[jimmy mac]

Jimmy Mac, just from the point of foxes I would put a door on the house and lock them inside at night.
I have seen security fencing breached on numerous occasions by wily vermin.
The last time the door was left open my mother went outside to find a fox cantering across the field with some or all of two hens in his mouth.

[sal]

hi first what do you want them for,eggs or meat?if eggs get point of lay,you dont need a rooster ,although i have one by chance,i was sold 2 silkie crosses that were supposed to lay in 4-6 weeks,after a few months one crowed the other eventually layed but not as prolific as the rhode island reds crosses that i had got previously,i then bought 4 ex batts and they layed till the cold weather,they will start again i`m sure when the weather warms up,not to worried as they are also pets,
they need to be secure especially now as foxy loxy is about and will get in to your hen house,leaving it without a door is an invite to dinner for him
we converted an old shed and put a pen around it,
for the x batts we put a large plastic store shed argos item 705/1801 inside a large pen,this keeps them warm as they had few feathers,it has a lid to lift up in warm weather and the pen is secure,
both my pens have a cover over them,
will try to put pics if i can.
the best advice i can give you is to look on these sites for info and idea`s.
www.thepoultrysite.com
www.irishfowl.com (will get info on the next poultry fair near to you)
i have to say i found the poultry site the best but you may find different.
we get layers pellets for them and i also give scraps ,no meat,and i cook spagetti as a treat with garlic,garlic is good for them,in moderation like all things,now really the best advice i can give you still is to look on these sites for lots of good help and idea`s.
and let us know how you get on,i have a number for a guy that sells healthy point of lay but its in kerry,

[Sarah Evans]

I would put a door on. We have a garden shed in a compound and for warmth and security the door gets shut at night.

some useful sites
http://www.irishfowl.com/
http://keepchickens.info/
http://www.poulacapplepoultry.com/html/beginners_guide.html

[James Kilkelly]

Just from the point of foxes I would put a door on the house and lock them inside at night.
I have seen security fencing breached on numerous occasions by wily vermin.
The last time the door was left open my mother went outside to find a fox cantering across the field with some or all of two hens in his mouth.