chicken run

[waitman]

we have a horse farm in a rural area and i am planning to add chickens. several barn cats presently reside in the horse barn. do i need to confine the chickens to a fenced-in run or can i let them roam freely around the barn and farm? how far will they wander from the coop if not fenced in - there is a road approximately 100 yards from the barn. if fenced run is recommended, how tall does the fence need to be?

 

[B. Saffles Farms]

from TN. I have a small flock of 6 game chickens that free range 24/7. They dont wonder to far from their roosting spot. If they free range you are more likely to lose a few to predators, than if they are in a run.

 

[Bear Foot Farm]

there is a road approximately 100 yards from the barn. if fenced run is recommended, how tall does the fence need to be?

My chickens seldom go more than 100 yds from the coop.If they have a barn and pasture to keep them occupied, I doubt they will go into the road.
As to the run height, it depends on your birds. My Buff Orpingtons wont cross a 4 ft fence, but my Barred Rocks will go over a 6 ft fence. You could always put netting over the top​