[khelashi]

Hello everyone here!  
I am completely and utterly new to this subject, never had hens before, only cats (plenty of them) but am moving to a lovely house in the country and am so looking forward to the possibility to keeping hens!
First of all though, I have so many questions!
One of them is, can I convert a big concrete dog kennel that happens to be on the premesis into a hen house? It looks great for it but what about the concrete floor? There is plenty of garden space for them but can I keep them in there for the night? And what can I cover the floor with? Straw?
(I hope I am in the right forum to burst out with questions already, feel free to tell me off if I am not...)
Any information highly appreciated!
Thank you!
Khelashi          

[nettynoodles1]

hi and welcome  :o

the dog kennel sounds great to me.... but then whatever is available sounds good.    
you will need to make sure it is draft proof and warm enough, but also with ventialtion!
the chickens will need a perch and a nest box or 2 (though all mine lay in the same box)! and a food dish and water drinker   :oops:
straw is fine but i use shavings.
 chickens do  like to be shut in at night so they would  be happy in there.
hope that helps im sure others will be along soon  too.
chickens are just the best fun to be around.
jeanette

[khelashi]

Thanks!!
I can't wait!!
Been reading this website all half the night last night, really tired now - but at it again!  
Do you have to have chicken proof fence all around the garden?? I've seen people with hens just running up and down the street! Are they likely to get lost?
There is no busy road in front of the house but I would't want them to roam too far!

[Foxy]

chickens always know where home is!
Mostly fencing is used for preventing foxes or rodents. Normally buried in the ground and very high 7foot and with the top at an outward angle to stop the fox digging through or climbing over and made out of a good welded mesh.
Dont mention roads and chickens(groan!!!)