How much space do 13 chickens need

[peafowl_Lover]

Hi, recently I have noticed a lot of foxes around my house. All my birds are locked up at the moment due to government restrictions. But I'm free all this week so my dad and i are going to build a covered aviary style run. How much space would my 13 chickens need? I know that the more space the better but I want a pen that I know they will be more safe in. And I can do supervised free range time when I'm at home.

 

[Three Stents]

Google your question and you will find your answer

 

[DobieLover]

I would shoot for 160-180 sq ft.
Add lots of branches to perch on, dry organic material to scratch around in and cold compost the poop load, pallets leaned up against a wall or something similar for the birds to hide behind if they want/need to and maybe some old wood chairs or stools that you can find on garbage pickup day.

 

[kattabelly]

I know that the more space the better

This is really the best answer. There's a few numbers that are often thrown about as minimum requirements but really it'll depend on your birds.

When you say they're locked up now due to bird flu rules, how much / what kind of space are they in at the moment? What about before that - were they free ranging previously?

 

[MysteryChicken]

Hi, recently I have noticed a lot of foxes around my house. All my birds are locked up at the moment due to government restrictions. But I'm free all this week so my dad and i are going to build a covered aviary style run. How much space would my 13 chickens need? I know that the more space the better but I want a pen that I know they will be more safe in. And I can do supervised free range time when I'm at home.

Take 13 & Times it by 4, or 5.

For large breeds it's 4-5 square feet per bird.

Bantams it's 3-4 square feet per bird.

 

[DobieLover]

Take 13 & Times it by 4, or 5.

For large breeds it's 4-5 square feet per bird.

Bantams it's 3-4 square feet per bird.

This basic rule is good for coop size, not a run. They need more space for physiological and hygiene reasons.

 

[MysteryChicken]

This basic rule is good for coop size, not a run. They need more space for physiological and hygiene reasons.

I must've misread. But you could still use it to help determine the size of run though.

 

[Mother of Chaos]

The rule of thumb for run size is 10 sq ft (1 sq m) per bird. More if your coop is pretty minimal in size, meaning that they already don’t have a lot of space. Potentially less if your flock spend each and every day, all day, yard-ranging or free ranging and therefore don’t use their run all that much except during crappy weather.

The example I usually post is that of a mid-sixties US station wagon with mom, dad, and six kids. In the summer. With insufficient air conditioning. “Mom, he keeps looking at me!” “Dad, she keeps poking me!” “Mommmm!” “Daaaaad!”

Chickens like to flock up to a point, but sometimes they just need more space. Your best chance for a happy flock with minimal drama is space, space, space.

No kidding; this is huge: your best chance for happy, low-drama chicken-keeping is what seems like a ridiculous amount of space. Irritable, fussy, overcrowded hens/ pullets are a recipe for disaster.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Please post pictures as you build, and of the finished product. Consider making an article of the process when it's done. Meanwhile, I encourage you to check out other, similar projects in our Coops and Runs section before and as you build. Making and keeping your run predator-proof is paramount! (Pardon the alliteration.) Wishing you a beautiful build!