Keep the Predators at Bay – and Let Your Chickens Roam
In districts where there are chicken predators such as foxes, owls, raccoons,or skunks, a chicken ark can be an ideal solution allowing them to graze and peck on new ground, and keeping them safe.
The chicken ark is designed to be moved around, giving chickens new ground to forage and browse on, but as the run is enclosed, it keeps them safe. There is a place for roosting and nesting in the ark so they are rotected at night. Even if predators can dig under the run, they can’t reach the chickens.
When you are around to keep an eye on your chickens, you can let them out, and then put them back in the chicken ark run when you go out.
The two-tier chicken arks have roosting areas at the top wth the run in the wider base below. This provides an enclosed run that is also shaded from the sun and provides some shelter in wet weather.
The simple chicken ark has encloded roosting at nesting at one end, then a triangular section run at the other end. This chicken ark design means the run is open to the elements – so the chickens get sun wind and rain, just like the free range outdoors. Your eggs will be as nutritious as free range, but your chickens will be kept safe.
It is important to move the arks regularly though – every day if necessary.
Position the ark anywhere on your plot where the chickens can peck and graze fro grubs or grass and weeds.their diet will consist of a wide varity of foods, so the eggs will have more flavor.
Chicken can be used to hlep clear rougher areas, they will happily remove dead and flopping growth in the fall and can of course, be used to give your lawn some extra fertilizer. The droppings provide instant fertilizer, but won’t build up as you’ll be moving the ark regularly.
The ‘run at the side’ type of chicken ark tends to be lighter and so easier to move, with the roosting part at ground level. For a starter hen house, this is a great design and easy to build.
Building your own chicken ark should result in an attractive, well-designed hen house, which will last for years, give you and your hens a lot of pleasure – and save you a considerable amount.
