[Chicken Dinner]

Hi
Just thougtht i would say hello, i have just registered.

I am just completing my Chicken coup and run, the coupe is 1.2 x1.2m plus 3 nest boxes rear mounted,it is 350mm above the ground. It is constructed of treated softwood , the floor is 12mm WBP plywood and it is clad in 25mm Western red cedar, it has a pitched roof and the roof is also cedar it stands 1.3m high.
The run is 1.8 x 1.2 m and attaches to the end of the coupe, this is made from treated softwood and enclosed in a galvanised mesh.
The ground area including under the coup is 1.2 x  2.8m.

I am looking at getting  some hybrid at POL and Light Sussex about 11 weeks old could you please advise on the coup, run & breeds, as i would not like to use any wrong timber etc. Also the  amount of chickens. I would rather have one less for the space than one to many. Both my wife and i workk and a fox patrols through our garden, so the chickens will only come out when we are there.

[Chicken Dinner]

Hi

I have just read back my previous posting. I would like to clarify the when we are both at work the chickens will be able to get in the run, it is just free range of the Garden when we are there to supervise.

Just like when the kids were small.

[Roughlee Handled]

1.2*2.8=3.36 square meters.  I would suggest that if you can make your run bigger.  I personally would go for twice the size. I you can not go bigger then I would go for bantams and 3 of them.   You will need a roof on your run so as to stop your run turning to mud bath.

[nzdunn]

not an expert on runs and coups but just wanted to say welcome to the forum and looking forward to seeing piccys, it the rule on this forum, piccys    nickyx

[Foxy]

welcome to the forum!

[themagicaltoad1]

Hi & welcome. You will need to dig the wire of your run down into the ground so the foxes don't dig under it, and they are good climbers, you will def need a roof on your run.

[Roughlee Handled]

did I not say hello how rude. of me 

welcome

[Flowerpower136]

Hello CD.

Build the run as big as you can, the more room they've got the better.  Ours is about 20 m2 with 8 hens, and I wouldn't want it any smaller.

Initially we only put a mesh roof over because I liked the open air feel and the trees swishing etc etc, then it all turned to mush and slutch, and cleaning out a coop in the wet isn't good......all the wood shavings stick to you, I found out.

So OH and me have just spent the holiday weekend putting on a solid roof. Corregated opaque plastic type thing.  Doesn't look quite so nice, but it's definately nicer in the run now.  Girls had given up the dust baths (they would have needed a snorkle), but have now resumed.  There is something very satisfying about being out in the open air with the pouring rain, but keeping dry.

Good luck