[Rangerkris]

This will be there home, with some clearing the shelter is 9ft x 5ft



And the inside needs clearing too

[Rangerkris]

[joyfull]

Kris I have moved this over to chicken chat as it is not a chicken problem more a chat subject  .
How many birds were you thinking of having? Remember that really a hen kept in a run needs a minimum of 2 square metres and preferably more each. One way to maximise space is to have several levels in the run such as a table (which will also double as a shelter underneath, several perches etc.

[ANHBUC]

You could have the back 4ft of the shelter sectioned off for a coop and the front 5ft open as a shelter which would be great for feeders and drinkers.  You then have more usable run space for your chickens.  Like joy said this can be extended with things like a table to give different levels.  If you fence the whole thing with weldmesh including the roof and a weldmesh skirt to prevent a fox digging its way in you will have a safe and secure home for them.

Looking forward to seeing your progress.   

[Rangerkris]

Plans have had to change grrrrr my Dad's partner is telling him that she is allergic to feathers as the shelter is on the bottom of his plot i am going to have to put them on mine (not a problem) and make a new home for them. Will keep you posted on the next moves.

[ANHBUC]

Sorry to hear that Kris.  You never know things might work out better on your plot.  You might find a coop on freecycle or other site.  Have been a few people selling up lately so you might even get coop, hens and all the paraphernalia cheaply.

[joyfull]

luckily you found out right at the beginning rather than after getting your birds.

[Rangerkris]

Oh yes that's a bit of luck joy, i would have been most put out.

[Rangerkris]

Been very lucky today, we got given a 6x4 shed that needs a very small amount of work to make it an ideal chicken coop  . The roof boards are rotten but the rest of the shed is fine nothing that i can't fix up.
Do i leave it full height?                                         Might be easy to clean out at full height
It has one window, do i need to add another?          The window is about 2 ft square
How big should the air vent's be?                            Do i put them up high to stop anything trying to get in them

Very happy that this shed came along indeed.
 

[grinling]

I would suggest putting the shed down on paving slabs to stop rats digging under.
BIL has pop hole in side and has partitioned part of shed for storage. Metal dustbin for food storage.

[ANHBUC]

Great news about your shed.

Best not to have light coming into your coop from windows as the hens like it nice and dark for laying.  You can just block it off, no need to take it out.

I would leave it full height as you say easier to clean out.  Ventilation higher up should be better but still best to have weldmesh over to keep any rats or mice out.  Best to put one air vent in and see how it goes.  If you feel you need more it is easier to add than block off too many.

You could always make a wide shelf at the back of the shed with a ramp up to it.  Roost bars above the shelf and nest boxes to one side.  Sort of an open fronted coop within a shed.  Then you can store their food and stuff under the shelf.  Easier to clean out without bending.  Piece of kitchen worktop would be good as it can be scrubbed down.

Good luck with your new project.   

[Rangerkris]

ANHBUC i just happen to have a section of kitchen work top in my shed that would not be missed to much heheheh. I will try one vent and go from there.

Grinling i will have a look to see what i can find.

[Rangerkris]

Went and see the Chicken lady last night, i have been over thinking the whole thing really  We watched some chicks hatching from the egg my little lad was so taken up with that bit.  We should all being well have some coming in about 3-4 weeks time trying to get 2 blue belles, 4 Calder Ranger maybe 2 Rhode Rock but might stick with the Calder Rangers

[ANHBUC]

That must have been a great experience for him to see them hatching.

I rehomed a chinese painted quail I had been given when buying a cage to a guy who breeds them last night.  He had day old cpq chicks and I have never seen anything so small and perfectly formed.  They were smaller than a malteser!

Best to over think things and be prepared, it shows you will do the best for your hens when they arrive.   

[Rangerkris]

House built today.