Good morning everybody, my first post here and you guessed it I would like some information if possible.
Firstly I have now read upto 25 pages of information and advice on various subjects about chickens, runs, coops, red mites, what to use and what not to. All very useful and many many thanks for this, it has helped me no end, so a pat on the back to you all.
My question is really to do with the run and below is my garden. The problem I have is where to place the coop and run?
Through the archway is what I call 'my waste ground' (photo below), it is to well covered by a big Lime tree for anything practical to grow there, mainly due to limited sunlight. But it is quiet a big area about 4m x 6m. It does get sun in the morning and early/late evening and I have spent 3 weekends clearing it of my building rubble, etc, so it is nice and clear now.
or I can use the area (photo below) where my greenhouse is at the moment. This area would give me a run/coop of about 1.7m x 5m. I dont use the greenhouse for anything apart from storing my odds and ends and so I have decided to remove it. This leaves me a paved area and good sunlight most of the day
I intend to get 3/4 chickens to start with and when I am at home or after work they will be given the run of the garden. Should I go for the larger area which I am very tempted to use to get it back into use with something I want to do. The only disadvantage is that they will be at the bottom of the garden pratically out of view, or should I have them up near the house in a smaller run.
I have access to plenty of timber, so that isnt an issue for me and also have plenty of 50mm x 50mm welded mesh, would this be ok to use?
So many questions, lol, hoping somebody can see any issues that I may have overlooked.