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

[jameslcfc]

Hi, iwas wanting some advice regarding breeding my silkies. I currently have 2 broody silkies and have started a seperate coop within my current run. I have put my hens in the coop to try and break the broodiness for now but will be using them for breeding when the temperatures pick up around march.

I was wondering how big the run and shelter should be per chicken. I currentl have converted a plastic storage box for tools and connected it to the outside of the run. I have cut a hole out and cut the chicken wire to let the chickens back into the run. I am building a small isolated run within my current run but wondered wether the walls of the run I am creating should be made of wood? I currently have chicken wire but the girls are upset when they see the other hens.

how big should the run be?

I have read alot about breeding but there is very little info on breeding coops

[Beantree]

We have 4 identical rearing units James. Important points are, that they must be moveable to fresh ground while the hen and chicks are still in the coop, they must be very secure with a pop hole that is big enough for the hen but with no gaps for small rats, easy for the chicks to get out but no gaps in the run again for rats. 10mm weld mesh we have, rainproof and 8" wood sides to minimise draughts. A big lid makes it easy to get in and catch them.

 

You may find a rabbit hutch and run suitable. But if it is large enough it can be used for temporary housing for sickies or new arrivals. Before we made ours we visited a local breeder and had a look at her units. The design was then improved in line with her experience.