Ammonia smell in coop-first time owner

[Henergy]

Arrrgh - I'm so confused with all the choice etc. !!

 

1. Can't decide on size. Have money limits so can't be too big. Was first thinking 6' by 12, but have to put wooden coop in & thats 7ft, so now thinking 9' by 9' (coop is 7ft by 3').

 

2. Can't decide on supplier. Aviaries4u will not quote as we are too far away and they don't trust couriers. I like Bay Housing but DH doesn't think its within his capabilities to build it & certainly refuses to dig out the ground to make level. Devon Hen Houses will build & install but charge alot more & will use onduline roof where I'd like transluscent.

 

3. Worried that the costs will mount, especially as it seems we'll need tarpulin etc to cover sides as the area we are putting it gets all the wind & weather.

 

4. Worried I'll choose the wrong thing & end up regretting it later (as I have the coop) !

 

5. Having irrational fears that the WIR will blow away, as DH will not be up for slabs around base etc.

 

I think I need a good lie down

[chicken bark]

First off - have a cup of tea!

 

If you don't like your coop why don't you ebay it and use the proceeds to get one you do like. The hens will happily live in a cheap/used rabbit hutch this weather while you sort alternative accommodation out.

 

I have just ordered a WIR and plan to assemble it myself. I don't think it it too complicated if the floor is level (mine is not , so I'm planning on lining it all up at the top and then filling in any bits at the bottom).

 

Once assembled a WIR must be pretty weighty but if you are worried about it blowing away you could always anchor it to the ground.

 

I too will have to buy roofing and tarpaulin and all these extras put the price up.

 

I costed building one from scratch and the materials alone came to £170 (not including onduline roof) so I thought buying a 12 x 6 x 6 one would be cheaper. I have found that assembly isn't expensive, the panels need not be that expensive but the cost is the courier to get it to you. I'm using a company in Telford and have no idea of their quality but the price was reasonable. My second choice was Bay Animal Housing.

 

Sorry for the epic reply and I'm still not sure I've been any use to you.

[Plum]

While I have a cup of tea with you we'll talk WIRs.

 

Now a 6ft wide run is a lot easier to roof and its plenty big. What about putting your hen house on the outside and joining it to the run. It's not that hard to do plenty of us on here to talk it through with you.

 

The ground does need to be flattish for the panels to sit on but you're a girl and getting out there with a spade and your boys and look helpless, your hubby will soon be out to tell you what a mess you are making and do it for you. If he doesn't well you'll make a good job anyway. Lots of us have learnt new skills since having chickens

 

Then you order your panels from Bay (they come with all the screws and already meshed) or whoever and have an Omlet meet (just say there will be cakes) at your house. The panels screw together so just get a cordless electric screwdriver/drill and you'll be amazed what you can do especially if Omlet friends come to help.

 

Shame you are so far away or I'd give you a hand

[Jools]

Plum talks a lot of sense I was going to suggest putting your current house outside the run and going for one that's 6ft wide and as long as it can or needs to be. Maybe also think about investing in a roof, which is more expensive initally, but it will last longer than tarps. The plastic corrugate sheets from DIY stores are approx £10 for a 6ft length for example.

 

I bought panels from Bay Animal Housing too and while I didn't put them up (that's what husbands are for), they were easy enough that I could have done it. But why have a dog and bark yourself

[chicken bark]

So Plum - you coming to build mine for me?

[pips_pekins]

Hi. I am sorry you are getting in such a tis. I was exactly the same. My OH can't change a bulb without close supervision let alone anything approaching DIY however after all the problems with Chirpy Coops we went with Bay Housing who have been really helpful but could only supply what we wanted as they are simply too far away to travel here to build it. We are still to put the run together so may be speaking prematurely and I am sure others with more experience will give you much better advice but maybe this can help a bit . Firstly, is your wooden coop raised or can it be raised? We have a cube and the hens can use under (and over) it so really no space is lost there. I went for a 12 foot by six based on the number of birds and the time they would be in the run or FR. Do you have hens already or know how many you want? From that you can calculate the minimum size that will be suitable for your flock. As for the roof. I was told that onduline was the best so did not consider anything else. I was not too concerned as the light comes in through all the sides anyway and I wanted something long lasting and of good quality. Also, consider if the translucent roof will make more noise when it rains etc than the onduline. I have still to get tarpaulins for the sides but the panels seem sturdy and are unlikely to blow away once fixed. We were lucky with our slabs as I have recycled some that a neighbour was digging up. At this time of year you may be able to find someone doing a makeover who won't mind you taking their rubbish away! One final point. On another thread you mention mesh. I chose 1x1/2 but in a heavier mesh than standard for added protection. Not sure still if the right size but very happy I went for heavier. Good luck whatever you decide. Don't forget pictures. Since starting this there have been other replies. Great idea Plum think I might need to advertise a WIR building party at mine lol

[Plum]

So Plum - you coming to build mine for me?

 

Have you got cake?

[Henergy]

Many thanks for all your kind words. You are all so lovely

 

I have decided to take a couple of days off from WIR shopping & then have a fresh look.

 

I think I am over thinking it ! We are very lucky to have a huge garden, so I think I will sit DH down & work out our top limit & go as big as possible. We are not in a rush, I am home all day mostly so they can free range easily during the summer. As one of you said, who knows what'll happen in the future. New coops, new chickens etc !

Although I only have two at present, I know that they cannot be happy in our tiny coop all winter, so Sept is my deadline.

 

In the meantime, any new WIR photos will be hugely appreciated. I have so loved reading ALL the posts on run planning on here & maybe it was info overload that set in ! That plus the fact that I am such a perfectionist

 

So onwards & upwards ...... and thanks again everyone of you x

[Plum]

Have you found the pictures only thread. Bit easier to read, it's a sticky

[Henergy]

Yes I did thank you Plum, but I'm also enjoying the 'long' posts too, interesting to hear people's thought processes.

[Sam]

We built our own WIR so can't really offer any advice, apart from get an inward opening door! Everytime I walk in, I just chickens flying at me and squeezing their heads through while I try to squeeze in! And of course, they squeeze out before I can get it! Good look with your searches