KateC Posted May 29, 2011 Share Posted May 29, 2011 I am getting my Cube and 4 metre run in the middle of June. I have been to see some potential hybrid hens and would quite like 3 or 4. As we are surrounded by rural countryside and regularly have foxes walking past, they won't be able to free range too much apart from when we are in the garden with them. I don't want to overcrowd them in the run. Any advice would be welcome. Can't wait to get some now I have seen some!!! Thank you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted May 29, 2011 Share Posted May 29, 2011 Three or four will be fine in that space, certainly people would have more but if they will be in the run most of the time I'd go with four max Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KateC Posted May 29, 2011 Author Share Posted May 29, 2011 Thank you for your advice. Am already choosing the ones I would like. :0) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
teacake Posted May 29, 2011 Share Posted May 29, 2011 oooh choosing chickens how exciting, what are you thinking of? I've had 4 hybrids for a month now, and it's been great, and it amazes me how they are all so different. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KateC Posted May 29, 2011 Author Share Posted May 29, 2011 Definitely a black tail, probably a goldline. Then I have to choose between a specked rock, nera and amberlink. Shame 5 would be too many. They were all lovely! What sort have you got? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sam Posted May 29, 2011 Share Posted May 29, 2011 How about an Eglu classic with 4m run? It could still hold 4 chickens but a lot cheaper, just a thought! I have a black tail, goldline and amberlink and they are such nice girls, lay every day and are so confident I'm guessing a nera is similar to a black star which I also have, shes not very friend and doesn't come near me unless theres food about, but I think thats just down to individuals. Good luck choosing! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dancing cloud Posted May 30, 2011 Share Posted May 30, 2011 Go for the cube every time - easier to clean and you can manoeuvre round the run without crawling, and there's so much room for expansion later when morehens disease strikes As I've only ever had ex-batts, I've never been in a position to choose but it sounds great . Have you definitely settled on breeds or are you going to see which little girls throw themselves at you on the day? At my first adoption, Joy (as she became) threw herself into my carrier the instant it was opened - I was picked and you may well be too! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KateC Posted May 30, 2011 Author Share Posted May 30, 2011 I saw some yesterday. I would like ones that are happy to be in the run for a lot of the time and ones that will be friendly as we are new to chicken keeping. I am sure the run size will expand in time and as we get more confident with the girls they will free range more. When we have the cube we are going back to talk to chap selling the chickens who hopefully be able to advise us on a good combination. I am just going on looks at the moment!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...