[pmw]

Hi to all,
My daughter & son-in-law are moving to a farm house in open country side and wish to keep hens for eggs. Rather than use a purpose built hen house can we utilise one of several old stables as seen in picture? Beyond and left of block is open grassland.If so how should it be fitted out?
Many thanks in anticipation.

[babe]

hi and welcome, make sure you pop into the welcome forum and say hi. we're a snouty bunch and like to know who you are  

you'll need perches and nest boxes and lots of fox proofing.

[GrannieAnnie]

And how will the chooks get onto the grass from there???

[pmw]

Door on end of block directly on to grass. All doors and windows are tight fitting. No holes in stable block to invite foxes. There are foxes on the 30 acres. Can the hens roam free by day or is fencing essential?

[babe]

heres an idea  

[babe]

if hungry enough and they know theres a plentiful supply of kentucky, they will attck during daylight

[pmw]

Thats a great idea babe but too big for 12 hens and I think they'd be 'Kentucky' on a sunny day!!

[Foxy]

Probaby put a pop-hole in the door that opens onto grassland. Personally then would put up a perimeter of poultry netting and electrify with an energiser and leisure battery(wouldn't take the foxes to work out there's a free lunch!  :shock: ) -or use mains if you have power in the stables.
Good luck you cant beat you're own wonderful eggs!!

[pmw]

Thank you Foxy.