Ammonia smell in coop-first time owner

[KateC]

Hi I have had my 4 hybrid chooks for three weeks now. I started off with a cube and 4 metre run and now have added a 2m square WIR. They seem happy enough but I am worried that this is still too little space for them. My original, romantic idea to have them free ranging is really out of the question as we have two dogs who I know would chase them and one who may even kill them, unintentionally. She is from working labrador stock and thinks she is giving you the best present in the world when she has caught rabbits, pheasants and partridges. She is very gentle but they generally die of shock!! We also have foxes around us all the time so I would be even more paranoid. Electric fencing isn't suitable either so they have to stay in the run. I have made them a dust bath and put perches in for them. Am I being cruel? I know battery hens have no space at all but I hope I am doing the right thing by these ones.

[Olly]

The rule of thumb is 1 sq metre per chicken, so your run sounds fine. We'd all like to give them more space but you have to be practical too. Have you got any branches or things for them to perch on in there? That way they can use the whole height of the run. You could also try hanging up treats to keep them occupied, I often tie up a bunch of beet leaves or bolted lettuce or similar for them to peck at.

[KateC]

Thanks Olly

 

I have put three branches in for them which they are beginning to perch on. I think I have also been feeling bad because the weather has been so awful and they are huddled up together looking decidedly fed up. When the sun is shining they sunbathe and enjoy the dust bath. I want all my animals to lead brilliant, enjoyable lives. I'm probably too soft sometimes!!!

[Henchanted]

(Sorry I got writing this ages ago then got called away midflow)

 

Do you mean a classic with a 4 metre run?

 

To be honest whether it is the cube or classic a 4 X 1 metre run is the minmum for 4. A 2 x 2metre ?? WIR is a great bonus as thats another 4 sq metres. My hens have the same space and although they would like to free range all day, sometimes don't get any time but I know they have enough space and don't suffer.

 

There is little clear official guidance about garden hen enclosures and what there is is is somewhat confusing, whether you look at DEFRA or RSPCA. The standard aimed for in farmed birds is 1sq metre per hen and 4 sq metres for organic hens.

 

It is only natural for the hens to want to be out, whatever the size of the run, but don't worry, they have enough space to scratch about and thats their main occupation.

[Plum]

If they are looking miserable in the weather have you thought about a windbreak and some cover from the rain?

[KateC]

Thanks for the replies. Chickens much happier today in the sunshine. Going to get another clear tarp to help with wind and rain. Sure I will have more questions as time goes on!

[johnandkymberley]

I have 10 darlings in a 3m cube, they have a big mezzanine level, 2 branches, a sandpit(dustbath) and a stratch pit (as we call it) which is just a bucket version of the sand pit. I know 3m doesnt sound loads and my hens free range as much as possible (mostly 9am - bedtime) but when they are in the run they have the space to stratch and dust, which are all natural things and mostly i only have 2 hens on the "ground floor" as they LOVE the mezzanine level! they all huddle up together on it and sleep!

 

I think you have got enough space and if i could i would buy more space but where ive got them positioned and where i want to keep them there isnt enough space

 

You could also try adding some mirrors etc to keep them entertained if they are NEVER going to free range xx

[Henergy]

mezzanine level ???? How cool - how did you manage that ?

[gongladosh]

i think we need pictures

[johnandkymberley]

Hi, its the top part of the old cube door panel, does that make sense?!? its quite big, fits about 9 hens on, usually one is left out! i will take some pics this morning and post them xxx

[johnandkymberley]

Hi, okay have got pics,

sorry my camera didnt work too well

http://i777.photobucket.com/albums/yy53/johnandkymberley/PIC_0417.jpg?t=1311162947

http://i777.photobucket.com/albums/yy53/johnandkymberley/PIC_0419.jpg?t=1311162949

http://i777.photobucket.com/albums/yy53/johnandkymberley/PIC_0424.jpg?t=1311162956

http://i777.photobucket.com/albums/yy53/johnandkymberley/PIC_0420.jpg?t=1311162951

 

the pics are abit big but you get the idea

Edited July 20, 2011 by Guest

[squiffs]

Have you got little flowers on the run clips down the side? awwww... I can't wait til I can afford a cube one day... got to get myself out of this "Ooops, word censored!"pily paid job first

 

1. get new job

2. buy cube

3. buy walk in run

4. buy house?

 

I like my priorities

[johnandkymberley]

Yeah ive got the eglu stickers on my classic, (which is only for emergencies) but then had some spare but some have curled and fallen off! Have also noticed a purple plant that has grown beside the cube?! dont no where its come from but the hens dont eat it and it looks so nice beside it! hoping it will spread along but not sure! Could you sell your eglu on and buy a cube from ebay? ours came from ebay and it was pristine xxx

[squiffs]

Yeah ive got the eglu stickers on my classic, (which is only for emergencies) but then had some spare but some have curled and fallen off! Have also noticed a purple plant that has grown beside the cube?! dont no where its come from but the hens dont eat it and it looks so nice beside it! hoping it will spread along but not sure! Could you sell your eglu on and buy a cube from ebay? ours came from ebay and it was pristine xxx

 

I would but the cubes on ebay are at least £400 at the moment which is still out of my price range

 

hehe colour schemed hens.

[johnandkymberley]

Hi Lauren,

sending you lots of money dust ~*~*~*~*~*for your cube

your cube will be so worth the wait, will you get more hens too? or just keep the ones you've got? xxx

[squiffs]

Hi Lauren,

sending you lots of money dust ~*~*~*~*~*for your cube

your cube will be so worth the wait, will you get more hens too? or just keep the ones you've got? xxx

 

 

More hens of course! I want some silkies

 

Ta for the money dust - I think I need to roll in some!

[Lisa C]

This looks fantasic!

 

Is the mezzanine floor attached by zip ties? I knew I was after a new door end for a reason

[johnandkymberley]

Yup its just zip/cable ties in the matching green colour, the girls love it, have you got the old style door atm? xx

[Lisa C]

Yes. I puchased my Cube from ebay about a month ago after selling my Classic. I think its a very early model but it's still fantastic

 

Am looking to purchase the new end but as I bought an extension from Omlet (shhsss don't tell OH) I'm having to watch the pennies...can I have some money dust too??