breeding hens

[newhenbreeder]

Hi I'm NEW HERE and to keeping hens
hoping for HELP on keeping hens.... I have a 8ft x 6ft shed and around 40ft x 20ft open space I want to have some hens for free range eggs on my allotment but need few urgent answers ??
( 1 ) how many hens could I have in this shed without overcrowding and considering also open space for them running free......??
( 2 ) how do I go about their sleeping/laying spots do I just put straw in shed and will they just lie/lay on this or do i have to make a seperate compartment for each hen ??

( 3 ) having viewed my Questions above and statement on space do you think i could have 12 hens in this shed/open space ??

( 4 ) what would be the maximum and minimum heating for this shed remembering the hens will produce heat themselves also ??

( 5 ) Does each hen have to have it's own box to lay in ,,do they need perches can i put 1 box ontop of another or can i just put straw on floor and let them find their own space

THANK YOU ANY MORE TIPS/HELP WOULD BE APPRECIATED

[Polly Fouracre]

Your shed and land would be fine size-wise. If you can, I would divide the land in two from the middle of the shed and put a pop-hole either side. This will give them a bit of a rotation and stop all the ground being fouled, also help with worm build up.
When you swap sides scatter a bit of lime on the recently used side, this will sweeten the soil and keep it healthy.
As for heating, you won't need any in even the worst of the weather. Hens have their own in-built central heating system and as long as they have free access to good food and a bit of grain in the winter they will be fine.
Three nest boxes will be enough for twelve hens.
Go for it and good luck!

[newhenbreeder]

Your shed and land would be fine size-wise. If you can, I would divide the land in two from the middle of the shed and put a pop-hole either side. This will give them a bit of a rotation and stop all the ground being fouled, also help with worm build up.
When you swap sides scatter a bit of lime on the recently used side, this will sweeten the soil and keep it healthy.
As for heating, you won't need any in even the worst of the weather. Hens have their own in-built central heating system and as long as they have free access to good food and a bit of grain in the winter they will be fine.
Three nest boxes will be enough for twelve hens.
Go for it and good luck!

thank you v.much for help but need bit more,, confused on if I just put straw on floor of shed for them or make seperate compartments for each hen and do i have to put perches in as they mey poo on each other any tips and help on hen keeping would help at [COLOR="red"]sunworshiperuk@yahoo.co.uk

[Polly Fouracre]

Yes, they will need perches. Make them from 1x1 inch timber, sandpapering the sharp edges off. Put the perches about 12 inches off the floor, making sure that each hen has about 8-10 inches of perch (more if .you have a huge breed) Make them removable for easy cleaning.
You can just make nest boxes out of packing cases or similar as long as you have easy access to them in your shed, or you can make nest boxes that are accessible from the outside.
Whichever, these will have to be filled with straw and the hens will make their own nests. Wood shavings or sawdust will do on the floor and can be put on the compost heap each week when you clean out. Shredded paper will do just as well.

[newhenbreeder]

thanks so much pollyfouracre

[Polly Fouracre]

You're welcome, good luck!

[Hilary B]

I'd use bigger timbers for perches (2" x 2") especially if the 'span' is more than a couple of feet, and boxes for the hens to lay in need to be below perch level, and (if possible) fairly dark inside.
Nothing else to add to the advice you already got!