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

[samfiddle]

Hello, i'm new to the forum.

 

I've had my cube with standard run (not added any additional 1m extensions) for nearly 2 weeks. I have 2 hybrids hens and i am keen to get about 4 more hens.

 

I don't know if to buy a 1 or even 2, metre extensions for the cube or wait and get a WIR of about 12ft x 6ft.

 

Why do people go for the WIRs as opposed to extendong the cube run?

I don't want to buy the extensions then regret it as would be throwing money down the drain! Already feel if i get a WIR i have wasted the money on the cube run i have. ( should have just bought the stand alone cube)

 

Thanks

 

Sam

[Lewis]

Welcome to the forum Sam

 

For me I'd get a WIR

Its probably cheaper than the expensions, exp if you sell the existing run, and is so much more space and flexibility. Easier to clean out, more room to add perches, hang up feeders etc for the girls, and theres more space over the winter when they'll probably FR less.

 

Don't know if Omlet will take the run back to sell as a re-con if its 2 weeks old (worth asking), if not you could sell it on here

[Space Chick]

I agree go for a WIR It's easier to get in and clean due to the height. You can add a load of interest (tables, perches etc) and you can spend time in it with the girls I had football stadium seats installed in my run

[samfiddle]

Thank you both

 

Most people seem to end up with a WIR in the end, seems silly to waste money along the way.

 

What sort of size for 6 or even 8 hens. ( I just keep increasing the amount of hens i'm having)

 

Another question- Do you end up with lots of hens that aren't laying after a few years. I know they re pets but would like to have continuous eggs, if only a few. Should i stagger buying them, maybe 2 every 6 months or yearly?

 

Thanks

[Lewis]

If you have your 2 now, aim to get your WIR done my Easter and get 2 or 3 pullets then, thats a couple of months gap.

Then over the rest of the year you're bound to see a breed that you fall in love with and want to get either this year or next

 

Hybrids tend to lay lots of eggs (one a day) all year round, for only a few years, where as Pure breeds will lay less often and have a couple of months break over the winter but will lay for a few more years

 

There will always be a couple that die from natural causes so in 2 or 3 years time, yes you might have some retired girls, but by then they'll be pets and they've given you so many eggs so will just live retired with you

[Aunty e]

I've rarely ended up with non-layers for very long, as they seem to up and die after they stop laying I'm so glad we finally went for a WIR. We absolutely didn't have room for one in our old garden, but we have so much room in this house that it made sense and it's been brilliant. I'm considering extending in the spring so we can add some more chooks It's so much easier to walk in and top up food and water, chuck some wood chip down and I don't feel remotely guilty on days when I can't let them out! My only slight regret is that I went for a rather silly wooden house, which I'm now considering taking off and keeping bantams in instead as there really isn't enough room for all my girls to sleep and lay in there.

[samfiddle]

Thanks for the replies, most helpful.

 

I am studying the breeds at the mo, thinking of a couple of pure breeds to go with the hybids.

 

My husband said his fried eggs sandwiches are costing him about £50 each!

[Bramble]

Hi Samfiddle! Just wanted to say thank you for posting this question, I have just the same dilemma at the mo, I have a Cube (not yet put together! ) but no run to go with it, so want to think carefully about WIR as opposed to Cube run - reckon the cost would (or could) be about the same or maybe a bit more for a WIR. Only thing I'm worried about is whether a WIR is going to be as secure as a Cube run? Of course, I could just keep things simple and stick with the Classic and run I've already got ...

[samfiddle]

I think a good quality WIR would cost more. You can make it secure by putting it on slabs (more expense or hard work) or you can have a skirt put around the base like the cube, although the latter should only be short term as eventually the wood will rot if left on the ground.

 

I got this info from aviares 4u. he is very helpful and makes, what looks and sounds, lovely good quality runs. I was told by someone that they bought a cheap one and ended up having to replace it.

 

I still have not decided as the WIR i would like( (6 x 12) is about £400!

 

Sam