[dakota]

I've had my 5 chucks 6weeks now,and eggs have started to arrive on a daily basis. I had 3 yesterday,and I reckon all the hens are laying,as some eggs are slightly bigger than others,the hens that started laying 2 weeks ago,their eggs are now starting to get quite big.I'snt the weather terrible,the coop I've got is fairly large,the back is against the wall,but the front and both sides are open mesh and the rain is pouring in soaking the wood shavings,thankfully the perching area and nest boxes are 2 feet above ground and are fully boarded so that part is dry.Today I went to the D-I-Y and bought  clear acrylic roofing sheets,these I cut and fastened all around the outside of the coop,the light still gets in and the air can still circulate as the acrylic as deep grooves.The coop is set on concrete slabs so as to deter rodents digging their way in,I took up all the wet shavings,and put down a wooden floor,using tongue and groove set on 1'' battons,and this was then covered with approx 5'' of shavings,I hope this cures the water problem. As for my lovelly hens, they seem to be really enjoying life and are gradually getting to let me stroke them and pick them up. Although I'm new to the hobby, because thats what it is to me,I've found that just watching them and being in the  coop with them when ever I can, then not only do they get used to me but I can learn a lot by just being there.  Any way best wishes to you all,and good health to your chucks     Edward

[Aunt Sally]

So glad you are enjoying your hens Edward  

[Gloria]

That is a good idea about the roof Edward. I've got a tarpaulin over our run and havent put anything more permanent on as I was hoping that this awful weather would stop soon. But apparently it won't until La Nina (which is a meteorological phenomenon which is pulling all the depressions onto northern Europe at the moment) moves away. And that isn't set to happen for a while unfortunately. So I think I will follow you and make a roof this weekend. I can't stand seeing the hens look so bedraggled  :cry:  :cry:  :cry: