Pro - Does anyone else's nest boxes get soaked in rain?

[Harley]

Hi Everyone,

 

I'm working out plans for a small set up of 3 hens, for the eggs, the compost and the joys of ownership! I plan on starting in the spring, to give plenty of time to get everything perfect pre arrival!

 

I have so many questions, but I've read pretty much every post of this forum and many other books and websites besides, so I think I've got most basic things covered.

 

However, I can't decide between two potential sites in the garden, and I was hoping some wise owners might be able to help be do the best thing.

 

Would a group of chickens be happiest in a large run with no view, but plenty of space for amusements, multiple ground types (deep litter, sand/gravel and earth) and a more natural environment, or would they be best in a smaller run, next to and looking onto the garden they would never/very rarely have access to?

 

One would be too large (5m x 6m) to completely cover, so it would have shelter and rain, but would be surrounded on three sides by buildings and one side by a greenhouse so with netting would be totally predator proof.

 

The other would be a more conventional WIR affair, with much less space, but complete cover, more protection and a view of a garden.

 

Now my thinking is a bigger, nicer environmment that's more open to the elements is better than a covered cage looking onto greenery they can't get at. Or will they not appreciate the space and be just as happy in a 2m x 3m WIR?

 

Or is wondering about their view just thinking way too much into this!?

 

Also, in an ideal situation would chickens prefer to have part cover part rain/snow, or complete see through type roofing and never get a drop of rain?

 

Thanks so much,

 

Harley

[peachachecha]

Hello, I have only been keeping chickens myself for three weeks now. I have three chickens in an eglu go with a run extension. I am unable to let them roam about the yard but would love to let them. There are so many experienced people on this forum that would know better than I would but if I were a chicken, I would like to be able to explore every nook and cranny I could. So I would say go for the bigger area. You would have more fun watching them explore your garden.

[Olly]

Hello Harley, and welcome to the forum. I think most people on here will say that space is the premium factor, so go for the bigger option. Chickens spend most of their time looking at the ground for food (or looking at their sister to check she hasn't got something they don't have!) so they won't mind being in a place without a view. That's a huge run area, and you'd have some very happy chickens in that.

 

A bit of rain won't hurt,my hens will often choose to go out in the rain, but the ground will get muddy very quickly if it gets wet, so I'd make sure that a fair bit of it is covered. Also, you mention using netting to keep predators off - it won't stop a fox, you really need securely fastened weldmesh for that.

 

As you say you've been reading a lot of things on here, can I recommend you to seek out any threads with 'morehens disease' in the title? With a run that size, you're in grave danger of catching this! afraid there's no known cure ...

[Egluntyne]

Without knowing the fox situation in your area, I'd go for option one. The hens won't care two hoots for a view, but they will enjoy a rich environment and the more space you can give them, the better. However, if you live in an urban environment, and will be out at work during the day, then I'd go for option 2 as urban foxes are a nuisance.

[Ain't Nobody Here]

Option 1 does sound ideal (but Egluntyne does make a good point!). Just another thought though, have a think about the convenience for you of whichever run you choose. Is one nearer to your house? Would you have to trek through mud in the winter to put food & water out, collect eggs and shut them in at night? Would you be able to see the chickens from the house? It's handy to be able keep an eye on them to check out for bullying/health issues/etc.

 

Sorry if that puts a spanner in the works .

 

Perhaps you could start off in the small one, with the option to move into the larger one when Morehens strikes .

[Plum]

I was going to say the same as ANH. Do you want to see them? you'll spend ages out there anyway. I would put up to 4 or 5 chickens in the 2x3 run. Does this match with your plans? But a covered run and big outdoor area will be heaven for them

 

I think your decision will be more about you than the chickens

[Harley]

Haha, thanks for the warning - I see it as near inevitable, and starting numbers might well vary if I choose a breed that is less prolific but more pleasing to own. I'm not keen on intorducing unless I get losses though. My aim is to create a real heaven for them, and so, especially with the replies so far I am almost 100% on the larger run space.

 

I actually think keeping them on something like sand/woodchips in a small run, in full sight on a big juicy garden they aren't allowed to eat might be a bit mean...

 

Access wise, the larger run space has a door that sort of goes directly into the house in it, but on cold days that door would be a bit harsh to open as it's in our hallway - and it's a longer trek down the garden (with could be pathed) to go round the long way. However the aforementioned greenhouse will need near daily visitation anyway, so that is no great issue. Certainly being able to watch them from inside, as well as nip out to collect eggs etc would be a big bonus.

 

The other space requires no lawn walking, but is smaller and can't be seen from the house (except at 20 yards distance)

 

I'm decided. The larger run would be surrounded on two sides by house (very high), big tall brick wall (10 feet easily) on one side, and greenhouse completely the other. No way any predators could get in, but a net over the whole lot will be required I believe to keep out wild birds. As I say it's 5m x 6m and about a third of it would be covered. It would be very sheltered in terms of any wind, but is south facing so would still see plenty of sun (greenhouse/see through side on the sunny side to maximise light). I plan to use the space for a variety of ground types, with deep litter under cover around an eglu (no structural wood/non replacable wood at all anywhere in the run to help with hygiene/mites), sand/gravel/pathway over a large french drain and then an area for more earthy/compost stuff. I'll throw garden waste and food s"Ooops, word censored!"s here and these will feed into the compost bin inside the greenhouse twice yearly as well as produce nice eggs I will also have space to cycle 1sqm trays of grass/plants that I will have growing on top of the covered section of their run. Lots of space for dust baths, toys, perches etc and once a week they can get let into a bigger walled garden to completely free range while I clean out!

 

I expect happy chickens

 

Anything I've forgotten, what else to hens get in heaven?

 

Harley

[Ain't Nobody Here]

Glad you've managed to decide - it really does sound like heaven x 10 for chickens .

 

It sounds like a fascinating setup - any chance of some photos ?

[Harley]

Oh for sure there will be pics when it's done