[Nicki85]

So chickens will be arriving end of May which gives me a month to sort out their house :-)

I am getting four hens in a large doodlehouse (suitable for 5/6 hens apparently) probably a couple of Marans and Sussex.  They will be in a run for most of the day and free range in the evening and at weekends when we are around.  I'd like some advice on run situation.

There are two possible areas in the garden to situate them-
Area 1
Measures 2mx 2m
Raised beds filled with top soil and chippings...
Very exposed to sun etc.
Easy to fence off with electic fencing

Area 2
Measures 8mx2m
Under alot of tree cover and shrubs (big oak trees and lower conifers etc nothing I think the chickens could jump on)
Doesn't get much sun and very sheltered
Harder to fence off securley from Mr. Fox- 6ft strong fence one side but will need mesh at the bottom as there are gaps.  Other side will be secured with electric fencing. 
Right next to the forest and a public footpath (although again 6ft fence seperates)
Some estabilished shrubs with bare ground

What do you think?  Do chickens prefer the sun or would they like a more foresty set up? I can probably get some pictures up when I get home if that is any help 

[Casey76]

Definitely go for area 2   Area 1 is too small for 4 LF hens by the time you factor in  feeders and waterers etc.

Under the trees, there will be lots of scratiching to be done, and as long as some part of it gets direct sun (for sun bathing), they will love it

[Nicki85]

Excellant, makes sense to put them there as nothing grows as it is to dry most of the time from the shelter of the oak trees and the like.  It does get a spot of sunshine early morning to mid-day I believe.  Means I can put carrots in the raised beds as well 

I guessthe forest environment will be more natural for them to:

[joyfull]

oh yes mine love making dustbaths at the base of the trees and also trees attract lots of little grubs for chickens to eat