[colinv622]

Just about to start on a new set up, my run will be 4mtr X 4mtr and the coop is going to be a converted rabbit hutch which is around 1mtr X 1/2 mtr. Would 3 hens be too much for this size?

[snow white]

In my humble opinion it is fine.   .  What sort of chickens?

Make sure there is plenty of perches, hanging things and stuff to have a scratch through.

[colinv622]

Cheers, I was thinking of putting bark down in the run but not so sure after chatting to a few other chicken owners.  The way I'm thinking now will be 70-30 soil and paved with the coop on the paved area. Not sure yet on which breed, this is our first time at keeping them so any advice on a easy first time breed would be great.

[snow white]

Not bark.  You can use wood chip or rubber chips in an uncovered area or any number of beddings in a covered area.  As to chickens, there are a number of crossbreeds that look pretty and lay well.  Pick one you like the look of.  If you are after just layers then warrens or gold lines are plain brown girls.   If you are after pure beds, Rhode Island Red are hardy and good layers.  Very friendly too.   No doubt others will let you know more as well.

[colinv622]

Sorry I meant wood chippings not bark, I think I'll see how the soil paved run goes first and go from there.

[Sassy]

Wood chips (not bark). Ensure perches higher than nest boxes.

[colinv622]

The hutch I'm going to use.



And this is the area its all going in, taking away about 8 of the slabs and leaving 8 for the coop to sit on.

[colinv622]

Day 1 progression

[bravemurphy]

Is the metal fence to keep them in?

Because the grass is always greener on the other side and they will get over that no problem 

[colinv622]

Yep, but there's 1m chicken wire going on top of that too and then it'll have a mesh roof.

[bravemurphy]

That will keep them in then.

When we first had ours they had a four foot fence we put them in watched them for a bit and walked away, my OH said to me on the way back to the house "is there sposed to be a chicken in the garden" they just jumped right over it 

[colinv622]

Where you can see the trampoline they have chickens too and they use the coop to get over the fence they have, no worries if the can get out as the rest of the garden if enclosed apart from a very small gap under the gate but that will be sorted soon too.
 

My main dilemma is do I need to take all the flowers out of the run?

[bravemurphy]

They will do that for you 

[joyfull]

please remember chicken wire is only to keep chickens in and not foxes out, you would be better using welded wire mesh (but make sure it is a fairly thick gauge).

[snow white]

Well done adapting the hutch - it looks great.