hi, I am doing lots of research with an aim to get some (3) chickens in the spring. I had thought we'd get some rescue hens from the BHWT, but the more I read, the more I'm worried that's not a good idea for me as someone with no chicken keeping experience. Any views on whether I should or not?
The other thing I'd like your advice on is: the area I'm planning to put the run has had a large snowberry bush on it, now cleared; the earth is currently bare with dead bits of branch sticking out of it, and lots of old roots in the soil. I was thinking of putting woodchip directly on this, but would I be better making the extra effort to pave the area before putting woodchip down? It's a bit complicated as it's also sloping... But we need to make the run predator proof as we have foxes around. I'd let the hens free range if I'm about during the day.
Many thanks in advance for any advice!