Author Topic: dog kennel (Read 1947 times)

gavin davies · « **on:** June 30, 2013, 01:42:07 pm »

Hi everyone I have been on this site for a few months on the pig side of thing but I am going to get a few chickens kn the next few weeks I have been given a very large wooden dog kennel by a friend what has never been used before would that be ok for 3 warren chickens I will build a run and attach it to it so they can go outside but do I have to put anything inside the kennel to make it better for them thanks in advance gavin

HesterF · « **Reply #1 on:** June 30, 2013, 04:54:24 pm »

A perch would be appreciated! Also have a think about where you want them to lay - a dark corner with a box in it.....

H

Fanackapan · « **Reply #2 on:** June 30, 2013, 05:14:09 pm »

Does the kennel have a door ? Most hen housing closes up at night to keep hens in and predators out.

gavin davies · « **Reply #3 on:** June 30, 2013, 06:00:23 pm »

I will be putting a door on the front it was more the inside I was interested in any help is greatfully recieved

sokel · « **Reply #4 on:** June 30, 2013, 07:38:14 pm »

You would need a perch in the kennel and if you can I would try to put a nest box on the outside rather than a box on the inside or they will probably poop in the box

gavin davies · « **Reply #5 on:** June 30, 2013, 10:54:52 pm »

Thanks for the advice

doganjo · « **Reply #6 on:** June 30, 2013, 10:59:20 pm »

Perhaps hinge the lid for easier (less back breaking) cleaning out? I assume it is about 4 feet high, not 6 feet?

shygirl · « **Reply #7 on:** June 30, 2013, 11:44:41 pm »

our first hens had a big dog kennel as a house but it was a bugger to clean out. we made a big door at the back but we literally had to go inside to clean it which meant it all got in your hair. but the hens were fine and happy. we made nest boxes for the eggs too, and put perches inside. the kennel was lined with polystrene then lined with plywood so quite cosy for the winter.

HesterF · « **Reply #8 on:** June 30, 2013, 11:58:31 pm »

Quote

the kennel was lined with polystrene then lined with plywood so quite cosy for the winter.

Do they need to be that cosy? A normal hen house wouldn't be lined - probably about as insulated as a closed kennel but with some additional ventilation. I've bought a couple of cheapo hen houses recently for broodies to use and have worried that they're not ventilated enough because they haven't got a proper ventilation slot.

H

shygirl · « **Reply #9 on:** June 30, 2013, 11:59:36 pm »

Quote from: HesterF on June 30, 2013, 11:58:31 pm

Quote
the kennel was lined with polystrene then lined with plywood so quite cosy for the winter.

Do they need to be that cosy? A normal hen house wouldn't be lined - probably about as insulated as a closed kennel but with some additional ventilation. I've bought a couple of cheapo hen houses recently for broodies to use and have worried that they're not ventilated enough because they haven't got a proper ventilation slot.

H

sorry - i should have said we inherited the kennel when we bought the farm.