The Poultry Keeper

Curly Jo · Joined: 26 Mar 2008 Posts: 3

Hi! I am thinking of buying 2/3 chickens and need advice on chicken coup/run; how much should I be paying and what terrain can I have them on. Any advice would be really appreciated! Thanks everyone! Curly Jo x

Diane · Joined: 05 Feb 2006 Posts: 243 Location: Dorset

Can't help with the price - they all seem very expensive in the mags. I had mine made by a jobbing carpenter - if you are handy with tools then you can look at the Feathersite webpage and there are links to coop plans.

For terrain - my run is static so I've put down paving slabs which I can regularly hose down to keep them clean. Top them off with a good layer of straw so they hens can fossick around and keep themselves occupied. Also, paving slabs will prevent rats getting in. I did leave a square free for a dustbath.

If you have a henhouse and run which are easily moved and you have enough grass then - no problem. You'll need to move them once a month or so as the grass will be quickly destroyed. Also, if kept on grass then there is always the possibility of rats tunnelling under so you need to keep on top of pest control.

Chickweed · Joined: 22 Feb 2008 Posts: 66 Location: Baldock, Herts

Are you going for hybrids or true breeds? When i was looking for hybrids they were about £12.50 a piece for POLs

I keep mine in a house i built myself, having looked at commercial ones. it is over - engineered and cost around £100 including locks etc. i reckon it would have been £250 - £350 if I had bought it

I have a small run about 8x10 feet on soil, then let them free range in the garden most of the day

HTH

Pete