2009 Omlet cube and run for sale

[Stedic]

Hi all,

 

I'm about to move my WIR so that I can keep the Eglu on the outside and add an extra 3 ft x 6 ft section to the end. I want expand the flock and have made contact with little hen rescue about rehoming some of their weaker ladies. I want to section off the last 3x6 area of the WIR, creating hatches to the full WIR and the outside to make integration as easy as possible while still allowing the new girl(s) to feather up for a few weeks.

 

Two questions for you:

 

1) Is a 3ft x 6ft section going to be sufficient for one or two poorly ex-batts? They'd be in there until they were strong enough to integrate. If not I might be able to give them a little more by extending into the other girls area at a lower level, with a solid roof so the healthy girls don't lose too much floor space.

 

2) What should I use a hospital coop? I thought I'd make up a small wooden box with a small nest box. I don't think I need to worry about roosting bars as they'll be weak when they first come out anyway. It'll be for a maximum of two girls - what size do you think I'd need?

 

Steve

[Egluntyne]

Why not google the dimensions of one of the smaller wooden coops for sale and base your design on that?

[Redwing]

I have a small coop in a 3 x 6 set up

 

The coop is raised off the ground by some cheap battening so the hens have the whole foor space but in your case you'd need something level to the floor for ex batts which reduces the floor space so find something small but substantial for them to sleep in

 

A 2 x 2 box with a pop hole would do it temporarily or an old 2'6 guinea pig hutch (cover over the mesh door and leave the small door open as a pop hole) A large pet carrier or small dog crate covered with a blanket or cardboard would do if they are quite well feathered. I have seen those 2 x 2 x 2 wooden planters converted in to a small coop by lying one on its side and adding a front and door - you'd need to drill plenty of ventilation in around the top though!

 

For new ex batts the run space is fine but as they get more mobile they may fight a bit with the close quarters so a couple of food stations will help as most fights are over food! the hook on coop cups will help as the space is small

 

Later you'd have to extend the run in to the other part of the WIR as you say

 

The trouble is that most rescues want you to take a minimum of three hensso you may struggle as you only have room for two really. Also if you take the weakest ones there is a chance you could lose one and end up with a lone hen. See if they will let you take just two but be prepared to compromise on the level of special needs you take on especially if you cannot get hold of a substantial coop