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Original poster

Hen Houses -Slightly OT

38 replies

tensing · 01/06/2006 07:58

We have decided that Hen Keeping would be great Home Education, that and I want to know where my eggs have come from, so we are going to get some chickens for the allotment that we have just got.

I need a Hen house though does anybody have any advice on where to get one or what to get.

OP posts:
manitz · 01/06/2006 08:40

i saw an article referring to an 'ark' which looked really secure and compact. just googled hen houses and arks and it seems they're all called that. will try and find link to guardian article. have never kept chickens myself but in my parallel life I'dlove to so can't vouch from an experienced pov.

FillyjonktheSnibbet · 01/06/2006 08:44

get an eglu!

manitz · 01/06/2006 08:45

here's the link, \link{http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk_news/story/0,,1189216,00.html\bit of a poncy chicken house} but might be good for a first timer

Original poster
tensing · 01/06/2006 09:27

Thanks for that.

OP posts:
WigWamBam · 01/06/2006 09:41

One of dd's friends has a couple of hens - they got them and a fox-proof hen-house and run from \link{http://www.omlet.co.uk/homepage/homepage.php\Omlet}. They were very pleased with their "eglu" and have nothing but praise for the service they have had from the company.

FillyjonktheSnibbet · 01/06/2006 14:16

I WANT AN EGLU

Here's a question though, how'll you feed/clean them out when you're at all the great HE festivals?

In all seriousness, thats whats putting me off.

Original poster
tensing · 01/06/2006 14:42

I have already thought of that, and agreed to let sister in law have all the eggs when we are away, as long as her 14 year old looks after them for me.

OP posts:
FillyjonktheSnibbet · 01/06/2006 14:47

well then all I can say is Envy Envy Envy

Wisp · 01/06/2006 15:07

My mum has an eglu, fantastic. It comes with a run, so if you go away for a weekend you know they aren't "cooped up" Excuse the pun !
The chickens lay one egg every morning.
They eat and pooh LOADS...and will eat every plant in the garden if lest free to roam.
Great animals though ! My children love picking them up and chasing them !!

FillyjonktheSnibbet · 01/06/2006 15:23
Envy
nannyme · 02/06/2006 00:25

Oh you sooo have to getan eglu. Same as you have to get an outwell tent if you go camping. See, fillyjonk knows all about being de rigeur in such things wholesome as camping and chickens.

I am a member of the omlet forum (where you get eglus from) do you want me to take a look at the second hand eglus for sale board for you??

I have an incubator too and can regale you with tales of egg hatching if you like?

No? I must be getting boring in my old age...

nannyme · 02/06/2006 00:26

We could become the HE festival goers/chicken sitters association...

Original poster
tensing · 02/06/2006 08:00

Nannyme,

Yes Please.

Caroline

OP posts:
FillyjonktheSnibbet · 02/06/2006 08:17

[emvy]

So how long can these things be left for, then? And how often does the shit have to be cleaned? (cos I think I can find someone to take the eggs, cleaning the cage is another matter)

and will they thrive in a patch of scrubby ground the size of a hankerchief?

FillyjonktheSnibbet · 02/06/2006 08:18

Actually, I'm Envy, not emvy.

FillyjonktheSnibbet · 02/06/2006 08:21

hang on, for your allotment? They let you do asuch things? Bloody hell, you're lucky, ours hardly even lets us grow flowers!

manitz · 02/06/2006 13:00

i am also quite Envy grrr. how do neighbours feel about this sort of thing chicken owners? i have a 60' long 25' wide garden. seems too small to me for this. What do you think? what about bird flu or is that too panic merchant? i was thinking of quails as they are lovely.

tyedye · 02/06/2006 14:03

I keep ALOT of chickens,we use an old parrot cage adapted for a broody run,lots of people use rabbit hutches and runs for bantams,pekins are GORGEOUS,look at the Wernlas Collection for the breeds,pekins pretty,tame and lay lots of small eggs,plus not as much garden damage as some of the other breeds.

tyedye · 02/06/2006 14:04

Re bird flu,basic hygiene,and keep an eye on the updates from Defra.

FillyjonktheSnibbet · 02/06/2006 14:44

It occurs to me, if so many people are Envy, maybe I could get people to clean out the shit for me for free + eggs?

Round here though...don't think we do things like keeping chickens...I'm working on making friends who do, but tis slow, slow...

nannyme · 02/06/2006 14:49

There are no stipulations yet re. bird flu but you would need to get special mesh and ensure that chooks were enclosed and covered as far as I know. Think omlet now supply the relevant net for their run (???).

MrsDV · 02/06/2006 14:54

Hello! I'm new, I've just scuttled over from BMC to have a nosey :)
I've met some of your lot over there and they seem nice, so I thought I'd brave it :o
We live in town and our garden is only 30'x15' but we manage to keep chookies. I've got 6 chickens (plus hatching eggs currently under one of them).
Chickens are the best pets EVER - they're affectionate, cuddly, and they lay eggs - what more could anyone want?! :o

Sorry for jumping in feet first - I see chicken talk and I can't stop myself Blush Wink

tyedye · 02/06/2006 14:54

Chooks will need provision to be completely housed,not mesh,a shed. I think this may come in to place when the next migratory season sets in.
Defra willl only give 24 hrs notice if H5N1 comes here.

MrsDV · 02/06/2006 15:04

As long as you can cover the top of your run and about a foot down the sides with polythene sheeting or similar, you would be fine if bird flu hit.
Defra have said that they won't expect birds to be kept inside, just within covered runs :)

FillyjonktheSnibbet · 02/06/2006 15:10

How much space do I need?

(I have about 2 metres square atm. Am guessing this is not enough?)

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