[knightquest]

I'm after some advice please. As a newbe to the forum and a novice chicken keeper, can you advise me how to prepare an old dog kennel in preparation for some ex battery hens.

The kennel is old but the walls are sound and made of wood. It has been used for storing bits and bobs and has a large number of cobwebs inside along with some evidence of rats.

It is my intention to paint the inside and build a run outside for the chucks. Is there a special paint? I intend to add nest boxes and some perches. How high and what size should the perches be?

Finally, how many birds can I get if the kennel is 6' x 4'?

Lots of questions there. 

[CameronS]

In a 6x4 shed that is totally converted, you could probably get upto 25 medium birds, it would be full full, so no scope for massive change. There are probably paints out there designed for the job but will cost a bomb, ours is just varnished on the floor, and just stained on the walls (cheap and cheerfull).

The perches should be about an inch to an inch and a half in diameter, preferably rounded, like a branch, or curtain role, (again cheap, but works) the heights are really up to you, the hens will use whats provided, mine have 3 different height, one about 3foot from the roof, one below that and another about a foot above the ground.

Remember a trap door for them to get in and out (not essential, but lets les water in, if it rains)
Old shelves or drawrs work well for nest boxes (i'm a right skinflint me)
good luck,

[Rosemary]

Sorry, have to disagree with Cameron on the perches. A round pole like a curtain pole will be very hard for hens to rest on. 2" x 2" square  batten with the top two corners taken off would be my recommendation. The wood must be close grained and sound to deter red mite.

9-12" of perch per hen; perch not more than 18" from the ground to prevent leg and foot injuries. One nest box per 4-5 hens or you'll get broken eggs and queues for the nest box. If you can close the nest boxes at night even better - prevents roosting and fouling of the nest boxes over night.

[sheila]

I always paint my coop walls with lime wash

[little blue]

and make sure you've got rid of the rats first....

[knightquest]

Thanks folks, just the kind of info that I wanted. I'll definately get rid of the rats too 

[joyofchicks]

My husband converted a shed as my first hen house - it included a droppings board under the perch which made cleaning out much easier!  Just found a picture taken last year which shows it.  I think it was an old shelf.  (The water didn't usually sit on it!)

[knightquest]

That's a great picture, thanks for posting it. It does however lead to other questions.....

Firstly, should the nest boxes be at the same height as the perches? I was thinking of cutting a hole in the side of the kennel and having the box outside so to speak. This would allow me to get the eggs and shut off the box without going inside.

Secondly, what should the floor be made of. Currently the kennel is sitting on those decorative stones. I planned to put slabs down on the inside....thoughts please?

[jacob and Georgina]

hi there, nest boxes definitely lower than perches otherwise will sleep in nest boxes and will make them messy which will result In dirty eggs and high chance of infection. have two or three perches but all at the same height otherwise will cause unnecessary fights. However if your are having ex Bat hens they will almost certainly not perch because it is not something they are used to. Make sure you have a hole for ventilation covered with mesh, and ensure nest boxes are approx 30cm2 and are fairly dark as this will help reduce egg eating. I personally would not have any more than 12-15 hens as they may get cramped and will mess up the house in no time you will be constantly cleaning them out!!