Coop and run

[tull14]

Hi all-
I am new to the chicken world. We used to have ducks. We got 4 Isa Browns from TSC and we live in a neighborhood so we can not let our chickens free range. The coop my husband built is 4ftx4ft with a run that is 3ft high x 8ft long x 3ft wife. Do chickens need something higher than 3ft? We do not plan on having more than the 4 chickens we have now.

 

[21hens-incharge]

While not essential I think they benefit from a taller run. I know I benefit from being able to walk into my coop and run.

My birds are often up on the roosts in the run just hanging out.

Since your birds will be confined all the time I strongly recommend at least doubling the run size.

 

[Wildcatnchickens]

While not essential I think they benefit from a taller run. I know I benefit from being able to walk into my coop and run.

My birds are often up on the roosts in the run just hanging out.

Since tour birds will be confined all the time I strongly recommend at least doubling the run size.

I’m so glad you posted. I’m building my coop (still in the designing stage) and I wonder if it’s better to have a roof over the run or an open caged enclosed space.

 

[DobieLover]

Do chickens need something higher than 3ft?

They like to jump up on higher perches to preen during the day. It is also MUCH easier when YOU can walk upright in the run for cleaning, adding litter or retrieving a bird or errant egg.

 

[21hens-incharge]

I’m so glad you posted. I’m building my coop (still in the designing stage) and I wonder if it’s better to have a roof over the run or an open caged enclosed space.

For many many years I lived with (and so did my birds) a run with wire above and on the sides. It was not fun for any of us. Rain made mud, snow made the birds stay inside until I geared up and shoveled the run.
This year the city put in a new power pole and rerouted the power line.....I got the phone and cable companies to do the same. My 16x23 run now finally has a solid roof!

We will see if I hate it in a years time......

 

[3KillerBs]

I wonder if it’s better to have a roof over the run or an open caged enclosed space.

My in-town setup had half the run roofed and half just wire. I kept the food and water in the roofed section and managed the bedding as deep litter (a form of cold composting). I found that only the vilest weather would keep the chickens from making full use of the space.

That is, however, vile by NC standards, which includes very hot, humid summers, very little snow (soon melted), and occasional hurricanes.

 

[Wildcatnchickens]

For many many years I lived with (and so did my birds) a run with wire above and on the sides. It was not fun for any of us. Rain made mud, snow made the birds stay inside until I geared up and shoveled the run.
This year the city put in a new power pole and rerouted the power line.....I got the phone and cable companies to do the same. My 16x23 run now finally has a solid roof!

We will see if I hate it in a years time......

I too live where we have lots of snow and rain. We’ve had more than our share of rain this spring leaving the ground wet and muddy where I’m building. My run will be a 12’x8’ and a coop attached. You’ve confirmed my second thoughts on having a roof.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Hi all-
I am new to the chicken world. We used to have ducks. We got 4 Isa Browns from TSC and we live in a neighborhood so we can not let our chickens free range. The coop my husband built is 4ftx4ft with a run that is 3ft high x 8ft long x 3ft wife. Do chickens need something higher than 3ft? We do not plan on having more than the 4 chickens we have now.

Chickens can very easily get over 3', if the run is uncovered. If it's covered, then 3' is fine for them, though it may make maintenance very difficult on you.

For 4 chickens your coop should be sufficient, but run is too small for full time use. At an absolute minimum you should have 40 sq ft for the run, but I'd really recommend going bigger if you have space/budget for it, and doubling it at the very least.