Thinking of taking in Ex Batts

Hi all,


This is just an idea for now, probably a long way from actually happening,


I work at an activity centre with a new veg patch on site to show our 10,000 guests a year the advantage of 'growing your own' and I want to take in some Ex Batt Hens, as I feel this would be fantastic for the kids (and me.)   
 
I pretty handy with a hammer and screwdriver and so I'm confident with research and time I could make a coop. But as we're on a 15 acre site with kids running around all the time there is no way I could let them 'run free'


So for say 4-6 hens I would need to make an area just for them!

Would it make sense to have a coop and a small wire mesh caged area, then have a larger fenced garden just for them?

Or how big would a wire mesh caged area have to be to keep them happy if this was the only area they were ever allowed in?


Or could I have a coop and a small wire mesh caged area with gate letting them into my veg patch to roam around during the day, or just a stupid idea, would they just eat everything?

Also the area they will be is near a small woods so I could easily have thier own private garden going into the woods a bit, would they like that?

I don't know?!



Thanks All


Ed

Have a look !!

http://chat.allotment-garden.org/index.php?topic=92492.0