I need help with how large of a run to build

[5Australorpasaures]

You could go with a 20x20 run space.
This allows for at least 33 sq ft per chicken, which should make them happy.
This is the space we have for our chickens. Currently, 4 are out, and 7 are in the brooder.

Our run is 16x20 for 9 Blk Aus which works out to 35 sq ft per bird, only because I had the material and I feel the more room the better. They also have 6 acres of wooded and open free range. The only drawback to all the free range is I know their will be eggs scattered all over the place. Not a big deal for me. I'd rather they had freedom of movement.

 

[David61]

Last week I just watched a hawk right in front of our living room window, destroy a full size rabbit, i tried to stop it but it wouldn't leave it alone. I 100% need a roof. Your set up looks really nice though!

I have a hawk net over the run.

 

[Missyk0903]

I have a hawk net over the run.

Where did you buy it? That would probably work for summer, I need something to cover the run for the winter, that is why I was thinking of doing corrugated plastic panels, we get an average of 160 inches of snow. I dont want too much snow piling up in the run

 

[imacowgirl2]

Last week I just watched a hawk right in front of our living room window, destroy a full size rabbit, i tried to stop it but it wouldn't leave it alone. I 100% need a roof. Your set up looks really nice though!

If you get the knotted poultry netting rated for hawks, you should be able to cover a large run with the netting and be safe from hawks. This is what we have done.

 

[imacowgirl2]

Where did you buy it? That would probably work for summer, I need something to cover the run for the winter, that is why I was thinking of doing corrugated plastic panels, we get an average of 160 inches of snow. I dont want too much snow piling up in the run

I got mine from pinnonhatch.com

 

[David61]

pinnon hatch farm​

Poultry Protection Netting snow rated.​

https://pinnonhatch.com/poultry-sup...hicken-pen-fencing/poultry-protection-netting.

Fairly priced and lasts for 7-10 years. My netting is four years old and is like new.

 

[Missyk0903]

pinnon hatch farm​

Poultry Protection Netting snow rated.​

https://pinnonhatch.com/poultry-sup...hicken-pen-fencing/poultry-protection-netting.

Fairly priced and lasts for 7-10 years. My netting is four years old and is like new.

Thank you so much for the link and info!

 

[aart]

I need something to cover the run for the winter, that is why I was thinking of doing corrugated plastic panels, we get an average of 160 inches of snow. I dont want too much snow piling up in the run

Then you are definitely going to want a solid roof, and framing to support the snow load, over the run.

Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!

 

[Missyk0903]

Then you are definitely going to want a solid roof, and framing to support the snow load, over the run.

Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!
View attachment 3483884

Thank you! I updated my location