[Debk]

For Christmas my daughter has booked us both on a chicken keeping course & will buy me 2 chickens either on the day or once we have their home sorted. My daughter lives at home and will look after the chickens when we are away.

We have read up on keeping them and will soon need to buy a chicken coup/ run - we are considering different types (eglo, Ark etc) but if anyone has one to sell that may make our decision a little easier.

We can keep them on concrete or on what is now part of my vegetable plot depending on how fox resistant the coup/run is that we buy. I have read a lot of the chuck related posts on here and can't wait to get started!

All advice welcome.

[Bogus]

here yu go look here
http://www.sheffieldforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=695909

[Debk]

thanks - I did a search before I posted but obviously haven't mastered it yet!
-

[SpeedDemon]

That's a fabulous coop, I'd have had it if I had the space or my coop needed replacing

[parcher]

A couple of bits of advice for you, culled from our experience. Firstly, when they say that the coop will fit 3 chickens, be aware that they probably mean jammed up tight! Our 3-4 bird coop actually would have been better with 2 girls. The three we had we felt were too crowded and the run was severely cramped once it had a feeder and water bottle in it.

Secondly, imagine cleaning it out. The attached run on mine proved to be almost impossible to clean without employing a three year old to climb into it! The coop area was similar, with me only being able to get one arm into it. I am only 5ft 3 in. Hubby is 6ft 4in so he has no chance at all.

We now have a garden shed (7'x5') with a pop hole cut in the side for the girls to use. We can store our feed and all the paraphernalia in there and I get to stand up to clean it out! Furthermore, there was room for more birds when we got them.

Their run is made of tall wire mesh which we got off ebay so they get to wander during the day, buried into the ground and with a surround of paving slabs. We are still working out the best flooring for the run but at the moment it is severely soggy with wood chippings, despite having a roof to the run. Our girls get a secure run during the day and when we are home, they are let loose to fertilise what will be the veg plot. During the growing season, the actual veg plot will be fenced off them, as are the flower parts of my garden as my girls can read price tags and eat accordingly!

[Debk]

Thanks Parcher- I had thought to start with 2 birds- the eglo looks easy to clean but costly for one that looks big enough for the chickens to have enough space. That's why I am looking for a second hand coup to buy - I figured I would get more for my money.

[HenHugger]

3 are better as you won't end up with a lone one if one decides to pop it's clogs, which usually happens without warning.

[Debk]

Just realised my daughter and I will both be away at the same time for a week in May as my son is getting married in Jamaica. Is there anyone you chicken lovers know who offers a feeding service whilst we are away? otherwise I will have to wait until after May to get the birds. We don't really know the neighbours well enough to ask them and family live too far away. I am in S11.

[fabcakes]

whare do live ?
if your near me id be
willing to help out

[Debk]

I live S11 but think you are in High Green? too far if you do but thanks anyway.