I already built it. They free range until bedtime, and are still small. I would love a bigger coop/run, but can't afford it now4x4 = 16 square feet = 4 chickens for the coop.
4x6 = 24 square feet = 2.4 chickens in the run.
4 chickens need 40 square feet in the run -- twice what you have. Expanding wider is better than a long, skinny run. If you can make it 6x8 or even 8x8 it would be more versatile and useful than 4x10 or 4x12.
If you start your own thread with photos of what you have (or what you're planning to build), we can better help you.
4sqft is tiny! Take a ruler and measure out the bare minimum(10sqft) and you'll see that even that is a minuscule amount of space. I have 148sqft in my run for 6 chickens which is a little over 24sqft per bird and there are still little squabbles over things
That's a perfect visual!
Perfect! I look forward to reading it! We are purchasing a piece of property and getting a new home and already have plans to significantly expand the new run
I’ve had hens in the winter and they did not spend time in the coop even during a snowy week. My run has a roof and we cover the sides with plastic sheeting and leave the door uncovered for ventilation. We had no snow in the run all last winter even after a storm. They were out everyday for most of the day. I clean the roosting bars daily and under them and completely changed the bedding every three weeks. Their heated water bowl and food stayed in the run so the coop was always dry and clean.
I also put new straw in the run every three weeks as well so their feet were off the cold ground and gave them activities to keep the occupied
Thank you for the visual! That is so helpful!
