Is my run large enough for 3 barred rocks?

[kraftykrow]

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.

It is a tractor but we stapled wire 2 feet all around the edges and staked it down to keep anything from digging under so we arent planning to move it very often. That's why I'm thinking some mind of fencing like Omlet or Premier1.

 

[PirateGirl]

I'm going to go against the norm. Many folks on BYC like to spoil their birds. It is nice to give them more space? Yes, of course. Will they be fine without it? Yes, they will be fine in the space you have. For starters, they don't know any different. Do chickens get bored? Who knows. Boredom is a human trait we like to pin on our animals, but whether or not they ever actually get bored is unknown. My chickens have been in a fenced run their whole lives. Sometimes I wonder if they are missing out on the excitement of the big world on the other side of the fence, but then on occasion one will get out, I will leave the gate cracked while I tend to the food/water, and a chicken will wander out the gate, you know what they always do? They panic trying to figure out how to get back INSIDE their run. Providing consistency and providing a run provides them with a sense of safety I believe. Do what you are comfortable with. You can always expand the run later or give them a secondary fenced area. Good luck with your new chickens when they arrive! I hope you love every minute of it!

 

[chkva]

I have 1500 SQ FT for my 3 hens (I like free range but predators will grab them in the open) and I'm adding in 3 chicks once they're old enough. I honestly feel like even that area is small for my 3 birds just because the more space you have the better, but not everyone has that much space!

I honestly would see how your individual birds react to the space they have right now. When they grow you'll see if they get cramped once they're bigger and just add on if you can.

 

[GC-Raptor]

I've had my seven 8 months old Barred Rocks in a 100 square foot pen with a raised coop inside. . So they had 14 square feet per chicken.
I expanded the pen to 200 square feet. 28 square feet per chicken, last weekend. . What a difference in behavior. A lot less bickering and the runt, lowest in the pecking order is much happier. Unless I was tossing Scratch in the pen, she would spend most of the day in the coop. Now I see her roaming around the pen.
I have two more panels to put up to make it 300 square feet.
That's 42 square feet per chicken. My coop is only 22.5 square feet, 3 square feet per chicken. So I think a large pen is helpful, especially if you're coop is small. GC

 

[kraftykrow]

If I clip one of their wings do you think it will keep them from hopping a 4ft fence?

 

[aart]

Coop and run size and configuration can depend on your climate and predator load.

Welcome to BYC! @kraftykrow
Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, (laptop version shown), then it's always there!

 

[kraftykrow]

Hey everyone! Thanks for all the advice! My dad, a friend, and myself are going to put together our own fencing to let them romp around in. Hoping to extend the area they'll have 4 fold at least. Hopefully have it done in a few weeks. In the meantime I planned on keeping the girls in the coop and covered run anyway. They're going to be 15 weeks and need to get them used to me and they're surroundings first anyway. Will be excited to get it all done. I always do right by my animals

 

[Aunt Angus]

Sounds like a great plan! I'm jealous!

 

[kraftykrow]

Sounds like a great plan! I'm jealous!

Well it isnt done yet so hold that jealousy. There is plenty of room for something to go horribly wrong lol

 

[Aunt Angus]

Well it isnt done yet so hold that jealousy. There is plenty of room for something to go horribly wrong lol

Hahahaha! My fingers are crossed!