Chickens!

H

HopOnTrot

Well-Known Member
Joined
17 December 2020
Messages
2,376
Visit site
Finally getting round to getting chicken's again and we've just had a purpose built run made for them.

Is there such a thing as a rat proof/ waterproof external storage? Historically the chicken stuff was kept in the stables but I just don't have room anymore, would be handy if it was safe and secure near the chickens.

Can anyone recommend an automatic door? We have an Omlet Eglu for inside the run and an automatic door would be a great addition, I've seen lots of cheap ones on Amazon as the branded on is £150, any recommendations?

Any other essential must buys as it's been a while since we had them (and they're DH's birthday present)
 
The new chickenguard all in one door is good.

Don't forget AI lockdown stuff (can't remember if it's nationwide atm but most of the coutry certainly) - disinfectant, bootwash etc.

I have been wondering about something like this for when our current storage shed dies - extravagant, but no more blocking up rat holes with chicken wire... https://www.asgardsss.co.uk/5x3-metal-shed. Alternatively, just a metal dustbin with a bungy cord or a brick to keep the lid on.

ETA they have to be registered now https://www.gov.uk/guidance/register-as-a-keeper-of-less-than-50-poultry-or-other-captive-birds
 
I use an old chest freezer for feed. As for automatic doors I dont think I’d bother. If you have hens that like to lay at 09:05 and the door opens at 08:30 you might just find they learn to lay outside instead of the coops.
 
I use wheelie bins for bedding (woodchip) and dustbins for feed storage. I have 3 bins, 2 are for feed and the other for disinfectants etc. Never had a problem with rats or leakage with those. Currently we are still on flockdown. What sort are you having?
 
HopOnTrot said:
Probably Wyandotte Bantams, we’ve had various bantams and hybrids before but not these. I love Silkies but ours had a habit of dropping dead

Will bins (with lids secure) get damp outside?
Click to expand...
Mine didn't get damp. I leave the feed etc, in the bag in the bin. Bungees are your friend. Keep the lid secure. The secret with Silkies seems to be to only buy vaccinated birds. Don't mix vaccinated with non vaccinated. I have 2 silkie hens here both 7 years old now. Good luck with new chooks.
 
We have ducks rather than chickens but I keep all their stuff in one of those large metal feed bins with 3 sections. Totally rat proof and I think waterproof although mine is in a pretty sheltered spot so never gets too much rain on it
 
I’ve had metal dustbins with lids that have metal loops that secure over the dustbin handles for many years. Bought them on eBay (they were about £15 each back then) and they are still going strong and no pests have infiltrated! Raise them off the ground on bricks so they are not sitting on damp ground and they should last. Good luck with the new chooks, I’ve only got two at the moment and neither is laying 😏
 
Metal dustbins with heavy lids, here. Try and get hold of galvanised feeders and drinkers, too. The plastic ones never seem to last - they're poor quality and weather quickly. Agree with making your run Flockdown proof from the off. We're lucky in that ours are in an old fruit cage, so we were halfway there.
 
Ooh exciting! I love my chickens.

Old chest freezer is pretty good for storage and keeps the rats out. I have an Omlet automatic door for mine which works fine. You can set it to daylight or to a time of your choosing. I prefer using the time rather than the light as at least that way I know when it will be.
My must have is a pedal operated aluminum feeder. The chickens figure it out really quickly and it keeps the rats off their food. It also avoids feeding half the bird population in the area and keeps wastage down. I'm not sure how useful they are for bantams though. Only my cockerel is a bantam and weighs in at 1.5kg (Just checked and it worked for my young auracana who was 920g - though I think she mainly used it with her heavier friend).
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top