Free range to cooped up

[Frenchielouisesilkies]

Hello! I am in the process of transferring my free range chickens to a coop and run since they get out into our neighbors yard and cause drama. I am very concerned about the well-being of my hens as they are used to having a full garden! We built them a 4x10 coop and run for the three of them. Will this be enough space? Also, how can I make it an easier transition for them? My two silkies are very docile and won’t mind but the third will have a difficult time and I’m worried for her.

 

[Meri Maura]

4x10 seems big enough for three chickens. Maybe you can start by perhaps putting them up earlier until they don't come out at all? When we got our dog, I just kept my chickens up in their enclosure, and they seemed fine without anything special being done.

 

[Frenchielouisesilkies]

4x10 seems big enough for three chickens. Maybe you can start by perhaps putting them up earlier until they don't come out at all? When we got our dog, I just kept my chickens up in their enclosure, and they seemed fine without anything special being done.

Good to know! We just got a dog as well who loves to chase and traumatize them so maybe in the coop/run will be safer for them.

 

[Meri Maura]

I have 66 large hens and roos and 10 pullets and this is the size of mine

 

[HawaiiCoyote]

you can always put some clutter in the coop as well - like a stump, or some sticks to hop around on. Clutter seems to keep chickens pretty entertained. (That's just what I have heard though, I personally free-range my birds)

 

[Alaskan]

Hello! I am in the process of transferring my free range chickens to a coop and run since they get out into our neighbors yard and cause drama. I am very concerned about the well-being of my hens as they are used to having a full garden! We built them a 4x10 coop and run for the three of them. Will this be enough space? Also, how can I make it an easier transition for them? My two silkies are very docile and won’t mind but the third will have a difficult time and I’m worried for her.

That is enough space.

Giving them stuff to play in will also help.

So.... a pile of leaves, some non-toxic bush trimmings, a hay bale... etc.

 

[KingD]

Hello! I am in the process of transferring my free range chickens to a coop and run since they get out into our neighbors yard and cause drama. I am very concerned about the well-being of my hens as they are used to having a full garden! We built them a 4x10 coop and run for the three of them. Will this be enough space? Also, how can I make it an easier transition for them? My two silkies are very docile and won’t mind but the third will have a difficult time and I’m worried for her.

Everyone from UK had had to coop their chickens up for the past few months due to a chicken lockdown. Mine have coped fine. They used to have free run of the garden.
They get used to it after a while

 

[Frenchielouisesilkies]

I have 66 large hens and roos and 10 pullets and this is the size of mi

I have 66 large hens and roos and 10 pullets and this is the size of mine

This is like a castle!!! Wow!

 

[aart]

Good ideas for diversion and hiding places:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-cluttered-run.1323792/

 

[Malkaris]

I'm in the same boat - neighbours' dogs were one problem, then they decided that being close to the road is the best place, and that every neighbour has a better yard than us!

So I'm trying to convince them that runs are great! I think an outdoor roost (like a branch that isn't straight and is a couple feet off the ground?) would be good, and a dust bath would entertain them in yours. It looks like a nice size! You'll be able to tell if it needs anything - they'll let you know!

I need to find a way to embiggen mine. I'm dreading it...