Chicken Housing

[maud gonne]

You didn't mention critters. Any problems with rats or mongeese getting in?

[dwedeking]

No critter issues to date. This may be more because I keep my area of the property less inviting (cleared area, no storage areas of feed in the open, have rat traps set around the house, have a small animal trap available in case mongoose come around - I had this issue when I was living in Hilo so trapped them) while some of my neighbors are more tasty targets for critters. Also the feeder I hang from an eye hook under the back rail (at the base of the big door) so that nothing can get to it that can't reach up from the ground that is the size of a full grown rhode island red/plymouth rock chicken.

I've seen designs for a modular fence system where you basically make squares out of 2x4 then cover with chicken wire. Arrange these modules to make your fence which might be more secure than the fencing system I use but would also cost a lot more. I was trying to keep cost down as my self sufficiency projects were economically driven.

[rainyjim]

I am also worried about mongoose and rats. My space is heavily wooded and probably only 90% cleared if that. I want to make some type of paddock system that is moveable like what you described with the 2x4s Daniel.

I'm hoping to be able to move it between the Ohia trees as I hand clear space for the "cage/enclosure" then once the birds have fertilizer that area sufficiently I plan to sow a pasture / grass mix in the area to try and prep the land for the eventual habitation of goats.

I have seen a seed mix you can by locally on craigslist that's supposed to work well in puna and provide a wide range of nutrition for poultry and ungulates. I'll go look for that seed mix link now. - although maybe someone knows what I'm talking about? - ?

[dwedeking]

For the area I'm working with I had pahoehoe that left "gullys" in between flows. I was filling in those areas with mulch from the green waste. I would then spread Sun Hemp seeds across the area (nitrogen fixer) then set up the fencing around it after it had grown for 3 months. Then put the chickens inside the fenced area. They'd eat the mature sunhemp and turn the mulch and fertilize. Periodically turning the mulch with a pitchfork.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=512441992109071&l=f460eca2bb

[shave_ice]

The house I bought last year came with a chicken coop. Actually, it is more like a chicken palace. It about 8 x 10, fully enclosed with a roof. I do not recommend it. It is way too big and a pain in the butt to clean. My chickens are free range except at night I will close them inside, but they still like to hang out in there and just make a mess.

Daniel, I like your structure a lot. I think within the next year the chicken palace will be torn down and replaced with something like that.

[nana valley]

I just bought my chicken pen and hutch from Amazon Prime for $300. I'm no carpenter but was able to put it all together in about 2 hours with a screwdriver.
Fed Ex delivered it to me in TWO days! []

He who hoots with owls at night cannot soar with the eagles in the morning.

[rainyjim]

Picture or link please nana?

[nana valley]

http://www.amazon.com/Ware-01491-HD-Chic...lies_img_y
http://www.amazon.com/Ware-Manufacturing...lies_img_y

Hope that helps, rainyjim! I got mine with Amazon Prime, remember, so free shipping. And again, it took TWO days to arrive. I was shocked when I came home and saw the boxes on my lanai.

He who hoots with owls at night cannot soar with the eagles in the morning.

[oink]

The reviews on those were pretty bad as far as quality. I don't think they would last in the S. Fl rain. I doubt they would fair better in Puna. Too bad as they otherwise seem like a good deal, especially with Amazon Prime.

Pua`a
S. FL
Big Islander to be.

[nana valley]

quote:

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Originally posted by oink

The reviews on those were pretty bad as far as quality. I don't think they would last in the S. Fl rain. I doubt they would fair better in Puna. Too bad as they otherwise seem like a good deal, especially with Amazon Prime.

Pua`a
S. FL
Big Islander to be.

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Yes, very true, oink. The ratings were bad. But the wood comes prestained and I can easily maintain it for a long time with regular coats of stain to protect it. I already do that with all my garden tools. The wood handles are still in great condition because of regular treatment.
Call me OCD!![]
But honestly, I am very happy with the unit.

He who hoots with owls at night cannot soar with the eagles in the morning.