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

[Scaredyhen]

Hi all,

 

I posted last year about getting some chickens and finally, this Sunday it all begins!

 

We are buying a second hand WIR/coop which is 7ft by 4ft. The previous owner is also selling me her (4) 1 year old hens who are an established group and get on well together.

 

I'm trying to decide whether to invest in electric fencing or not as I can't really afford it right now, but our garden is very large and surrounds the house. I would be too worried about letting them completely free range as I think it would be too easy for the fox to sneak one away given the size of the garden. We back on to woodland so foxes are very prevalent. I was thinking about omlet fencing, but would you trust this semi-supervised? If I came in to make a cuppa/wipe a childs bottom (not at the same time!) would the hens be at risk of getting swiped quite quickly by a fox over the omlet fence?

 

I'm guessing electric would give me the most peace of mind, but I don't think I would let them free range even behind a fence completely unsupervised so I'm not sure whether its worth shelling out on electric fencing just yet.....

 

As an aside we collect the coop and hens on sunday. I thought I could use a dog crate to keep them in whilst the coop is reconstructed here. Will that be ok?

 

I'm so nervous! I really don't want to let these girls down.

[Beantree]

We move ours in dog crates Scardyhen, but generally at night when they are settled. Kept in a cage for too long and they will get very upset. They would need food and water in there during daytime and we use some clip-on bowls for that. Best left in a quiet dark place while the coop is assembled, but you will need to be quick doing it and I can't see how you can dismantle and re-assemble a run and coop quickly. Have you a garage or shed they can go in to wander around?

 

Whilst Omlet fencing is great as a temporary run to keep chickens contained (we have one) it offers absolutely no protection from foxes. Some foxes are so cheeky they will snatch chickens from under your nose. I have heard many reports of that sort of incident. Electric fencing is OK so long as the current is on, because the moment it fails foxes can sense that and will be in. Electric nets can be problematic. Every one we have had needs two or better three times more posts to keep the conductors off the floor and prevent shorting out so you must cost for that. You will need to construct an earthing system as well using ground stakes linked with wire.

[Olly]

Congratulations on getting your hens! I don't know what sort of coop it is but assuming that it will only take a couple of hours to assemble, they will be ok in a dog crate in my view. If it's an Eglu it will be very quick to assemble! Give them some water of course, any container will do on a temporary basis.

 

Personally I wouldn't risk it with the Omlet fencing. It's good for keeping hens in, but not designed to keep predators out. Have a browse through the thread entitled 'Fox Attacks -what happened?' and you'll see how bold foxes can be. In theory yes popping in to put the kettle on would be ok, but I've done this myself and then the phone rings or something needs your attention inside - 30 seconds can turn Into five minutes before you know it. Even in my urban garden I try to be outside with them all the time they are free ranging. I get lots of gardening done!

 

You can electrify the Omlet netting itself I believe? Never gone down that route so I can't advise.

[gavclojak]

I agree with the all knowing duo above, I only let mine freerange with supervision, if I do pop in for a minute then my dogs stay in the garden guarding the girls...good boys

[Eggshell]

I have found electric fencing really good so far. We have foxes in the area, but my chooks spend their day in a patch with an electric fence round it rather than in a walk-in run. Recently we did have a fox episode: the chooks were out unusually early and a fox was running to and fro alongside the fencing, but he wasn't prepared to touch the fence or try to jump over it. Mind you, I have fine bird netting over the top of the patch as well, which is fortunate as one of the chooks tried to fly out over the electric fence in her fright and would have landed outside if it hadn't been for the bird netting. We are also next to a park where lots of dog walking goes on, which I think must help - the foxes don't tend to turn up in the daytime. Of course, you do need to check the fence regularly, but I think it's well worth it.

[Scaredyhen]

Thanks everyone for your replies. I think I will probably get some fencing for convenience, but am so paranoid about the fox I don't think I will ever get blasé about it. Even with electric I would be worried. I should probably just accept that and stop over-thinking!

Yes will give them food and water as soon as we arrive home. It is kind of a greenhouse type construction - but with wire panels. My husband thinks he can get it all together quite quickly. It will already be dismantled so will just be a case of loading it all up and getting it home. will post pics when they are all moved in:)

[mullethunter]

Enjoy Scaredyhen - looking forward to seeing them in situ

[Luvachicken]

The big day tomorrow then

Don't forget that we need to see some photos