FAQs

How much is the standard Ark with run?

The standard Urban Ark costs 380 euro and includes delivery to anywhere within Ireland and Northern Ireland. The Ark comes fully assembled and quality assured.

What should I do if I have a problem with my Urban Ark?

We are pleased to say that to date, our customers have been one hundred percent satisfied with our product, however, at Urban Arks we encourage any dissatisfied customer to bring his/her complaint to our immediate attention at any time from the date of purchase.

What size is the Urban Ark?

The Urban Ark is …x …. This Ark will house six hens comfortably. The Ark is mobile and may be moved around the garden to provide fresh grazing for your chickens.

What are the features of the Urban Ark?

The chickens have a spacious run. We have used a high quality welded mesh to provide the best possible protection.
The Ark itself is raised to provide a dry feeding area underneath.
The nest box access door acts as a shelf when opened for your basket.
The door from the house to the run is operated by a pull cord, this makes letting the chickens out a simple task. There is one more door at the rear to provide access for feeding.
All of our Timber is sourced locally from environmentally regulated forestry. All of our Arks are hand crafted by skilled wood workers.

I don’t know the first thing about chickens, what type of chicken should I buy?

The most suitable chicken for egg production is the hybrid. Hybrid chickens are the result of crossing two other breeds having desirable qualities; the results can be increased egg production, size, weight gain, egg size/colour etc. Most hybrids will not hatch eggs. Hybrids come in a variety of colours, such as the Bluebell or the Amber. An excellent bird for egg production and hardiness is the Black Rock. Chickens make great pets and kids love them. Keeping chickens will give children a confidence that can only be gained by an understanding of the natural world and where their food comes from.

Where can I get my chickens?

Urban Arks source day old chicks from the best quality assured breeders. They are then hand reared at the Urban Arks small holding where they are allowed free range. Urban Arks can therefore also provide customers with healthy well cared for poultry. Due to our farming method, and the time and effort dedicated to raising our poultry, Urban Arks carry a limited number of chickens.

What should I feed my chickens?

Chickens are wonderfully easy to feed in that they will eat almost anything. If you can, it is a good idea to feed your chickens organically. You will taste the benefit of this in the eggs they provide for you. The chickens will also eat all of your household scraps, from the kiddie’s crusts to an apple on the turn. They will even eat the shells of their own eggs, and, in fact, crushing up their egg shells in their food is a great way to provide your chickens with much needed calcium. Make sure they have water and grass.

How often should I collect my eggs?

Collect your eggs every day. However, it is a good idea to leave one or two of your eggs beneath your hen as this will encourage her to lay more. If you decide to keep less than four hens, it may be in your interest to buy a ‘nest egg’. You can buy a plastic one or have the kids model one from clay! This will ensure that your chickens continue to lay in the same spot regularly.

What will happen if I let my chickens out of the run?

The run is designed to overcompensate for the legally specified space regulations of enclosed poultry. Although the chickens will have plenty of room inside the run, you may feel like letting them out into a larger garden area during the day. If you decide to do this, you will find that the chickens return to their roosting /nesting area in the Ark of their own accord before nightfall.

I like to go away occasionally for the weekend or for a family break. What should I do about my chickens?

Chickens require very little effort. If you decide to go away for a few days, simply make sure the back door latch is safely fastened and that the inner door which leads to the nesting area is open. The chickens will then be able to move freely between their run and their nest box. The wire mesh is more than sufficient in deterring Mr. Fox or even a mink! Make sure your chickens are well stocked up with food and water before you leave them.

How often should I move my Urban Ark?

You should move your Urban Arks once every few days if possible. The chickens will enjoy the benefit of fresh grazing and you will enjoy the benefit of a happy chicken when it comes to collecting your eggs! Also remember that chicken droppings make great fertilizer so by moving your chickens you not only give the grass time to recover but you also provide it with an excellent face lift.

What sort of maintenance will the Urban Ark require?

The only maintenance the Urban Ark requires is an occasional cleaning of the nesting box. At Urban Arks, we have designed a nest box with a removable floor and roosting bar for easy cleaning. You can use old newspapers to cover the floor; this makes cleaning very easy and saves money. When it comes to cleaning, simply role up the old newspapers and pop it in your compost bin or your garden bed.

Is the Urban Ark cost affective?

The average cost of a dozen eggs is around five Euros. Four good laying hens will give you well over a thousand eggs a year. Even when taken into account the cost of feed, etc, the Ark will have paid for itself by the end of the second year. In terms of design and real value, we can assure you that you will not find a better chicken coop… anywhere.