Peacocks

[SteveC]

In response to a couple of requests, here are some pictures of our new setup.

 

WIR is courtesy of A4U and is 12x6x6 covered. As I've said before, great service and a good quality product - highly recommended.

 

 

A4U also supplied the coop table (with ramp) pictured and supplied an egg port (so we don't have to go in the run to check for eggs), a coop removal port (so we can pull the Eglu out of the back for cleaning without worrying about disturbing the girls too much) and a mesh contraption for attaching both the Grub and Glug too (off the ground). All at extra cost but everything really good quality and does the job!

 

 

Still not decided what to put on the run floor (either Aubiose or Wood Chip ) but after only a week the grass pictured was already gone!

 

Our first egg arrived within 2 weeks of the girls arriving from Cotswold Chickens (pictured in my Avatar - proudly displayed by oldest son Sam).

 

So, we've been up and running for 3 weeks now - all going well so far!

[beach chick]

looks great, and the girls look happy too!

as for the flooring, I think it depends on what you are going to do with the sides inthe winter months.

 

general consensus is that horsey type bedding needs to be kept dry, so you will need clear tarps (or something) on the sides.

 

given that your WIR is on bare ground you could use chippings and just let them get wet, add more as required and stalosan/lime the ground as and when.

 

cant see, but is your WIR moveable, or do you have slab edging?

[SteveC]

It's heavy enough that it's staying put! No slabs, but there is an internal frame and 'skirt' to make it hard / impossible for foxes to get in!

[beach chick]

ah yes, I just noticed that... very clever idea.

 

so, with the help of your local rugby team (!!), you COULD move it if you really wanted to?

in that case, I'd go for the easiest cheap option of wood chip (free or delivery cost only if you can find a local tree surgeon), just make sure there is a bit of rain cover for the girls so they've got somewhere dry in the run to go to in bad weather, and if you dont like the look of the ground after a year or so, see if you couldnt just shift it sideways a bit?!

 

we're going to go down the route of making our electric fenced area permanent, and once they've trashed the existing vegetation will just top it up with wood chip, leaf mulch, whatever. the WIR will be the 'dry' area with the horse bedding; for the rest they can just get out there and be chickens!!

[Henergy]

That looks lovely - thanks for the pictures. A4U won't quote me as I'm too far away & they have stopped using couriers apparently. Its a shame as their work looks wonderful. That internal frame is a clever idea too. Going to show the pictures to DH later to see if I can get him more enthused !!!!

[Sam]

That looks great

 

BTW - How does your White star compare to your amber lee? I have an amber and just wondering what the difference is personality wise!

[Plum]

Smashing run.

[SteveC]

How does your White star compare to your amber lee? I have an amber and just wondering what the difference is personality wise!

 

The Amber (Rosie) is quite docile / friendly and quiet (a chilled out chicken!) whereas the White Star (Darcy) started off a bit flighty and nervous. However, she settled down nicely after a few days and is now among the more curious and quite happy to be picked up or stroked. I think she's a bit bossy - I reckon she's 'boss hen' although they're still relatively new as a group and I can't be sure yet! I saw the White Star described as being like a 'ballerina' - dainty etc. - hence the name Darcy (after Darcy Bussell). I think the description is quite apt. Hope this helps!

[Lewis]

Looking good!

 

Good call with all the alterations and extras

[Ain't Nobody Here]

That looks great . I like all your extras .

 

I'm another satisfied A4U customer (luckily I got there while they still couriered - all the way up here too .

[Sam]

 

The Amber (Rosie) is quite docile / friendly and quiet (a chilled out chicken!) whereas the White Star (Darcy) started off a bit flighty and nervous. However, she settled down nicely after a few days and is now among the more curious and quite happy to be picked up or stroked. I think she's a bit bossy - I reckon she's 'boss hen' although they're still relatively new as a group and I can't be sure yet! I saw the White Star described as being like a 'ballerina' - dainty etc. - hence the name Darcy (after Darcy Bussell). I think the description is quite apt. Hope this helps!

 

Yes our amber is also very friendly! She was actually bottom of the pecking order when we first got her because she looked a lot younger and was smaller, but now shes probably top chook! It's funny how shes climbed her way up Thanks for your help

[Henergy]

I'm another satisfied A4U customer (luckily I got there while they still couriered - all the way up here too .

Yes they won't quote for me as too far away