Chickens by the sea Posted November 7, 2016 Share Posted November 7, 2016 Our household have always wanted chickens, expecially to rehome ex-commercial hens to give them a happy retirement. We have researched but I am still confused... We have a small, paved enclosed garden. We could fit a good sized coop and run in but the chickens would only be able to roam when we are able to supervise them as foxes are prolific where we live. So my concerns are... Would the chickens be happy being mostly in their run/coop? What could I add to let them scratch/dust bathe? Any thoughts will be gratefully received. Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grandmashazzie Posted November 7, 2016 Share Posted November 7, 2016 Welcome, it wouldn't be a problem at all on paving,as most of us,including myself have runs on paving slabs. As long as you put wood chips on top. Have a look on section Cubes, runs etc for idea. I myself started with ex batts,good for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sjp Posted November 7, 2016 Share Posted November 7, 2016 most of us have to keep them penned up when we're not at home for the same reason regardless of the size of garden dust baths are easy to make from seed trays and washing up bowls to pet carriers to bespoke timber constructions with a roof over them as simple or elaborate as your DIY skills or bank balance will allow the same goes for run/pen enrichment from simple perches at one or different heights to chicken swings a cabbage or cauliflower hung just above head height once or twice a week to give the a treat and something to work for a pumpkin or squash in the autumn with a small hole cut into it to get them started will keep the happy for a day or two depending on it's size a over sized courgette or a marrow left whole with keep them quite for a little while Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cat tails Posted November 7, 2016 Share Posted November 7, 2016 I have a tiny garden(not more than 35 square meters) mostly paved, apart from two borders and the spot where the run sits. Chickens will be fine in a nice run, with some wood chips. Mine do get the free range on the pavement. Borders are protected with some mesh. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mullethunter Posted November 7, 2016 Share Posted November 7, 2016 Ditto everyone else. Go for it. If you're rescuing hens then whatever you give them is likely to be a lot better than what they had before. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndyRoo Posted November 7, 2016 Share Posted November 7, 2016 I think you'll be fine. I'd read that battery hens usually have a space of about 1 square foot per hen. Give them one square meter per hen and they'll be thrilled. My dad has been on about getting some chickens and I was thinking about getting him a 'little' 3 x 1 meter run and some ex battery hens. If I'd investigated a bit more about them before I got ours, I'd have probably considered getting some ex battery hens as our 'starter' hens. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickens by the sea Posted November 7, 2016 Author Share Posted November 7, 2016 Great replies and ideas. Really reassuring. Thank you all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luvachicken Posted November 8, 2016 Share Posted November 8, 2016 If you're rescuing hens then whatever you give them is likely to be a lot better than what they had before. That's what I was going to say Kiddies garden benches make great perches or for squatting on Mine have 2 in their run and they are just right for an adult bottom with a chicken or two on your lap. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mullethunter Posted November 8, 2016 Share Posted November 8, 2016 Mine have a battered old bench that they love too Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
