[lord flynn]

am thinking of using this when we move for the layers. Anyone done it, got photos, advice etc etc? I don't really need compost-all available garden/land is for poultry and ponies.

I was thinking of having an undercover/partially undercover permanent pen with compacted hardcore base, covered in sand/rounded pea gravel. Not sure how or if even possible to disinfect/dig out etc etc It would be for maybe 10 hens-the others will all be outside on grass.

[Marches Farmer]

We have some poultry under cover in old concrete-based pig pens which we bed with shavings. Works very well from a hygiene perspective - just sweep it out when necessary.  Shavings last for weeks if they don't get rained on and the hens can dust bathe in them too. 

[lord flynn]

yes, keeping it dry will be key I think but it will have to be open sided-although its fairly sheltered and planning on having panels about 2ft high up the sides. Have been doing some searching and am thinking I'll give sand a go. I don't think heat will be an issue where we're going  and apparently a bit of straw on top works well in very cold weather.