Is large chicken run enough?

[LLL]

Hi --We are the process of planning a large chicken run 16' x 20' --it's expensive so I want to make sure I'm doing the right thing. It is in a garden area so it is already all dirt, no grass. We will probably only have 2-3 chickens. After building this run will they still need to be moved around the yard for variety? Will they eventually get bored in the same space even though it's a large area? The coop is not movable. I would consider electric fence but we have hawks in the area. Thanks in advance for your replies

 

[Spartan22]

16x20 run is plenty for 2-3 chickens, you don’t need to move it around for variety but you can add multiple roosting bars and jungle Jim type obstacles if you want but not necessary. Now consider roofing it to eliminate muddy run and muddy coop. If you want you can grow grass and herbs in multiple pots and alternately put it in the run for fresh greens, just remember they will decimate them easy in one day so I normally give these threats once a week.

 

[4 ever Orpington]

Hi --We are the process of planning a large chicken run 16' x 20' --it's expensive so I want to make sure I'm doing the right thing. It is in a garden area so it is already all dirt, no grass. We will probably only have 2-3 chickens. After building this run will they still need to be moved around the yard for variety? Will they eventually get bored in the same space even though it's a large area? The coop is not movable. I would consider electric fence but we have hawks in the area. Thanks in advance for your replies

 

[Duckhatcher123]

Yeah that's big enough should give them more than plenty of space to move around

 

[LLL]

Thank you all for your replies. Much appreciated.

 

[Hopperkiller]

I am planting tomatoes in a half 55 drum in the run and around the outside poles beans for shade and more tomatoes. A friend planted tomatoes and screened them as small plants then when bigger the chickens shaded under them waiting on tomatoes to turn ripe. This makes shade and summer long treats they can pick when ready. I have 6 in a 10x10.

 

[PirateGirl]

I'd agree with the others. Add things or rearrange things within the run to make it interesting from time to time. Cinder blocks, logs, tree branches, lawn chairs picnic tables, old tires, etc. can all be things that chickens can climb on or hide under and then all you have to do is move an item to a different part of the run, or turn it on a different side or combine it with one of the other objects and all the sudden it becomes interesting to them all over again! I can't even tell you how many hours my chickens spend hopping on and off one broken tree branch that I periodically wedge between the bars of their run fencing.

 

[aart]

That's great run space for 2-3 birds.
How big is the coop?
Have you considered covering part of the run to give them shelter from rain and snow?

Ads tuff to climb on and under:
2x2's and branches for roosts in run. Logs, stumps, pallets leaned against wall or up on concrete blocks, grazing frames, old table/chairs/benches.


Good bedding in the run can also make a better place to be,
for both chickens and their keepers:
Here's a great description of contents and how to manage organic 'bedding' in a run or coop...and there's a great video of what it looks like.
http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1037998/muddy-run-help-please#post_16017992

 

[LLL]

That's great run space for 2-3 birds.
How big is the coop?
Have you considered covering part of the run to give them shelter from rain and snow?

Ads tuff to climb on and under:
2x2's and branches for roosts in run. Logs, stumps, pallets leaned against wall or up on concrete blocks, grazing frames, old table/chairs/benches.


Good bedding in the run can also make a better place to be,
for both chickens and their keepers:
Here's a great description of contents and how to manage organic 'bedding' in a run or coop...and there's a great video of what it looks like.
http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1037998/muddy-run-help-please#post_16017992

 

[LLL]

Thank you. All great ideas -- the coop is plenty big. I will consider covering part of the run for rain and snow protection. Thanks again to all who replied.