Temporary coop ideas for introductions

[FancyCatSlave]

I’m suddenly down to one ancient Pekin, wasn’t planning to get more yet as will be moving at some point due to divorce. But my little Gabi (who is 12) is so lonely I can’t bear it.

I’ll be getting 3 more Pekins - any ideas for low cost temporary housing? Gabi has a coop with small attached run but free ranges around the village doing whatever she likes (giving DEFRA the finger).

I’m on a budget and this will hopefully only be for a week or so. Last time I moved new ones in we were leant a coop but I don’t know anyone with one now.

Do you need a run and a house or just a house? Could you separate part of the current run off and use a large box? I have used a clean empty black bin with lots of sawdust in before.

The run is small so can’t put anything in it house wise- current/previous hens have always had the whole gardens (which are quite big) and a field behind so never really been contained.

I could put Gabi in a temporary house with no run but don’t want to upset her as she is 12 (although she is a feisty bugger who is super fit).

It’s really hard to know what to do! I wasn’t going to get more until Gabi had passed on and I’d moved but she’s too lonely.

I can't let mine free range as we have had foxes take them in the middle of the day while we were in the garden! So are you just wanting a secure house for night time for the new additions for a coupe of weeks whilst they get to know each other and they will free range the rest of the time?

Foxes get shot here, the estate manages them because of the pheasant pens. But we do have to watch for badgers and weasels. So we have our coop/run set up on a concrete base.

I won’t free range the new ones properly for a week, to start with only when I can supervise until they get the hang of where they are and the measure of my cats (who are very good with hens though). So they need night and day accommodation- but as Gabi doesn’t need the run I could put the newbies in the existing run by day when I’m not around and Gabi can free range as usual and get to know them safely. I think I still need something for nights though as I’d be too nervous to just bung them all in together at night on day 1. The run is a bit small for regular use but I guess a few days won’t hurt and I can let them out to have more space gradually.

Do you think a large dog crate or rabbit hutch in the shed or wooden play house would work for overnight? So they are contained and safe? I’m planning on 3 new pekins so not massive. I can put them in as it gets dark and out again early morning so it is just to roost. I’m just not sure if there’s mice in there!

I can keep the pop hole from the current coop to the run shut all the time and Gabi can enter and exit the coop from the side door with her own food and water so she’s got somewhere to go if it rains.

I know I could just go out and buy a new coop and run but for 3 small hens for 1 week or so I’d rather not as that makes it very expensive.

I am not sure you need a dog crate. The wooden play house would probably be OK without the crate? If not then dog crate will be fine.

I wouldn't get three and then introduce them. They will bully her dreadfully as they will be a flock and she the interloper.

She already has an amazing life as chickens go, I would keep her separate but if you have to get one I would look for a single older chicken.

My DD still plays in it most days so it needs to be kept clean, can’t have it full of chicken poo. Also the door and windows don’t stay closed reliably so I’d be worried something would get in. I’d think they’d need additional protection

The shed is full of hazards so wouldn’t want them to have freedom in there!