Chickens & Polytunnels

Latest Articles

Chickens & Polytunnels

Downsizer Forum Index -> Poultry

Author

Message

Paul

Joined: 04 Jul 2005
Posts: 12

Posted: Wed Jul 06, 05 7:12 am Post subject: Chickens & Polytunnels

To those of you who have replied with advise, pictures and links on the subject of keeping chickens on an allotments - my thanks.
Although I live on the edge of an estate the allotment is about a 15 minute walk through woods and fields - most plesant for me and the dog (Boogie - extremely greedy black labrador).
It was run by the local Borough Council but was taken over by the Parish Council in April of this year. Since then a representative from the Parish Council has wandered around the plots seeking views on how things can be improved. It was on one of these visits I mentioned the subject of keeping chickens. Aparently others had raised this question and it is to be put to the next meeting of the Council.
The allotment numbers around 200 plots and the whole site is fenced in - however I'm sure if there are any gaps, then with countryside all around a fox or two would find them. I would ensure that the structure was robust and its sides were dug well into the ground.
I was wondering what I would do in the winter months when by luck I was looking through the local paper and spotted a polytunnel for sale. Although I am a complete novice in veg growing I do know that a polytunnel or greenhouse will provide greater scope for growing all sorts of different things as well as extending the growing season. Having rang the number provided I jumped in the car and went to have a look and was suprised to see a 15' X 10' X 7' high polytunnel with a robust steel frame up for sale at only �45. Having snapped up my bargain I now just need some decent weather to allow me to put the thing up.
With luck we (me and Boogie) can now spend many happy hours pottering around in the polytunnel (looking forward to melons!) watching the chickens mooch about - assuming the Parish Council come up trumps.
Many thanks again - and if any of you have advice on growing in a polytunnel then that would be a great help.

Paul

judith

Joined: 16 Dec 2004
Posts: 22789
Location: Montgomeryshire

Posted: Wed Jul 06, 05 8:55 am Post subject:
I have no advice for you on polytunnels - mine is still on the wish list - but what a brilliant bargain!

@Calli

Joined: 03 Jul 2005
Posts: 1682
Location: Galway

Posted: Wed Jul 06, 05 9:28 am Post subject: Bargain of the year!

Paul what a find! I have just moved house and have not yet brought my polytunnel up to new place, and boy do I miss it. I miss the food we get from it, tomatoes of cherry and golden too, cucumbers by the dozen, chillies, peppers and by accident last year more pumpkins than chutney jars could cope with. Not to mention the therapeutic value of escaping into tunnel for a bit of peace and quiet. One of my best presents from husband was a solar powered radio! It is brilliant but I wish could get radio 4 here......

We are hoping to keep chickens which we intend to winter in polytunnel, partly for the manure value! Foxes will dig nder polytunnel so will still shut up at night in house.

Fingers crossed for good weather...enjoy

Callie

Treacodactyl
Downsizer Moderator

Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 25795
Location: Jumping on the bandwagon of opportunism

Posted: Wed Jul 06, 05 11:16 am Post subject: Re: Chickens & Polytunnels

Paul wrote:

any of you have advice on growing in a polytunnel then that would be a great help.

The main thing about polytunnels I rember from my parents one is that some things much prefer them to glass houses and some things much prefer the glass. The bad news is I cannot remember which!

@Calli

Joined: 03 Jul 2005
Posts: 1682
Location: Galway

Posted: Wed Jul 06, 05 4:13 pm Post subject: Polytunnelling
ps Remember to leave both ends open otherwise gets too humid and fruits rot on the stem...(summer not chickens overwinter!) Callie

footprints

Joined: 26 May 2005
Posts: 234
Location: North Wales

Posted: Wed Jul 06, 05 4:39 pm Post subject: Re: Chicks and poly tunnels

The poly tunnel was a snip. Well done.

When you come to erect your poly tunnel, make sure that you have a suitable gadget and another pair of hands to assist with the tensioning of the poly bit. Northern poly tunnels used to supply a good guide to the erection of their poly tunnels, and my brother in law copied the gadget that they sold for tensioning the sheet.

I have assisted my Father to put his poly tunnel, but at the time didn't know about the tensioner and its importance. His tunnel now has a shredded poly sheet. Mine however, sited in a really windy place, is still in good nick. New sheet for poly tunnels are not that expensive, and if you are going to the trouble of erecting a poly tunnel, I wouldn't put a second hand sheet on it

The other thing that i have to warn you about is that every slug on the planet now has your address and is making its way to your allotment for the day your poly tunnel goes up

dodger007
Guest

Posted: Tue Jul 19, 05 5:17 am Post subject: Replacing Polytunnel cover
I am about to replace the Polythene sheet on my Polytunnel. Does anyone have advice for me? I am interested in Footprint's tensioning device as this seems a necessity. My tunnel uses the trench method of anchoring the cover.

	Downsizer Forum Index -> Poultry	All times are GMT
Page 1 of 1

View Latest Posts