How much space do 13 chickens need

[tlcmurphy]

16’X16’ is 256 sq ft. That’s plenty big enough for 13 birds. As @DobieLover mentioned, at least 160 sq ft (10’X16’)

 

[MysteryChicken]

Wow, I didn't know that the run needed to be so big. I was planning on 16ft x 16ft. But I guess I have to make some changes!

My birds have runs that are half the length of their Hen house.

 

[kattabelly]

Wow, I didn't know that the run needed to be so big. I was planning on 16ft x 16ft. But I guess I have to make some changes!

16 x 16ft is 256sqft, or just under 20sqft per bird if you have 13 chickens. That's more than the minimum you'll often see quoted of 10ft per bird - apparently that works for some people but I personally wouldn't like to go that low.

How were they kept before the bird flu lockdown came in, and how are they locked up now without a run? You might find they need more space if they aren't used to being locked up (or they might be fine, really depends on the birds).

Edit - if they have a huge walk-in type coop then you can probably get away with a bit less run space. Since you're in Ireland I was assuming that you probably had a smaller coop, like the ones that are more common here in the UK.

 

[janiedoe]

Do you have a walkin closet? Or a small bathroom. Go stand in that for an hour. Don't take a tablet or phone, just yourself. If you start to feel bored imagine what its like for a chicken 24/7. I know they aren't as intelligent as most humans but they do get bored. That leads to bullying. @DobieLover has given you the best answer.

 

[AinaWGSD]

Short answer, based on recommended minimum of 10sq ft/bird, is at the very least 130sq feet. 16x16 should be adequate for 13 hens as that would give you just under 20(19.7)sq ft/bird.

Personally I like to give my chickens more than the minimum recommended space. Right now I've got 6 hens in a 20x20 run. I'd probably feel comfortable having 8-10 birds in that space if I wasn't limited to 6 by the city ordinance.

 

[My1stChickens]

My run is 35' by 60' so 2100 square feet for a flock that is typically less than 12 chickens. I currently have 8 so you'd think they have more than 250 square feet per bird-- but not so. I have two old coops/chicken tractors that take some space. And I'm currently working on integrating some pullets with the older birds-- so I've divided the pen. I don't like a dirt lot for them, I want them on grass- which means I need more space. It also means they find more bugs, and aren't standing in mud after a rain. I read the book to see how much space per chicken but I concluded that's a horrible minimum, not something I'd be happy with. So I went bigger. Have never regretted it. The fence is no climb covered with hardware cloth. the top is heavy duty aviary netting that's rated for 50# (in case a predator decided to jump the fence). After a raccoon dug under, I trenched the hardware cloth in concrete.

Go bigger and safer than the minimum- you'll be happy you did.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Wow, I didn't know that the run needed to be so big. I was planning on 16ft x 16ft. But I guess I have to make some changes!

16 x 16 = 256 sq. ft.
For 13 birds at a MINIMUM of 10 sq ft per bird you're looking at 10 x 13 =130 sq ft. Unless my math is totally screwy I think your plan of 16 x 16 is more than adequate.

 

[peafowl_Lover]

So we have decided on moving all my poultry to an opposite spot to where they were. There is a lot less fox activity and will look better. We're going to go for a 20 x 20 ft walk in run. They have a walk in 6 x 8 ft coop so hopefully they will have all the space they need and more! I will keep this thread updated as we build each run.

 

[GrammyB49]

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.

Great ideas thank you Happy New Year