 10, 2010 Think we're going to have a wait a while for our WIR My husband says we need to save up for it ; I know he's right but I feel SOOOOOO disappointed. I've spent days researching the best products and prices ............. Sorry, just having a self-indulgent moan! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dizzy-Deb Posted August 10, 2010 Share Posted August 10, 2010 Think we're going to have a wait a while for our WIR My husband says we need to save up for it ; I know he's right but I feel SOOOOOO disappointed. I've spent days researching the best products and prices ............. Sorry, just having a self-indulgent moan! ooh I know how you feel. I am champing at the bit to get going owning some chickens. I know which products I want, researched etc, but having to wait on hubby before can order. Its killing me He has to do some ground work and build a staircase of some sort so we can access the ground which is on an upper level. Its so hard waiting.... in the meantime I am having a clear out of stuff around the house thats simply not used, plonking it on ebay and starting a 'chicken fund' so anything I get for the stuff sold... it goes into the fund. I have over £100 already just selling of these bits. I have made it a project now to see if can get enough for my WIR Its decluttering the house too. Hope you can get your WIR soon. xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
janeears Posted August 10, 2010 Author Share Posted August 10, 2010 Oh, DizzyDeb, thanks so much for replying! I can't talk to my 'real life' friends about this 'cos they'd think I was completely bonkers! (Probably quite rightly!) It's good to be able to share my disappointment with like-minded chicken addicts! I love your idea of a WIR fund, though. I've several articles that could be e-bayed - I'll do something constructive rather than wallowing in self-pity! Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dizzy-Deb Posted August 10, 2010 Share Posted August 10, 2010 Hi Janeers I am addicted and I havent even got any chickens yet Believe me I understand the disappointment of not being able to get started with something. Its so darned frustrating. I have never been the most patient of people so having to wait is not my strongest point. When I want something for my existing animals or soon to have ones.... I want it NOW At least ebaying stuff / decluttering is keeping me busy and think its a good idea to raise some funds towards the stuff wanted. Even hubby has contributed some of his things that doesnt want to go towards the chicken fund. Bless him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
janeears Posted August 10, 2010 Author Share Posted August 10, 2010 Right. You've inspired me!! As of tomorrow, I'm going to commence my WIR campaign! E-bay, here we come! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
janeears Posted August 11, 2010 Author Share Posted August 11, 2010 Well, DizzyDeb, I've kept my word! Photos taken for e-bay purge plus my daughters have had a jolly good clear out of their (numerous) 'cuddlies' for a car boot sale on Sunday. Thank you for a much-needed pick-me-up! My WIR fund will be up and running tonight! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
janeears Posted August 12, 2010 Author Share Posted August 12, 2010 Half of my unused things are now on e-bay and the garage is bulging with children's toys!! I'm not sure we'll actually raise much for our WIR fund, but it's great that we're being proactive! The things we do for our chooks, heh?!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
janeears Posted August 15, 2010 Author Share Posted August 15, 2010 Right, the wir fund is underway! We did a car boot sale this morning and raised £57 - not bad for mostly chidren's toys, books and DVDs. We've also raided our 'coppers' jar and amassed £44. My e-bay items finish tomorrow and Tuesday so that should swell the coffers some more. I'm glad we're being proactive and really trying hard to rasie sufficient money to give the chooks a better quality of life. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandyhas3chucks Posted August 15, 2010 Share Posted August 15, 2010 Janeears - The run is going on slabs. Now just have to decide on the coop why don't you just use the Eglu without the run? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
janeears Posted August 15, 2010 Author Share Posted August 15, 2010 Was that comment for me?!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandyhas3chucks Posted August 15, 2010 Share Posted August 15, 2010 yes but I think I got mixed up? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted August 15, 2010 Share Posted August 15, 2010 I think it was meant for HopetoFinish, actually, reading back! Anyway ... congratulations on your WIR Fund, that's an impressive start. I just wanted to say that while you are saving up, don't feel too bad about them being in the extended run - they are probably quite happy and although it's not a lot of space, it's quite adequate especially if they get out to free-range sometimes when you are there to supervise. I've got a WIR and I love it, but that is mainly because it makes MY life much easier! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
janeears Posted August 15, 2010 Author Share Posted August 15, 2010 Thanks, Olly. I would love to be able to let them FR but it's not an option at the moment. We know that a WIR will provide them with an enriched life whilst keeping them safe and secure. I appreciate your words of wisdom and reassurance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
