How big does my run need to be?

[banananutmuffin]

If I have three regular-sized hens, and they are always in a run, how big does the run need to be to avoid it becoming nothing but dirt? Is it even possible? Or is the only way for that to happen to free range them?

Thanks!

 

[allpeepedout]

Good question of interest to me, too. My grandmother had a flock of 12-24 on about 1/4 acre and it stayed grassy. They were also well fed. Likely depends on climate, water, pasture vigor, etc. I plan to rotate between multiple runs to have a shot a preserving grass in each, plus a small 'drylot' to confine and let the grass recover, should the rotation be insufficient rest for the pasture.

 

[Judy]

I have a yard 64' x 64' and 15 chickens. It has had no grass in it for two years. Last year I had about 18 chickens in there.

 

[neverbdone]

Chicken Tractor