I'll also second and third a run roof, so useful. Slanted rain and snow will still come in through the sides, so have a think about that if you're covering your run and especially where you're putting food down. Actually a meshed floor could be useful, not to save your grass (aint gonna happen!) bu...

Great, thanks all. I'll go with the run cover first and take it from there. Will let you all know how it goes. Thank you.

Ok, thanks a million. Yes, I will put a cover on the run, but still feel it will get quite mucky. I see some mesh types of flooring with hemp laid down by people in the US, but as yet, I have found nothing here like this (rep of Ireland).

I'm just wondering if anyone has used a mesh type ground cover to protect their run, which could be covered with woodchips? I'm trying to avoid a wet, mucky mess this winter. Thanks.

Hens can lay for 4-5 years . Some hens are bred for hardiness and egg laying . As all things your call , but I would get some and see what happens if they are what you need then get some more later . Let us know what you do . Trust your part of the world is ok and not effected to much by the virus ...

Mo wrote:If you let us know where you are based someone might have ideas about where you can get hens from.
Or look at the county lists here, not sure how up to date they are.

Thank you, but I am based in Co. Meath. Rep of Ireland.

They start laying somewhere around 22 weeks depending on breed. For a year after that the hybrid breeds lay prolifically, 6 or more a week. Then they might go into a moult and stop laying while their feathers grow. The breeds that lay most in their first year have a shorter laying life and problems...

I was hoping to purchase a few Warren Browns or Rhode Island Reds, but the person selling me them mentioned they are over a year old. Is there an ideal age to buy them at? Thank you.

Thank you all. So much great information there. There sure is a lot of learning to do.

Thats great. Thanks a million for that.

Hi, I am due to get 3 chickens (not sure how old yet, but maybe 6 months) in the next month or two. I am trying to find out information on what type of grains to feed them. I believe oats are not good, and certain veg such as nightshades. I think I'll be ok on the veg part, its more the grains. I ha...

I will definitely let you all know how I get on. It is 3 Warren Browns that I am hoping to get. The coop will fit 4. The run is 3x2m but the garden outside is quite large. Not very secure though, as we live beside a field. I am going to consider some kind of fencing around the polytunnel/raised bed....

Thank you all. This has been so, so helpful. The run I have ordered is 2m high, so walk in which is great. It is also extendable so I can make it bigger if need be. Its 2mx3m diameter for 3 hens. I will consider fencing the polytunnel and raised bed off prior to getting them. As you suggest, its bet...

Hi,

I am considering getting a couple of chickens, but am wondering if they will peck holes in my polytunnel plastic when let out of their run?

I believe I will need to keep raised beds covered. Is there anything else I need to consider around veg growing near chickens?