The Poultry Keeper

flump · Joined: 20 Apr 2008 Posts: 113 Location: Northants

Hi
I have ordered this chicken run/coop and wondered if it was the right size for keeping 2 chickens in ? It's 5ft long,2ft wide and 20 inches high

Also whats the best surface to put it on ? i have cleared an area of soil down the bottom of the garden and ideally want something suitable for the housing to stand on so the hens get the best of both worlds for scratching and general run about etc.
Any help appreciated.
flump -x-

Barny_Velder · Joined: 29 Dec 2007 Posts: 164 Location: North Wales Coast

Ask questions before purchasing and people will be more honest with their answers. But since you asked...

Looks like chinese rubbish to me, them chinese kids have nimble fingers though so the coops look good until they see a british winter.

It's too small, it's a rabbit hutch. Not suitable at all for poultry at that size unless it's a very small bantams, japanese, sebright or maybe pekins at a push.

If it is 5 foot in length then you will have roughly 3 1/2 foot by 2 foot run. Which equates to well under a metre square of run space.
Also if you factor in that most of the run is unuseable because of the sloping sides then you're not far off battery hen space....

Now the more diplomatic answer
Having said all that, when it arrives treat it with a GOOD preserver, people like albany pets say they are treated, they are NOT. So give it two good coats of quality preserver. now your down to choice of inmates, I would look at a leghorn bantam or Ancona bant, both lay decent sized eggs for their relative size. You should really steer well clear of any L/F birds.
Keep it over grass and move it often, or keep it over slabs and clean the poo off regularly. You could also put bark down. Hens keep themselves clean by bathing in dust, this is essential for them, so keep that in mind and maybe give them a bowl of dry dirt to bathe in if you don't want your lawn dug up:)

flump · Joined: 20 Apr 2008 Posts: 113 Location: Northants

Thanks for your reply,i only found this forum today or i probably would have asked before buying.Thanks for the info about this run tho,my husband has said he will transform it into a bigger one after reading your reply,making it wider,higher & longer,hopefully i will be able to keep bigger hens then.I must admit it was 'cheap' for the size,but after the modifications have been made all should be ok then and i won't feel such a numpty then!
flump -x-

Barny_Velder · Joined: 29 Dec 2007 Posts: 164 Location: North Wales Coast

Don't feel a numpty!
It's a learning curve. If hubby can build a little then I suggest putting the ark in the local paper and build yourselves one of these below. It will cost you about a day to make and about £30, I can guide you through the process if you like. They are only 2 foot longer but ALL of the run is useable, which makes a big difference. Not as pretty as the little arks either but much more useful.

mojo · Posted: Sun Apr 20, 2008 6:10 pm Post subject:

we all pull bloomers......buy the kids a rabbit to use that run .sweettalk the BH to build you a nice coop and run .......................MINIMUM(more if possible) one square foot each bird in coop one square yard a bird of run and enjoy your poultry keeping happy that your birds will be happy

Woodburner · Posted: Mon Apr 21, 2008 1:10 pm Post subject:

I have a similar coop. It's a broody coop really and is fine as such, although I think a full brood and mother would find it very cramped after a few weeks. Mine already has an extension on one side then a further extension on the end of that, making it absolutely perfect for raising chicks. Smile

I will try and get some photos up here in the next few days.

flump · Joined: 20 Apr 2008 Posts: 113 Location: Northants

Barny_Velder..........that run looks perfect,i really wished i had found this place before buying the other ark,my hubby says he could build that one,do you have the plans or specs he could use if possible ? And many thx for your help.
Woodburner.........would love to see the pics of your coop
flump -x-

Barny_Velder · Joined: 29 Dec 2007 Posts: 164 Location: North Wales Coast

I'll draw up some next weekend they won't be brilliant but they will suffice:)

www.woodenart.org.uk · Joined: 14 Jan 2008 Posts: 40 Location: shropshire

Looks Chinese to me. We have replaced lot's of these type of Runs/Coops. They don't like our weather particulary so treat them with good quality preservative and check the hinges and fasteners as they appear to be very poor quality and not very durable.

flump · Joined: 20 Apr 2008 Posts: 113 Location: Northants

NannyP · Posted: Wed Apr 23, 2008 10:51 pm Post subject:

Hang on to your original purchase....there may be times in the future when you need to seperate off a chicken for hospital treatment, or use as a broody coop for a few weeks. I had an Ark in Devon, and sold it before moving to France. I have loads of space now and buildings I use for my birds, but the Ark would be really handy at times and would still be useful.

flump · Joined: 20 Apr 2008 Posts: 113 Location: Northants

After taking barny_veler's advice i contacted the company and cancelled my order,im sure hubby is up to makiing a brooder for me tho.
flump-x-