whoop whoop the council said yes

[pink-angel29]

A big thank you to everyone who helped with all my questions.
I have decided on a coop and run would this one be ok, Im getting the large coop combo and an extra run (im hoping for 6 chickens) CH103 Chicken Coop with optional Hen and Chicken Run

[Glutton4...]

Congratulations!

I have the very same coop, and I'm sorry to say it is not very well made, or robust. Make sure you give it several good coats of creocote, and let it dry for aaaaaaages before using it (over a week, to get rid of the fumes). It will not last the winter without. Also the perches are lower than the nest-boxes, so they will sleep in the nest boxes and you'll get pooey eggs.

Sorry to be the bearer of bad tidings. For similar money you can get a shed, which will be bigger and stronger. Have fun choosing your 'Laydees' - they are very rewarding.

[pink-angel29]

ohh thanks for telling me, Is there another coop that anyone can recommend please

[Hans Mum]

i second Glutton ive got one and its my isolation coop now, its not well designed and not bbuilt to last, get a shed & convert it (i've convereted DD old wendy house) not only that you'll have room for more girls

but congrats on taking the plunge

[Glutton4...]

If you're desperate to get started PA, get a strong shed. Put a couple of boxes on the floor one side for nest boxes, and an old chair on it's side, for them to perch on. They won't need anything else, and it's all easy to take out for cleaning purposes.

[sheena]

If you're desperate to get started PA, get a strong shed. Put a couple of boxes on the floor one side for nest boxes, and an old chair on it's side, for them to perch on. They won't need anything else, and it's all easy to take out for cleaning purposes.

Ooooohhhh I love your idea there G4... Good job I spent yesterday clearing out the shed, think I got good cause to convert it now! hehehe

I won't tell hubby until it's ready lol, i'm gonna get a good ticking off. But it's worth it for my girls! Bless em

[di]

Great news.
It might seem a disheartening step back to reconsider the coop but even if it means waiting an extra couple of weeks to get your girls,it's better to start off with something that's going to last and serve it's purpose.
Have fun xx

[di]

If you're desperate to get started PA, get a strong shed. Put a couple of boxes on the floor one side for nest boxes, and an old chair on it's side, for them to perch on. They won't need anything else, and it's all easy to take out for cleaning purposes.

Excellent tip Missus G!

[Urban Chickens]

Thats great news!

[pink-angel29]

thanks for the advice. I have started looking for alternative accomidation my oh dosent want to get a shed tho (dont know why) so if anyone can recommend a coop id be very gratefull (im pulling my hair out now lol)

[frias]

My OH built a super coop on stilts and it's so well made I'm sure it will go on for many years. If we ever do need another one I'd go for a shed though just to save him the bother and also it would mean I could get inside it for easier cleaning. None I've seen at the food store places look that well made. Good luck finding a good one.

[jessmorris]

Hen coop

I used a book from the Golden Cockerel series which shows ou how to make many coops of diff sizes for diff birds. It was very useful, though we did modify the design - we put full doors on so that the whole side of the hen house can be opened, when the design provided had a slide off roof. For the size of hen house this would have been far too heavy and unmanagable. I used marine ply which is smooth not tongue and groove where millions of red mite can hide, no felt (same reason) but Onduline, a corrugated product that just sits on the plywood roof to keep it watertight. I also made sure that everything can be dismantled for monthly disinfection (having lost two banties to mite)....
Good luck and have fun!!
I found its well worth putting the time in BEFORE you get your girls!
Jess

[elizajay]

Does anybody know where you can buy marine ply?

[Suechooks]

You can get exterior ply at most builders merchants.

[Bramble-Poultry]

exterior ply you can get from B&Q and just use a preservative on it. it will last you out as long as you maintain it