Author Topic: old caravan as hen house (Read 4737 times)

linseal · « **on:** August 24, 2009, 10:13:28 pm »

what do I need to do to convert an old caravan into a hen house?
can the hens run around outside and then be locked away at night?

little blue · « **Reply #1 on:** August 24, 2009, 10:33:23 pm »

A secure skylight! And an easily cleaned floor! Remove as much as possible ie furniture cos it will get filthy,and damaged and hold all kinds of nasties. Secure the windows (we have chicken wired our sheds windows And can remove the panes for ventilation.)
Disconnect all gas, electric cos theyll peck.
Make sure they can get in and out easily (a little ladder or ramp with slats on it to stop them slipping)
They will need some roosting bars at least a few inches off the floor and a dark quiet corner for a nesting box (Old drawer is perfect)

\\yes, they should be locked away at night cos of foxes, rats and dogs, is your 'outside' secure as well?

Its a great idea, and you can at least stand upright in it yourself!

linseal · « **Reply #2 on:** August 24, 2009, 11:01:32 pm »

Thanks for those tips, didn't even think of the skylight! the outside is not secure, wooden fence to field and then hedgerow to other side, I suppose they will just walk off if I don't fence them in! Very new to this so really don't have a clue, do you have a fox proof run attached to the hen house? Then perhaps a general secure area for daytime roaming? any tips very welcome.

doganjo · « **Reply #3 on:** August 24, 2009, 11:05:38 pm »

Fox proof run sounds good - but making something fox proof is a difficult one - heard of the 'wily old fox' Dig chicken wire down into the ground so he can't dig under the run, make sure it is covered over and all joins totally sealed. If you have such a run it means you can get away and leave them safe for a time, and other folk can look after them safely too.