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

[chickchick2012]

Having lost my 3 chickens to a fox last autumn and getting ready to get some more, I need to make the outer area I used to let the chickens into, more secure. I was using the Omlet netting for the front and top (there was a fence at the sides and back) but the fox still managed to get in. So I was thinking of making like a walk in run but really need someone to make it for me. Is there anyone in the Worcester Park, Surrey area who would take this job on please?

Thank you

Kay

[Guest]

Sorry can't help with recommendations as my run was custom built from a company that no longer trades. However any handyman/woman should be able to build something for you.

 

Some tips though ... if you rest the run on slabs or other solid surface then this means you don't have to dig in a skirt.

 

The important thing is the mesh as this needs to be weld mesh of a minimum grade (I think 19g but can't be sure). Don't be conned into thinking a double layer of chicken wire is fix proof because it sure 'aint.

 

Also don't forget a roof as foxes as you know find it easy to get over walls and fences.

 

My run was built in panels which were then screwed together. I am sorry I don't know how to attach pictures here but one of the other Omleteers will be able to show you their runs I am sure.

[Chicken shack]

I bought metal framed WIR on eBay which are relelivly cheap, however the wire netting they provided is so thin I could chew through it. I covered it with weld mesh creating a skirt around it. The cost of the weld mesh needs to be factored in. I did most of constructing my self only calling on OH when needed. Took me a while thought! If you have a cube you can attach the run to the side of it. If you look at my Flickr account at the bottom of this you will be able to see it. I hope. I think they are also sold as fruit cages.

[chickchick2012]

Thank you Mrs B and Chicken Shack.

 

I did have Avaries4U to build my WIR but having tried to get in touch again and failing, think they must have gone out of business. Will try a few numbers locally but there doesn't seem to be anyone who actually advertises aviary building.

 

Thanks anyway

Kay

[HampshireGardener]

Hi Kay

I'm new to the forum and don't get my chickens until tomorrow, but I found a company called Woodenart on the Internet and would have had them build us a run if I hadn't come across a secondhand one which meant I didn't have to wait (Mark was fully booked for I think 2 months). I called and asked for a quote and found him very nice to deal with and prompt to respond. They are in Shropshire but travel widely and the day I spoke to him he was installing one in Manchester, so he would probably do your area since he was happy to come to us on the Hampshire/Berkshire border. I don't know what your budget is but it might be worth looking at the website and giving Mark a call. When I emailed him to say we'd bought secondhand so wouldn't be proceeding, he sent a really nice email back. Oh and I thought their price was really good, although of course, since we didn't have it built, I can't say as to the quality but I would have been happy to go ahead.

 

Good luck,

Barbara

[Orangediva]

I'm sure you've considered this but I've got the Omlet WIR for my rabbits and am planning the same for my chickens. I've been impressed with the build quality and sturdiness of it - though I found building it a bit of a trial ( but you can have the Omlet Man out to build it for you). We've used decking strips around the bottom and rabbit proof mesh inside as well as the usual outer skirting and it's easy to make it weatherproof with covers. I like the fact it's moveable and holds its value really well for resale should we ever decide on different housing options.