Does grass stand a chance in a large run??? Spring update

[teach1rusl]

My origninal question last Fall was this: I am getting 5 chickens. Well, I have 5 chicks on order, who will eventually be grown chickens...lol. Our run is almost complete. We've purposely built it large hoping that we will be able to keep some grass in it. It will be appx. 575 sq. feet for the 5 birds. I will probably let them out of the run to range for an hour or so each evening, longer on weekends. Do I stand a chance of being able to keep grass in the run, or am I dreaming? Will it be picked clean???

Spring 2010 update: I'm happy to report that I do have grass in the run this spring!! It's not lush, but it's enough to mow

I do allow the girls out of the run when I'm home to supervise, so that helps tremendously I'm sure. So for others who may have the same question THIS year, here's my results:

 

[M To The Maxx]

My chickens picked clean all the grass in their runs in a matter months.

 

[tonini3059]

With such a large area and so few birds it may work, I just have never had luck keeping grass in the run but I never had such a low density. The biggest problem I have found is during the heavy rain in the spring when it is rather easy for everything to turn to mud, but good luck and we shall see what will happen

 

[CHIC]

I think the more you let them out, the better your chances are. But, especially when its hot, they are gonna dig and tear it up

 

[chickenlittle32]

I have a large run...and with chickens, ducks, turkeys, and geese...I still have grass.

 

[yellowchickensmomma]

I haven't been able to keep grass anywhere near my chicken run. They stick there heads out and eat it up. We let them out late in the day and the grass still stays gone.

 

[PortageGirl]

I'd say they'll dig a favorite dust bath area, but with a run that size, you have a good chance at keeping some grass with that number of hens.

 

[teach1rusl]

Quote:
I like Mary's response best! lol Mary, send me some grass vibes. You must have something good going on there to have kept some. Since they say 10 sq. feet per chicken in the run, I figured if I gave at least 100 sq. feet per bird, the run would keep some grass in it... So if that doesn't work, it just means I have to buy a LOT of sand I guess...lol.

 

[1littlefarmer]

I've had six pullets in a 600sf run for 3 months and I have to go in and trim/cut the grass. It's been plenty of space for me. I'm just hoping it holds up when I let the other 5 out there...

 

[Chickenmaven]

I think you have a chance.

Just don't plan a garden party in there.