Hello! We're about to jump in head first.

[chickie farmer]

I agree with Drumstick Diva. a good enclosed chicken run is much safer than let them out 24 hours a day. a chain link fence is the best with a 1/2 " hardware cloth around the bottom of it, buried about 10" under ground so predators can't dig under it. plus chicken wire on top to keep hawks out. I also agree with Kelsie and Two Crows. 4 sq. ft per hen in the coop and 10 sq. ft. per hen in the run.

 

[gander007]