Is my run large enough for 3 barred rocks?

[kraftykrow]

I've heard the run should be about 8 to 10 sq ft per bird, but still looks smallish to me. Then again, I'm a complete newbie to this. The coop is 4 ft × 4ft and the attached run is 4 ft × 8 ft. With half of it under the coop. Pretty low to the ground but they'll be able to get under it. Were starting to put some stuff in it, like made a swing from a dole rod, etc. Chickens arent here yet.

I was originally thinking once they were full grown I might try to let them out in our fenced in backyard. But last year we had a pair of hawks that hung around a lot. My backyard is pretty open too. Also I'm afraid they might hop my 4 ft chainlink fence. My neighbors would not like it and dont want to start trouble. So... is a 32 sq. ft. run good for 3 hens or should I think to expand in some way down the road?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Aunt Angus]

If you make it interesting enough, it might be ok. Personally, though, I'd expand. My run is 113 sq ft. I have 4 pullets and one chick, and I plan on expanding soon. I think it will seem cramped when the little one grows up.

 

[DobieLover]

I've heard the run should be about 8 to 10 sq ft per bird, but still looks smallish to me. Then again, I'm a complete newbie to this. The coop is 4 ft × 4ft and the attached run is 4 ft × 8 ft. With half of it under the coop. Pretty low to the ground but they'll be able to get under it. Were starting to put some stuff in it, like made a swing from a dole rod, etc. Chickens arent here yet.

I was originally thinking once they were full grown I might try to let them out in our fenced in backyard. But last year we had a pair of hawks that hung around a lot. My backyard is pretty open too. Also I'm afraid they might hop my 4 ft chainlink fence. My neighbors would not like it and dont want to start trouble. So... is a 32 sq. ft. run good for 3 hens or should I think to expand in some way down the road?

Thanks in advance!

Going bigger is always better. I would make it as large and secure as you can.

 

[yickenscarf23]

Is it stationary or like a chicken tractor? I think if it's a tractor they can be moved around frequently to new grass spots. that's something to keep them busy with such small space.

 

[SurferchickinSB]

I've heard the run should be about 8 to 10 sq ft per bird, but still looks smallish to me. Then again, I'm a complete newbie to this. The coop is 4 ft × 4ft and the attached run is 4 ft × 8 ft. With half of it under the coop. Pretty low to the ground but they'll be able to get under it. Were starting to put some stuff in it, like made a swing from a dole rod, etc. Chickens arent here yet.

I was originally thinking once they were full grown I might try to let them out in our fenced in backyard. But last year we had a pair of hawks that hung around a lot. My backyard is pretty open too. Also I'm afraid they might hop my 4 ft chainlink fence. My neighbors would not like it and dont want to start trouble. So... is a 32 sq. ft. run good for 3 hens or should I think to expand in some way down the road?

Thanks in advance!

It is kind of small and it will look even smaller when the chickens are full-grown. If your fence is only 4 foot tall I would not recommend letting them out of the run. I think when you let your chickens out, all they want to do is be out in the open, so sometimes it is better to just keep them in, otherwise they will just be pacing trying to get out. Your run should be OK until they are five or six months old, then you might want to build some chicken tunnels or something.

 

[Aunt Angus]

I agree with @SurferchickinSB (as I often do). I let my girls out once, and it was all over. They hate being penned, so when I have to leave them in, I have to bribe them with treats and toys!

 

[imnukensc]

I have 5 BRs that have a 128 sq ft run - approx. 25 sq ft/bird - and I feel even that is too small. The only time I confine them to run is on the rare occasion that both I and my wife are out of town. Otherwise, they free range daily nearly all day, but they do have acreage.

 

[rosemarythyme]

If the birds must stay confined, give them as much run space as you reasonably can. You'll have happier, healthier birds, fewer behavioral issues, and less run maintenance (as the poop build up is more manageable if spread out over more space).

 

[Katlinalyssa]

I have 4 chicks with 32 sq ft per bird in my run and they free range when they are supervised. I had behavior problems in the brooder but they are improving with the extra space. Bigger is totally better!

 

[kraftykrow]

I've been looking at trying to fence in a part of the yard they can go into when we are home. I've seen both omlet and premier 1 mentioned a lot. I dont need anything electric. I have a dog that will be patrolling around them. Anyone have any experience with these?

Although my dad has built homes and just about anything over the years, he's getting older and him and I have already worked so much on my new house I dont think we will be able to build any fencing from scratch anytime soon but something like omlet or premier 1 seems to be a good option for us.