[WOODY7]

hi all i will keep this short and sweet

ive got an area 9ftx8ft in the garden which im going to use as a run with a raised coop inside to house 4/6 hens is this sufficient room for the hens ? also does anybody know of a stockist of GOOD quality hen coops in the northwest ? i have kept poultry before albeit 20 years ago im sure ill pick it up again , im just concerned about the smell is it easy to keep on top of with a good cleaning regime ?

thanks for any help
woody

[the witters]

Hi there cant help with a coop stockist in the northwest but garlic granules  in the hens water effectively neutralises any odour from droppings a treat. Always used it and never had a problem even in the hottest weather, plus I always clean out at least once a week to keep on top of things.
Good luck with finding  a coop supplier.

Regards The Witters

[WOODY7]

thanks for the advice

[alisonwo]

I would have a look on the net for a coop, there are lots of good suppliers out there who will ship all over the country, but beware of really cheap ones, alternatively adapt a quality shed which is easy to do.  With regards smells I agree with The Witters, garlic granules are really good, but nothing beats a good cleaning regime for stopping smells even in summer.  I clean the droppings board every day, takes less than 10 mins, deep clean every month and spray regularly against red mite.  I use aubiose under the perches and sprinkle citronella around, it keeps flys away and smells lemony.  You will no doubt get lots of advice from other other people, it's a great site for sharing ideas and experience.  Welcome by the way.