really old style living?

mardatha

It was black rocks I was going for but looking out at the bit of garden where they will go, it seems so wild and windswept. I suppose I could plant a windbreak but then that might keep the sun off them as well... it isnt a cosy wee cottage back garden by any stretch of the imagination, you know ?

HariboJunkie

mardatha wrote: »

It was black rocks I was going for but looking out at the bit of garden where they will go, it seems so wild and windswept. I suppose I could plant a windbreak but then that might keep the sun off them as well... it isnt a cosy wee cottage back garden by any stretch of the imagination, you know ?

Well they'll need some form of shelter. Mine free range but have a partially covered run and their house and also shelter under the treehouse when it's really windy. My main garden is sheltered but the place they prefer to wander is the top of a cliff and they seem happy enough. They really are a very hardy breed and you will have more eggs than you know what to do with, even through the worst weather.:D

Seakay

ceridwen wrote: »

Couldnt find the original link - so googled for "Shaun Chamberlin" and "energy rationing" (couldnt even find my own post saying we will need population control in conjunction with this - as otherwise peoples "rations" will be cut as further "extra" people get born, ie those who already have 2 children having more, and a high level of immigration into Britain would have to stop as well) and found:

http://www.uswitch.com/news/utilities/could-energy-rationing-be-introduced-in-the-uk-800357983/

Very interesting article, thanks. When I first heard rationing I was imagining it would be at the point of sale causing all sorts of problems. This is potentially fairer but it all depends on the allocation criteria.

mardatha

Having a coop made, quite a big solid one on legs. But apart fromt hat I was just making an enclosure with mesh fencing 5ft high, no roof. I suppose they could huddle under the house, and I was going to put 2 of those big plastic tubs in, laid on their sides and partially buried - to make wee shelters. Only wanted to get 2 hens since theres only the 2 of us. What yo u think, would that be enough shelter ?

zarazara

mardatha wrote: »

Today started the planting for 2011. Even though its a hurricane outside and the rain is unbelievable. Plonked some salad green and some tomato seeds into milk cartons on the windowsill. Phase 1 whoohoo!
Wondering if keeping chickens are a good idea after all, the weather up here is really bad and maybe they wouldn't cope.

excellent. great to start planting. funnily enough i was looking at hen coops at the agri merchants today, I think they should be fine with a rofless run,after all they will get some sunshine once in a while then. solong as the hen house is substantial and they can get in and out during the day i can see no problem.

HariboJunkie

mardatha wrote: »

Having a coop made, quite a big solid one on legs. But apart fromt hat I was just making an enclosure with mesh fencing 5ft high, no roof. I suppose they could huddle under the house, and I was going to put 2 of those big plastic tubs in, laid on their sides and partially buried - to make wee shelters. Only wanted to get 2 hens since theres only the 2 of us. What yo u think, would that be enough shelter ?

If possible I'd give them a bit more shelter considering your location. A roof on the run will also mean they have some dry ground to scratch and will have a snow free area if you get blizzards again. They also need somewhere to shade from the sun. We made one side of the run higher than the other and topped it with marine ply and roofing felt. It doesn't have to be a big area as they huddle together anyway. We were recommended to get more than 2 hens as if one dies it is harder to introduce a new hen to a single hen iyswim. Don't know how true it is but we got 4 to be on the safe side and get 28 eggs a week.

mardatha

Shade is ok, and some shelter I suppose. They will be behind next door's shed. But I can't get a roofed run just now, no funds. Green mesh on slim 6ft fence poles, very neat and tidy but roofless. Might get 3 hens then but no more
Got a pic of a setup that's similar, will try to post it .

mardatha

http://www.flickr.com/photos/51405939@N02/5413604239

this is somebody else's setup, but same coop and layout is identical to my back corner where I want to have my hens. I like this its tidy.

halight

mardatha wrote: »

Today started the planting for 2011. Even though its a hurricane outside and the rain is unbelievable. Plonked some salad green and some tomato seeds into milk cartons on the windowsill. Phase 1 whoohoo!
Wondering if keeping chickens are a good idea after all, the weather up here is really bad and maybe they wouldn't cope.

Hi,
Iv not started planting yet but i have been looking at what seeds i have and what i need to buy. Im also going to have a look at other fruit and veg that i have not yet tryed and i fancy haveing a go at.

flea72

mardatha wrote: »

http://www.flickr.com/photos/51405939@N02/5413604239

this is somebody else's setup, but same coop and layout is identical to my back corner where I want to have my hens. I like this its tidy.

its also a mud pit. a few more days of rain, and that run will be ankle deep and smelly

if you are keeping hens fenced in, and the run cant be moved, then i would really suggest going for a solid base, that can be washed down, and adding a layer of bark on top, that they can scratch around in to find treats/food

F