[Elcie]

We have an Eglu with 3 hens at home and have become addicted.  Very quickly wanted more but would have to make lots of changes in the garden to be able to fit them in.  Now have permission to keep up to 10 hens on our plot so are going to go for it.  Taking it slow and aiming to have built a coop and run by Spring.  An Eglu would be unsuitable there as we want to have an automatic door fitted.

Couple of questions -

any general advice on building a run greatly appreciated!
know that it is important to keep away the foxes, could we put a ring of paving slabs around the run to deter them rather than digging the wire into the ground?
If the slabs work then could we have the run sat on slabs rather than digging the poles into the ground?  Slabs would only be around the outer/inner edge of the run as I know how much chickens love to scratch!

To be honest, we are not great DIYers and it is a bit daunting so any advice would be gratefully received.  Along with any pics of your runs that could give us ideas!

[lisa80]

my husband is doing the same thing there are lots of pictures of coops on fleabay you could even pay couple of pounds for some designs and instructions. also if u go to the design and construction forum on this site you could also get some ideas hope that helps!!!

[Elcie]

Thanks Lisa, have just spent the last hour looking on Ebay at the coops and runs!  It's great to get some ideas from there.

[lisa80]

great for ideas but not too good on the purse!!!!! lots of people are getting into gyo and keeping chickens and i think this may be pushing the prices up.we are planning to covert a guinea pig house our friend has given us ill let you know how we get on,if the rain ever stops!!!!