[Fisherman]

I am planning on getting 5 chickens and housing them in a coop with a covered run 5 Mts. x 2.5 Mts on grass. How long will it take them to wreck the ground? I suspect not long!!! I can move them to a couple of new locations but the grounds pretty wet.

Also thinking of getting Black Rocks and maybe a couple of Speckledy's. Any advice?

Which type of feeder - treadle or standard? I favour a treadle feeder then they can be left for a few days without any hassle from anyone if I'm a way?

Also thinking of a gravity fed water system. Anyone know who supplies them?

Thanks

[joyfull]

Black rocks are lovely my first hen (Mrs Rhythm is one).  Treddle feeders are supposed to be best to help prevent rats and other birds eating the feed. As for the grass it won't last long at all  Are you getting an automatic pop hole to shut them up whilst you are away?

[joyfull]

How fox and other vermin proof is your run if you are going to leave them? Will somebody be coming in to check on the girls everyday and collect the eggs?

[Fisherman]

I am going to make the run out of weldmesh to keep the big vermin out and lay some around the sides on top of the grass. Just in the process of making an automatic pophole opener which should be interesting. Going to put a light sensor and timmer on it so it can be opened / closed automatically say 20 minutes after dark and 20 minutes after it comes daylight.

Someone will also check daily I but dont expect them to come at the crack of dawn and last thing at night.