Mrs

[welovemarmite]

I am looking at getting a temporary accomadation block now that the dog crate is actually used by a dog. I was thinking of getting a rabbit hutch and converting it as it would probably be cheaper than getting a coop. What would i need to do? Would it just be a case of putting some batons in and putting perches across?

 

THis would be for new intorductions, a nursey or sick bay as required over time.

[Chortle Chook]

For a sick bay a converted rabbit hutch might work providing you put in a low perch and checked the felt is water proof, however I think that they easily get red mite (because of the felt roof) and are the wrong shape (too horizontal, not vertical enough) for real use.

 

If you are adding perches, you'll need to make sure the perch is wide enough for comfort and there is enough head room once the chicken is on it. Many people make them too narrow and put them too high up. You could buy one of these that you can then take in or out as needed, or make up one that is like this.

Small additional perches

[welovemarmite]

Thanks. Will have a thin about what I am going to do. Need something soon!

[clucker1]

We use an old rabbit hutch of ours as intros accomodation and it works really well. It is quite large and has a ramp to the upstairs part with a chain to pull it shut. This is useful so the chickens learn about going to bed. Haven't put any perches in....the babies tend to use raised part of the timber. In the downstairs part, it is the run area where the chickens learn to be chickens in the day. No problem of red mite yet (phew) and we have used it on and off for 2 years now. Good luck.

[welovemarmite]

clucker, thats the sort of thing i have been looking at.

[Redwing]

Ok will have a go at explaining the ideal way to do it....

 

The bigger wire door on the front, screw some hardboard over this leaving an inch gap at the top for ventilation

 

Use the smaller of the two doors as the pop hole leaving it open for them to come and go in the day. if the coop is more than a foot off the ground add a breeze block as a step or make a little ramp

 

in the bigger (now bed) area add a freestanding perch two thirds of the length (a length of 2 x 2 wood is perfect with a bar at each end to stabalise it so it looks like an H) leave the end furthest from the pop hole free and they will use this to lay in. if the coop is for growers then leave the perch out completely and just let them nestle in the bedding

[Chortle Chook]

Hey Redwing, that is a perfect description of to how to do it. I've pasted it to a wordfile to keep

[welovemarmite]

Thank you... may have changed tack and get a small wooden coop instead.. but then again i am a woman and i am entitled to change my mind again