Just a question

[Hanna]

well as a total newbie to GYO i completely don't have a clue about chickens really, although we did have some when i was little..but my questions might sound very simple, but it has been playing on my mind for a day or two..i have seen the chicken coops in the wilkinsons catalogue - how good are they? does anyone have one? good value for money? and more importantly how many chickens could i have with one of them? would they need a further run or will the coop, and a roam around the garden be ok? and what about the cost of keeping chickens?
now i know that was abit of a bombardment! but thats how my brain works, when mulling over an idea! any advice would be great xx

[Glutton4...]

Hi Hanna, It's a shame the 'search' function isn't working at the moment, but if you have a look round here you will find dozens of threads about Chicken coops - in them you will discover that most 'affordable' 'ready made' coops don't last more than a year or so, need regular treatment and repairs, and cost a lot of time an money to keep serviceable.

My advice always, is to buy a shed, Creosote it, and add your own perches as nest boxes. Good luck!

[RichmondHens]

If you "don't have a clue about chickens" do your research thoroughly before getting any. As G4 says, most of the ready made houses/coops are badly put together, and pitifully small. Because of the chicken keeping craze sweeping the nation, there are an awful lot of people churning out badly crafted houses and runs and also giving the impression that they are fine for keeping say six chickens in when in they are barely sufficient for three. I think the main mistake people make is to make a palace of a chicken house but only a tiny inadequate run. Chickens need much more room outside than in (they will only sleep and lay in the house) and this is where you need to concentrate your efforts.

[Hanna]

i thought as much, the coops i have seen do seem very 'pretty'. IF we decide that chickens are for us, i know lots of research will be needed, it was more of a general opinion i was seeking, even just to satisfy my wandering mind that seems to be consumed with GYO these days (yes i think i may be an addict already!) thankyou, all your help and opinions gratefully received x

[francesbean]

Hi Hanna
I've an eglu - had one for the past 3 years still good as new- although its initial expense can be daunting there is no maintenance other than a clean every now and then - and if you decide hens aren't for you resale value (check ebay ) is really good. I only have room for 3 or 4 hens and don't want to expand my 'flock'. I get 3 eggs a day and sell the surplus to neighbours which pretty much pays for layers pellets corn and straw (but not treats!).

The area of the garden I have given over to my 3 girls is approx 4 x 4 meters - they have completely stripped it of any grass - did so in the first few weeks - I have fenced it with netting and electrified it with a battery operated energiser - but they still escape on occassion - its there nature.

I have learnt not to let them get in the garden if I can as they scratch and peck and destroy the plants that you love and have nurtured for months - typical - last year they escaped for 2 hours and decimated my veg patch I was devestated and this prompted a rethink this season and redesign. All that said I love having them around.

good luck whatever you decide

francesbean