Ark Advice Please

[julesapple]

Please may I have your wise and considered opinions on these arks?

I've narrowed it down to two. My original choice on the left and another on the right that I (in my ignorance ) think might be better.

The one on the left is 152 long x125 high x 108cm depth.

The one on the right is Length 132cm x Width 128cm x Height 110cm with nesting box/internal dimensions - 116L x 50cm

I'm swayed towards the right hand one as this looks sturdier, stronger and better made. I also think it might be easier to clean.

please help!


Jules

[pdblake]

I suppose it depends on how many birds you are putting in them and how much you are willing to pay

Both the runs equate to about 4ft x 4ft, which doesn't sound a lot to me.

The box on the right is about 3ft x 4ft which might suit about 3 birds, not sure how long that perch is though or what the nest boxes are like (are there any?)

I think the rule of thumb is as a bare minimum they should have one square foot inside and two outside, with 18in of perch, but most allow more than this. I think you're supposed to have one nestbox for every 4 birds?

[julesapple]

Three to Four Chooks....

......would be our limit. We're complete novices (except for my husband growing up on a farm) so don't want to bite off more than we can chew.

Have also got my beady on this one; 198cm long x 75cm wide x 103cm high with two perches and two nesting boxes. I like this because unlike the other two it has a removable tray for easier cleaning.

Jules

[lynda66]

i would go for the square one, easier to clean and looks a much better design although it's not very big if the hens are going to be permanently enclosed in it .... have you space to extend the run ?

[Hilary B]

I would go for the square one. It will (just about) do 4 hens if you are going to let them out as often as you can be nearby. Even better if you give them an extended run for most of the time.
With a big outside run that they spend all day in, only being in the 'ark' overnight, you might just manage 6 in that one.

[RichmondHens]

The two arks both look strong and sturdy enough but not much room to move about in, run-wise. The box one would also be ok but again, a tiny run. As others above have said, are you able to let them out to have more space, or have a larger run attached? If you are only having 2/3 hens they do not need much roosting space, and one nest box will suffice, but they DO need lots of room in the day. These types of arks would need to be moved daily to prevent ground souring if this is the only space they will live in.

[julesapple]

Yup, Got a run...

We're planning for the chooks to have a run, we thought we'd get, or make one, that can be joined to whatever ark/house we choose to buy. Whichever style we chose will be moved around the garden every day.

And when we are in the garden to stand guard the chooks can have free range time. We're going for the run option for a while at first because of the cats - they need to get used to the chooks before we do free range.

Someone we know suggested one of those eglus but I just can't see that chooks would be happy in them 24/7? They're miniscule.

Jules

[lettucegrow!]

Hi! I have one very similar to the box type you are looking at and you would definitely need more space for them during the day. The run part is nowhere near big enough. I would also try to see the coop before you buy. We bought ours on ebay and I really don't think the wood will last that long,already it is separating from the felt roof(bad news for mites) and don't think it will last a winter.It is difficult when you have to manage garden space carefully.

[Flummery]

DEFRA's minimum for outside is 1 sq metre per bird - you could approximate at a sq yard. So you need at least a run of 3 ft x 9 ft for 3 chickens. (or any other combination that adds up to the same). Most people think that 2 sq m is better - mine have just under 2sq m but they do also get out onto some grass each day. Arks are ok for sleeping and for a short time but I really wouldn't want to keep more than a couple of bantams in any of those for any length of time.

[NSB]

I have an ark and one of the other ones you showed a picture of. I wouldnt recommend either of them.

The ark doesnt keep anything dry and all the sawdust will fall on the floor. and the other one was petit and awkard to clean even though it had the removeable floor.

Having got through 4 houses already those 2 I definatley wouldnt recommend. x

[Glutton4...]

Get a shed! It'll be cheaper in the long run, as you will get more chickens!

[julesapple]

What About....

...This one? An acquaintance of OH's has one similar on his lottie with three Orps. He bought it from eBay (as I would like to do ideally because I have amassed money in my PP account, although I could transfer it to my bank)

If this is too small for three then I will (very reluctantly) give up the idea of having chooks as space is important for the chooks and I'm not sure that OH would really be happy turning over our entire garden to chooks. He's having a slight panic about his hostas already!

Dimensions are 250cm long x 90cm wide x 155cm high, so 8.5ft x 3ft x 5ft apprx.

NSB; We'll take your advice on the arks, thanks for that.

Jules

[Suechooks]

My chooks never touch the hostas!

[julesapple]

Lolol....

My chooks never touch the hostas!

...just told OH that your chooks aren't hosta lovers, he's brightened up a bit now.

Most of the plants & flowers in the garden are OH's babies. A lot of them were planted when he was confined to a wheelchair for about a year, whilst awaiting a spinal op, so he's very attached to them.

We all want to get chooks, but have to take everyone (and the chooks) into consideration whilst we are at the planning stage. I want to avoid/tackle problems before we even get chooks, not have to tackle them afterwards.

Jules

[Suechooks]

Best way! He'll be dotty about them in 24 hours! Specially when they start bokbokboking and eating out of his hand!
Have a look at Shromanco on ebay. He makes poultry housing - I've had mine off him to my own spec. Might suit you but delivery will be a bit as he's in Shropshire. Good sturdy well built and waterproof which some aren't!