The Poultry Keeper

Lisa · Posted: Thu Apr 14, 2005 3:45 pm Post subject: Small hen house and run

Okay chaps and chappesses...

I need to build a small hen house with attachable run. Needed for my 2 new POL chooks to keep them safe so the others don't kill 'em when they arrive! It'll go within the larger run, and I'm thinking later it could be used as an isolation unit / hen hospital if any get sick.

Once they've got used to each other all chookies will all go live in the shed together (for now until I build the supa dupa delux new hen house.... but that's another project)

Want something as cheap as possible - and easy so I can do it in the next day or two. Already have weldmesh, corrugated plastic and power tools - need to buy the wood.

Any suggestions or advice most welcome Razz

Knobby · Posted: Thu Apr 14, 2005 3:49 pm Post subject:

How temporary are we talking ?

George · Joined: 14 Apr 2005 Posts: 5661 Location: London

Hiya

A basic design really only needs to use 12mm plywood, on a 2x1 frame,
ie basically a box about 3' x 3' x 3' would be enough,

We've looked at a few designs and realistically, a plywood coop would be easier to maintain and easier to clean than a shiplap version (less places to hide for those creepy crawlies)

The other option (which would probably cost less) is to build a small ark)
Though, personally, I'm not sure I like arks

All the best
George

Lisa · Posted: Thu Apr 14, 2005 5:33 pm Post subject:

George · Joined: 14 Apr 2005 Posts: 5661 Location: London

Hi,

I'm going to miss out the nest box for my chicks when they get to that stage, no need for it really,

Just a perch, and preferably a removable floor would make cleaning easier.
Should be real easy to make

The run can be a simple design as it is within the existing run so, you would just need to partition part of that rather than having a completly new run inside

George

Gina · Joined: 13 Apr 2005 Posts: 471 Location: Kent

In sight of each other for a week should be O.K so you could miss out the nest box as they aren't going to start that quickly!

Lisa · Posted: Thu Apr 14, 2005 7:09 pm Post subject:

Okay, no nest box then - and I guess I can always add that on as an external at a later date if needed anyway.

How do you make a removable floor? Is it a bit like a shallow draw?

I was thinking about making one of the sides removable instead, for easy access for cleaning? Would that work? Then if its all outdoor wood, getting in with the pressure washer.... Laughing

George · Joined: 14 Apr 2005 Posts: 5661 Location: London

Yeah, I'm thinking, just like a large shallow draw that can be taken out, then this is easy to pressure wash, and should make the daily cleaning easier.

with one side if possible as a single large door

George

summayah · Joined: 14 Apr 2005 Posts: 4289 Location: luton

you could make one side into one big door. Mine are like that ~ 2 sides, pophole and vent flap on the front and complete door at the back ~ easy peasy to get into for cleaning.
summayah

Lisa · Posted: Thu Apr 14, 2005 7:19 pm Post subject:

Oooo Summayah, any chance of any pics please?

I just need to try to understand how all the joints etc go together and hinges.... Piccies would be a great help Razz

Or anyone else?

Woodwork's not my strong point Embarassed

summayah · Joined: 14 Apr 2005 Posts: 4289 Location: luton

hi, sorry photos I can't do, I'm not technical (remember my electronic pophole fiasco?). You'll have sort of 2x2 standing up bits in the cornersand across the tops and bottoms. The front is higher than the back by maybe 6 inches I guess . The door at the back is the full width and hinged with 2 strap hinges onto the side, and then I have a bolt onto the other side.
I really am dimwitted. I got my original house from fosterspoultry.co.uk. When I wanted another my daughter and I copied it, measuring every stick of wood (very nice corner shop wood man cut every piece the right length for us). Here you go or not ... http://www.fosterschickens.co.uk Go into housing then the 2nd from left, lovely picture of the back door open.
summayah

George · Joined: 14 Apr 2005 Posts: 5661 Location: London

Lisa · Posted: Thu Apr 14, 2005 7:46 pm Post subject:

Thanks Summayah, that helps Smile

The more piccies I can find the better Wink

Never had the chance to do woodwork at school Sad

it would (no pun intended) have been so useful...

mojo · Posted: Thu Apr 14, 2005 10:45 pm Post subject:

my tempoary house is a tea chest tack thick plastic over to make waterproof,cardboard box for nest(burn after use) piece wood across one internal corner nailed from outside any thing suitable for door ply ,board,tin ideal for emergency room,ward or home after use spray inside and out with cleaner and dry for use another day hope this helps........mojo

George · Joined: 14 Apr 2005 Posts: 5661 Location: London

Now that's a great suggestion mojo,

Trouble is, it isn't too easy to find proper tea chests these days,

George