just a little update for those wondering!
up to 29 eggs total now, having 6 per day over the last few days! Not bad for hens that "weren't laying" last year
the new coop to give them a bit more room is in and being used, for the price its pretty good although the nest box lid is a weak point and i can see it snapping off at some point, but other than that its pretty solid.
Weather shelter is still an issue though, i'm starting to think were going to need a proper run so that we can fully cover it from the weather and also put the wood+water in it as well. I've been eyeing the Omlet run, its more pricey, but it does look better than wood (or silver galvanised hoops) with chicken wire stabled/tied to it, and it wont rot. Don't spose anyone has any experience of it do they? I've had a good hunt round and the only negative things i can find are that the clips are fiddly!
https://www.omlet.co.uk/shop/chicken_keeping/walk_in_chicken_run/The grey chicken i mention before is also running about and seems perfectly happy now as well, which is a relief. The white one still has a slight limp but can also shift when she wants to, so it may well be old age.
All in all, going well