[rcandy2001]

http://www.iwantchickens.com/

During browing the internet for chicken related stuff i stumbles accross this site. It supplies packages of house/runs complete with chickens. The point i noticed is for example package 2 the run is 2m x 1m and it comes with 3 chickens? Surely this isnt enough space for 3 chickens? Are they aloud to do this? Take a look and see what you think.

[Aunt Sally]

Yes, all the runs are a bit on the small size, in my opinion, for the number of chickens they supply with them !

A very rough rule of thumb is an absolute minimum of 1 squ metre per medium sized hen for the run in addition to the coop/house space.

[rcandy2001]

Exactly my thoughts! So why are they selling them with too many chickens?

[GrannieAnnie]

Because they get more money and it looks good!  the only problem is that if many people don't see sites like ours, they don't know any different and their chickens lead cramped miserable lives!!

[Aunt Sally]

They have a 'contact us' link so why not ask them rcandy !

[rcandy2001]

I have read on here that the minimum space required as mentioned by Aunt Sally is 1m squared which is from DEFRA (sorry if this is wrong). Is this not monitored in any way or just a guidline set by them for people to hopefully follow?

[Aunt Sally]

I don't think there is any system for monitoring these things I'm afraid.  It's up to people like us and you to challenge these companies 

[rcandy2001]

Well thats a shame becuase i presume many people buy these coops from such sites without properly researching how much space they require etc etc

[Aunt Sally]

Very true and the soon find they have a pecking problem 

[GrannieAnnie]

I've just emailed her, if some of you do too, she may listen!  I don't know how long she has been keeping chickens, unless she just buys them in to put in the houses when people buy them.

[Aunt Sally]

Good idea Grannie !

[andreadon]

I've just sent them an email.
for the record - package one is 1.76sq  OVERALL size - that includes the house!!!
That's madness!

package 2 is 1.955sq m for THREE birds!!  THREE!!!

 

[GrannieAnnie]

Precisely Andrea, disgusting!!!

[andreadon]

This is from the website - it's about the size of a cat box in that run!
 

[Tinkers]

I am with you all the way. I have emailed them too with my first hand exprience of chickens in a small space.

Considering they are targeting families with no experience (as far as I can see)  - they are going to be inundated with people with pecking problems, if not other problems too. BAH!