Chicken Run Advice

[Brianagg06]

Hi Everyone. Long time reader (some really great advice here!), first time poster. Was hoping of for some advice on if you all think an addition of a chicken run is needed for our backyard flock. At the moment we have 3 hens, and would like to add 1 more to the mix. Coop is 5'x4', and enclosure below coop is 5'x5'. We currently have a dog in the backyard, that had a nasty run in with 2 of our chickens (We started out with 5 hens, but he killed 2 of them, so now just the 3 remain). We've got at least another 6 years with the dog, so basically, he's not going anywhere, and neither is his nasty disposition towards the chickens. Here's a few pictures of the coop, and the girls.


I was wondering if you all think they need some more room to stretch their legs and wings. They spend 95% of their time cooped up, and sometimes we'll let them out during the day, when the dog is inside. I was thinking of adding a run to the left of the coop between the tree pictured, and the fence. We could add approx. 17-18 feet of run in this space. Should we go for it, and add the space? And if so, any design recommendations?

Thanks!

 

[dfalco]

I think definitely add the run! Your chickens will love having a little more space. Don't skimp on making it secure, since you have a live-in predator.

 

[Suzi18]

Definitely add space. The more space the better. Your girls will be oh so happy!

 

[dfalco]

As for design, I'm no builder. But definitely cover the top.

 

[Brianagg06]

I should elaborate that the dog is not actively trying to get the chickens all the time. When they're in the coop, he ignores them completely. But, there was that one time when they were accidentally left together in the backyard for 20 min...then we were down 2 chickens.

 

[HenOnAJuneBug]

I made runs out of chain link dog lots that you can find used on craigslist. I cover them with an A-frame "roof" made of the same material (chain link or cattle panels, clamps and poles). 4 foot high lots work well enough; a 6' person can walk around in easily, but has to duck to get through the gate. 6 foot lots have about an 8 foot peak, and a 6-footer doesn't have to duck when going through the gate.

 

[HenOnAJuneBug]

Here, I took a picture so you can see what I'm talking about. Though I like the way they look, the lattice panels in the run on the left are only there until my chicks grow large enough to not be able to sneak through the holes. A dog lot would probably work well with your coop.

 

[rosemarythyme]

They definitely would enjoy extra run space, the minimum recommendation here is 10 sq ft per bird in the run. If you can't let them out regularly they really should have a sufficient run to use.

 

[hlhutchinson]

i agree if you have the space build them a run. I love watching mine run around they have a small run but love it when we let them loos in the back yard

 

[TalkALittle]

If you are thinking about adding more birds at some point then you'll definitely want more run space. Integrations go much more smoothly when the birds have room to get away from each other.