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

[Dcfcchicken]

Hi I'm new to keeping chickens and currently have two, a just laying columbine and a gold star ranger. We got them just over a week ago and they are both laying, had 4 in three days which we're very pleased about

 

I have a small pen though, it's very well built, warm and felt roof etc, I have listed dimensions below, and I would very much appreciate some advice! If people feel to small I will increase but can only go probably double maximum at a push due to a small garden,

 

Does anyone know the legal requirements also, what does it recommend in an area of this size

 

Many thanks in advance, just want to make sure they'll be happy hens

 

Height of run 900 (36inch)

Width of run 1100 (43inch)

Length of run 2000 (78.5 inch)

 

Height of house 450 (17.5 inch)

Width of house 1000 (39 inch)

Depth of house 700 (27.5 inch)

 

Many thanks again

[Guest]

Oh a DCFC fan, I must tell hubby.

 

 

Sunyside are ace, my original girls from there are 4 years old now and still laying

[Chickabee]

This feels like a private post . Please enlighten me, what is DCFC

[chuckmum6]

I am guessing dcfc = Derby County Football Club?

[Chickabee]

I really don't do football

[Chickabee]

Hi DCFCchicken

1sqm per hen in the run is what I've read the most, but the more space the better.

Also it depends how much time they can free range out of the run.

 

 

A gold star ranger and a colombine? Did you go to sunnyside poultry by any chance?

 

 

Is that where you got your girls that had mites and lice? Please warm DCFC if it is. If the house is wooden, this could be a disaster

[Redwing]

I wouldnt have any more in that run at that size. You may have been able to start with three hens but introducing just one now would be a nightmare and in that small space you'd be asking for trouble

 

I would wait until you can double the space then get two more hens

[sparkysmum]

Hi and welcome to the forum and to the world of chicken keeping. My own feeling is that your run is too small for your hens< sorry. I know that 1sq metre is often quoted as being the minimum requirement for hens, but ideally they should have more. Perhaps you might be able to rig up some perches or find other means of creating interest for them in their run. Will they be able to free range in the garden at all?? If so then this will clearly make a huge difference. Have a wee look at the section on eglus, cubes and runs for inspiration. Good luck Ax