[allstars_princess]

Hello,

I have three chickens and would like to take them to the allotment where I have a couple of metres square area that is not being used currently.  At the moment it is covered in weeds (poppies, nettles, docks) I was hoping that I could strim this area down and then put the chickens on it to scratch about on.  Can you tell me if there are any plants that might cause illness in them or that may be an issue? 

This area is a new bit of land that has been given to me from another plotholder who cannot keep on top of it and I will not be able to do anything with it this year due to time and other commitments.  I do not know what has been previously grown on it.

Thanks.

[joyfull]

have a look on this site -

http://maxshouse.com/Toxic_Plants%20_Index.htm

Further details for this and other usefull information regarding chicken keeping can be found in the section poultry information - loads and loads of helpfull info on there 

[joyfull]

How big will their area be at the allotment?

[allstars_princess]

I would say the area is about 3 metres square. 

I am using the space next to the run to hold another 2 pallet sized compost boxes. 

[joyfull]

The minimum recommended run space (not counting hen house) is 1 square meter per bird and most on here would rcomend at least 2 per hen. I also read on here during the week about not letting hens have access to compost bins.

[Kate and her Ducks]

Have a look here.

http://www.poultryhelp.com/toxic2.html

[allstars_princess]

I am sure the space is big enough.  It is 3 times bigger than they get here at home in the large eglu run.  I am not very good with sizes though so maybe I am guessing wrong.  They will not have access to the compost or the bins.  Will the run off from the compost affect them?  They will not be living at the allotment just joining me when I am down there.  The journey is only 2 mins for them so I thought it would be nice to build them a little house to scratch about it whilst I work.  I am starting to think this is a bad idea now.  

If I try to imagine the size available it would be 18ft by 9ft footprint on the ground and about 4ft high.  

[allstars_princess]

Thanks for the links.  I think that the area allocated will be fine.  I just need to know if they have too little space now! 

[joyfull]

Oh so they would have some nice day trips then  , sorry but thought you meant for a permanent site (slap my wrists and send me to the naughty step!!).
18 feet by 9 feet is loads of space (18 sq yards if my rust old brain is still working  - I am getting on a bit). Hope they have some nice visits 

[viettaclark]

 I'ze gettin' on a bit too, Joyfull, but I knowz there are about 3 and a bit feetz in a metre which would make it just under 12 square metres which is loads as you say.......

[viettaclark]

scratch that.....You were right!

[joyfull]

tell your three that old auntie joyfull hopes they have a lovely time down the lotty 

[celjaci]

Regarding the poisonous plants - has anybody had problems with this?
In my experience chooks seem to leave  plants which are not good for them

[allstars_princess]

Well, I looked up the plants and all was ok so along came the chickens for a day trip.  They loved it!  I am sure that in no time the run will be scratched back down to nothing and come next year will be an ideal place for my fruit cages.  I just need to tell the chickens that now....

[joyfull]

 
so now you just need to move their run aound your plot and you'll soon have it cleared. plus they'll fertalize at the same time. You could rent them out and do like they do with roaming sheep