Does run shape matter?

[shopchicks]

I have a pretty large area available for my coop and run. I'm situating it in a way so that I can see the chickens from the kitchen window. To get the maximum chicken viewing time, I could make the run long and narrow, like 6'x20'. Of course, this isn't the most efficient use of materials, and if I make the run wider, I can tie into the yard fence and won't have to worry about getting mower back between the run and the fence. But then, a long, narrow run would be easier to cover, which will be necessary because we have lots of trees that I'm sure a coon could get into, or work as a great roosting spot for a hawk. So from the chickens' standpoint, what is better, or do they care at all? I'm planning on having 4-5 laying hens, but I might put them in a tractor 1x a year and raise a batch of ~25 meaties in the main coop.

 

[Shannon's Chix]

I don't know if they care or not, but mine have a long run similarly sized to the one you mentioned. Definitely easier to cover! I guess they just didn't get much of a say...

 

[teach1rusl]

The chickens wouldn't give a hoot if the run was star shaped (and wouldn't THAT be pretty?). You do what works for you. I was able to cover my run at a 16 feet width using center posts and roof panels, because I wanted to tie into my back fence. It's on my BYC page if you're interested in one way you could do it. I like that "maximum chicken viewing time"...lol!

 

[Intheswamp]

Yelp, the long run isn't an efficient use of materials...

6'x20'=120sqft
10'x15=150sqft
13'x13'=169sqft

A narrow run will indeed be easier to cover, though a 6' wide run seems "cramped" to me.
The dimensions do matter to the chickens...they will appreciate all the space that they can get.

In the end it depends on what you want to do, the chickens will live with the choice.

Best wishes,
Ed

 

[Mrs.H]

I think the run will be fine, if it going to be easier to cover then do it. Try it out if in the future you feel like its not working out for them extend it to your fence.

 

[emys]

Not sure if by covered you mean wire only or roofing material, but if you are considering roofing materials than I would absolutely go wider. More shade in summer and snow, rain protection the rest of the year.

 

[shopchicks]

Thanks, I meant just wire over the run. I keep going back and forth between a 4x8' and 4x6' coop, so if I go with the narrower run option, I'd just make the run the same width (either 6' or 8') as the coop for simplicity's sake. The other end of the run would tie into our shop. There is a big tree that would be over the run, plus trees lining the east (rear) edge of our lot, so they should get plenty of shade, and it's dry here, so no need to put a roof on the run.

 

[emys]

Then whichever is easiest!

 

[Bear Foot Farm]

I keep going back and forth between a 4x8' and 4x6' coop

4' and 8' are standard building material dimensions.
If you go with 4 X 6, you'll end up having to buy material that's oversized, and then have to cut it​

 

[Intheswamp]

Quote:
4x8 or 4x6 coop?

I'd go with the 4x8...again, more efficient use of material, in this instance, that of sheet goods.

But, of course, that would me an 8' wide run per your design.

Ed