Building a run

[fcchics]

I have the coop about done...a few minor details left but I need to get the run started as the hens are close to being ready. How many sq feet should I set aside for the run? I have 6 hens. I was thinking a 5x8 foot run with the height being maybe 5 ft as well. does that seem like enough room for them. I'll let them out in the yard when we are there but we have fox and dogs in the hood so they may spend a good deal of time in the run/coop when we are not around them.

The run is in a HEAVILY graveled area and I cant dig a deep trench to bury fence so I guess I will cover the bottom of the run with some wire of sorts...can a fox really dig in below the gravel and hard earth...I sure as hell cant...it's tough!

 

[Matt A NC]

A run should be a minimum of 10 square feet per bird. I would suggest 15 or better if they are going to be in there for most of the day.

A 5x8 run is only 40 square feet. You could get by with it if you clean often and let them out quite a bit.

Matt

 

[fcchics]

Thanks, Matt. I could bump the run out to 5x12 as I have the space which would give me the 60 sq ft you mentioned. I have seen numerous pics that show VERY little runs which has me wondering why so little space dedicated to runs...? I built a good 4x6 coop for them that I feel is good room, I just dont want to skimp on the run.

 

[affacat]

i'm new to chickens, but have 4.

we're in the midst of building a huge run for them (about 500 sq feet!!!) but in the meantime, I have them running about in a 8x8 (64 sq feet) contraption i built for our 2 house cats. I'd say they've got plenty of room in there, in terms of milling about, but they definitely make a mess of the area pretty fast (as in, in less than a week it's poop central).

i think 60 square feet is probably fine for 6, but if you can go bigger, go bigger, that's my advice. the more area they have to roam, the better. as the other poster said, since they're going to be spending all day in that area, perhaps 15sq foot per chicken is a better estimate. so, 90 sq feet for your 6.