Is this run size acceptable?

[smiley]

Well, I am setting everything up for my new batch of chicks. I have a new coop and a new run from where I had my last chicks.

My coop is a 6x 12 former storage shed with 2 windows for ventilation (covered with mesh/wire on the inside). My run is 82 feet long and about 25 feet wide. Will this be big enough for 4 buff orpingtons? Will they make this whole area dirt and destroy all the grass? If so, how much bigger should I make the area?

Thank you in advance!

 

[ArizonaNessa]

Well I was going to tell you how many chickens that size will hold but either I am not calculating right or something because I keep coming up with enough room for 205 birds which can't be right so I will just say yes you have well over enough room for 4 buff orpingtons. Someone I am sure will pop up here with their mathematical genius and tell you how many chickens that will hold I am sure.

 

[smiley]

Thanks but do you think the run is big enough to keep the 4 hens from making it pure dirt with no grass or should I make the run bigger? I know how destructive chickens can be and I want to try to keep it grassy!

Thanks again!

 

[Year of the Rooster]

IMO, they will turn it to dirt, but I think it would take them a LONG time for them. Unless you plan on adding more chickens, I wouldn't worry about it. Eventually those four may, but like I said, it would be a long time.

 

[SPRING CREEK FARM]

Quote:
Well, whether you have 4 chickens or 40 chickens, they will manage to scratch around it all until there isn't any grass

unless you divide this run in two and let them use one side until they wear it down a bit and then switch them over to the other side. In other words, rotate the runs to keep the grass from being elimated altogether.

 

[al6517]

they should be very happy to have all that run space.

AL

 

[Imp]

Somebody on here recommends 450 sf per bird to keep grass. So that should be enough. But I'm sure it'll be patchy. They'll find their favorite places, and make it perfect for chickens. I have 4 chickens in a 6000 sf back yard and they do virtually no damage. Good luck

Imp- ArizonaNessa, Your math was spot on perfect.

 

[Judy]

I have a 75'x75' yard where most of my chickens live. They have turned the area closest to the coop into dirt, but the rest of the yard is still green. They're about 18 weeks now.

 

[smiley]

Ok, thanks everyone!! I will try to divide it as suggested to keep it a bit more manageable!!

I just love seeing chickens on grass and feel it is the best for them so that's why I am so paranoid!!

I will divide it and maybe expand a little bit......

Thanks again everyone for taking the time to reply!!!

On another note, with my coop being so large and tall, do you think they will freeze to death in the winter? It's not insulated and I am in New England.

My smaller coop actually seemed better as they generated body heat and due to the small size it seemed to stay warmer.

Your thoughts please.......

 

[Ridgerunner]

I don't know your climate, soil conditons, type of grass, many things, and your telling me what you can would not help me a lot in giving you an answer. Too many variables. I'd suggest trying it as you have it and see what happens. Then you can decide to either split it and give an area time to recover or enlarge it. I'd suspect it will be like ddawn said with favorite areas dusty and the rest green, but way to many variables to know ahead of time.