Does a coop have to have an enclosed run?

[Schmacker]

Newbie question here: I recently purchased a chicken tractor from RoosterHillFarms.net and 6 Golden Comets. My wife hasn't complained at all so I am considering more.

Does a coop have to have an enclosed run? I have my tractor in a fairly large fenced area. Could I build a coop in that area to house more chickens without creating a run attached to the coop? In other words can this large fenced area serve as the "run", or does it need to be completely covered?

Also the fenced area was originally for a couple of dogs, but they thought they could find a better home else where and ran away. The fencing is pretty open with about 4 inch square holes in it. I know other critters could get in and out. So could the chickens but they have not figure that out yet apparently. Do I need to change or add to this fencing at all?

Thanks,
Bob

 

[Imp]

You can free range w/o a run. Increases the risk of predators killing your chickens. Ultimately it's your decision. Look at your space, your predators, and what you can live with. I free range, but have virtually no predator problem.
I do realize it might be that I have no predator problem YET.

Imp

And welcome to BYC

 

[Bricebb]

I'm a newbie too. I have a coop that was a tool shed attached to the back of my greenhouse. I had a fenced run installed because of the predators. I let the first group I had out during the day in the yard and they enjoyed the freedom and were not too difficult to round up. My neighbor (who only comes over some weekends) brought his bird dog and I didn't know they were there or that he had let her out to play. Within 2 minutes time she had killed 5 birds, one after the other. We also have hawks, owls and eagles so the top of the fenced area is covered with shade cloth over half and the rest has fishing line strung over the rest in a weave pattern. The only other problem I had was forgetting to block the eave vents. A raccoon got in and got two of my hens. We caught the raccoon and a feral cat and have blocked the open vents with hardware cloth and chicken wire. We haven't had any problems since but I locked them in each night.

 

[Imp]

Great first post Bricebb, a truly cautionary tail.

Imp-Welcome to you also.