Tuesday, 22 February 2011

5 star accommodation at Rossclare

I have finally achieved my desire to keep hens again and also to house them in 5 star accommodation. Gareth made this coop a couple of weeks ago and just days ago my 4 hens moved into it. It is located just outside the sun room so it is easy to watch the goings on.
However, we may eventually move it further down the garden to a more sheltered spot.
The coop is of sturdy construction with a main compartment including some roosts and a nesting box which protrudes at the back. It has a hinged lid in order to access the eggs.
At the front there is a "runway" up to the entrance. My chicken book says horizontal struts are necessary across it to "give the hens more traction."
It was good to watch the hens' reaction to their new home and they were soon exploring all aspects of it.
We initially had four hens and then last night Robert was given three more to add to the flock.
Imagine my delight today, just before lunch, when I spotted my first egg! This had been produced by one of the newcomers as the others are not laying yet. She has obviously not discovered the dedicated nesting-box. Perhaps a signpost is required!

1 comment:

jenny said...

It looks great! What a nice job Gareth did. Now, when does the pig arrive? I hope he's there in time for our trip in the summer. ;)