Getting Black Rocks

[mandyballantyne]

Hi All,

I have been considering chickens for some time now and I have convinced the other half with help from my neighbours

I have a house (hopefully from ebay) and my Dad is helping me build a run but need to know how many black rocks to get and how much roughly they should cost.

The house I am looking at measures 45x36x24" and the nesting box 13x13x22. I don't want to overcrowd but was thinking 3 or 4??

Any suggestions welcomed.

Thanks, Mandy

[Birdie Wife]

Well done for getting OH on board! Black Rocks are an excellent choice. I'd say get as many as would comfortably fit the house, with three being the minimum. They need at least 1 square foot each of floor space inside the house, and at least one nest box for every three birds, so your house should be suitable for about three birds (from your description I wasn't sure which measurement was the height of the house).

[mandyballantyne]

Thanks Birdie wife,

it is 45" high it is this one I am looking at.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Chicken-coop-H...QQcmdZViewItem

I can't wait

[Birdie Wife]

That looks lovely! With a floor space of 2x3'= 6sq ft, you should have ample space for 4 hens and a bit left over! When are you getting them?

[shirlthegirl43]

Thanks for posting that link - I might have a chance of getting some chooks if I can persuade Madmax to buy me the house and run for my Christmas and birthday!

[mandyballantyne]

Hi Birdie Wife and Shirl,,

If I win this one on ebay today, I will build a run over the next few weeks.

I have been in contact with a local breeders so all going well I hope to have my girls by the end of the month.

Thanks for your help and good luck Shirl!

I am sooo excited, Mandy

[jonny_s_p]

Hi Mandy,

I have 6 Black Rocks in a house a bit bigger than the one you are looking at. They seem very happy. So far we have seen no signs of bullying etc.

I paid £7.50 per bird, I won't bother telling you where I got them as you live 450 miles north of me

Food costs are next to nothing. My birds eat less than £5.00 a month of layers mash. Most of their treats are free kitchen scraps and garden pests.

Good luck

Jonny

[mandyballantyne]

Thanks Jonny,

I think I will go for 4, they want £13 each here big difference, just trying to win on ebay just now 6 mins left and some other b****r keeps betting me!

Watch this space.....

[jonny_s_p]

Did you get it?

Jonny

[mandyballantyne]

YEAH I AM GETTING CHICKENS

OMG that was stressful, I couldn't look towards the end! must remember to breath.

I am so excited I really am getting my girls.

I appologise in advance for all my silly posts/questions and screams

I want my house now, hope they deliver fast

Mandy (yes i am running about like a mad women now!)

[Birdie Wife]

YEAH I AM GETTING CHICKENS

OMG that was stressful, I couldn't look towards the end! must remember to breath.

I am so excited I really am getting my girls.

I appologise in advance for all my silly posts/questions and screams

I want my house now, hope they deliver fast

Mandy (yes i am running about like a mad women now!)

Not like a headless chicken then Mandy ? congrats!

[mandyballantyne]

I am so glad I know about the vine, everyone else would think I was mad.

Ok i am mad

[Hazel at the Hill]

Well done!

Now you do know that we need to see piccies, piccies and more piccies, don't you....?

I'd love to keep chickens.

[mandyballantyne]

You will all be fed up with the amount I start to post!

Hazel you can adopt one of mine as a virtual hen if you wish, you can even pick her name.

Mandy

[shirlthegirl43]

OOH lucky you. About to mail Madmax the link to the ebay peeps. Will let you know what he says! (fingers, toes and eyes crossed)