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

[midori]

We have 7 hens. All medium sized, (two the much smaller end of medium! ) except for a cochin and an Araucana bantam. They are currently in a locally built hen house without a run. We are in a fenced housing area (army camp) in a rural location and the danger from foxes is almost nil, certainly during the day.

 

In the summer we have to move due to my husband's job and because of that we don't get to choose where we live. At the moment it seems like we'll end up with quite a small garden, but it is on the outskirts of a city so the danger from foxes will be very high. This obviously means quite a change for my girls.

 

Originally I had hoped to get a large walk in run for them and keep their existing hen house. However, due to the size of the garden this doesn't seem possible. So we are considering an Eglu Cube with am extended run, but they are quite expensive and we'd like to keep the costs down if possible. We have seen this, which is a bit cheaper and say it is suitable for 6-8 hens, but as they will have to spend most of the time in the run (other than when I can supervise) I wonder if it's really suitable?

 

http://www.flytesofancy.co.uk/chickenhouses/Haven_Hen_House.html

 

Any other suggestions? We had considered electric fencing, but I am not sure if that would do, seeing a fox could possibly jump into the fenced area? We do have dogs which are great with the hens, if these were outside would that be enough to deter foxes? (I would only do this when I am at home but just not in the garden)

 

Any ideas greatly appreciated. I want what is best for my girls, but I don't want to downsize if I don't have to, I just couldn't choose which to keep and which to let go. (although I do have a friend with a lovely home for them)

[Tweety]

The run really isn't big enough I'm afraid. I'm not sure that a cube with extended run would be big enough either, if they are to be in it all the time. You might be better off keeping them in their existing house, as you say, and trying to find a WIR that is the right size both for your hens and your new garden. Sorry I can't be more helpful.

[Patricia W]

An electric fence is usually a good defence against foxes so maybe go for that?

[JillM]

My 6 hens are in a Cube with the 2m run, plus 1m extension. They are fine in that during the week, then they free range in a netted area when I'm in the garden with them (weekends and odd days off). I'm looking forward to the lighter nights when they will be able to FR every evening.

 

I am getting the Omlet WIR in a week or two so they have more room when they can't FR (...but that'll probably lead to me getting another chicken or two......)

 

Good luck with your move

[chicken bark]

I think just bear in mind that the minimum outside requirement for a medium sized hen is 1 sq metre. You may be able to rig up a mezzanine type level in a WIR that would increase the floor space.

 

I hope you come up with a solution that suits you and your chickens.