Can you give me your opinions on this ark

[frias]

I think it would make a good broody pen. Even then it wouldn't last long once the chicks started to grow. I'm sure the hens loose in the garden will tell you how happy they are to be free ranging.
I loved your idea Sue!

[matthew2riches]

That's why I asked if they'd be let out during the day. Agreed - It would make a great broody coop!

[Suechooks]

Well I thought it was quite funny Suechooks!

So did I! Twas only a joke Mrs C since you said it wasn't for your hens.

[Flummery]

People buying it may assume that it's suitable for all day use. Chickens need at least 1 sq yard EACH outside and and 1 sq foot each indoors. Also at least 8" of perching space. It looks a nice job - but I personally don't like arks except for sleeping purposes (for chickens, not me!)

[bluemoon]

It looks very well made by someone who obviously knows what they are about. It might be a bit small for anything other than bantams though. (And I haven't forgotten the book, will post it tomorrow or Wednesday)

[MrsC]

Thanks for your replies guys. Finished it today. Yes I agree I wouldn't have chickens living in it as I don't like arks, my girls have a big run and hen house but free range everyday, but it was a thought as to selling them as Mr C loses his job next year (good old banking business!) and is thinking of doing joinery, just another option for us

[matthew2riches]

If these could be adapted to be larger, I think you'd be onto a winner. The build quality looks fantastic!

There is also the option of rabbit hutches, guinea pig houses, etc.......

What about a chicken house with no attached run? Maybe enough space to take 8 birds and you'd be well on your way to every back garden flock!

[MrsC]

Hi Matthew, thanks, we have just been out in the rain taking pics, here are a couple of the finished ark (minus nest box) it's still drying at the moment. Let me know what you think, thanks......

ps - we have thought about the hen houses minus the run like you suggested, we probably started with building the most difficult one, but we did it!

[kevnsue]

If these could be adapted to be larger, I think you'd be onto a winner. The build quality looks fantastic!

There is also the option of rabbit hutches, guinea pig houses, etc.......

What about a chicken house with no attached run? Maybe enough space to take 8 birds and you'd be well on your way to every back garden flock!

I already do it,see my photo album,trouble is no one wants to pay a fair price for your time and materials,just done 2 car boots and sold no pens or hutches.

[Pies]

Needs a perch so birds can get off the floor if they want

[matthew2riches]

I already do it,see my photo album,trouble is no one wants to pay a fair price for your time and materials,just done 2 car boots and sold no pens or hutches.

They look very nice! Agree with you about fair price. People are used to the cheap stuff coming over from China costing pennies.

Obviously not just happening in chicken accommodation industry but pretty much any item or service that sells. There is always someone to undercut you.

It's a shame really but that's life :-(

[davefromthechipie]

Hi Mrsc here is my honest/blunk opinion on it If that arrived id not be happy as a buyer . The over lap of mesh above side door ,the mesh on the outside of the wood , and last the paint job but then that one really is down to my taste. Just kinda looks rushed at the end But please dont let you think its bad its not You should be very happy it ' it looks very well built and im sure 1 or 2 more trys im sure your have happy customers
gl mrsc

[MrsC]

Thanks Dave, maybe I need to take some piccies not in the rain 'cos it makes the paint job look like it's run when it hasn't, I didn't paint it in the rain lol. We put the mesh over the top to overlap as it seems more secure and less likely for young kiddies to lean on and cave in. Going to build some more though. Thanks

[matthew2riches]

That was the other thing I noticed. The mesh on the outside is a bad idea as if a fox for example was to get near, it would rip it straight off the frame!! And again, the overlap doesn't look good!

I love the woodwork and with a little time spent on rectifying the mesh, you'll have a saleable product!

[MrsC]

That was the other thing I noticed. The mesh on the outside is a bad idea as if a fox for example was to get near, it would rip it straight off the frame!! And again, the overlap doesn't look good!

I love the woodwork and with a little time spent on rectifying the mesh, you'll have a saleable product!

Is it really? Ok point taken, might have to look at that. The mesh is very heavy duty 13mm gauge fired in with heavy duty 14mm galvanised staples, not a hand held stapler. Do you think a fox could rip that apart?