Isn't 100 sq feet tight for run with all the "extras'

[bear0806]

Okay...newbie New Yorker here. I know I need 10 sq feet per bird for my run. But once I add the dust bath, roosts, water...etc. is 100 sq feet still enough? I have 9 birds (Astrolops, Orpington, Faberelle) I have a 34sq foot walk in coop.

 

[JacinLarkwell]

Okay...newbie New Yorker here. I know I need 10 sq feet per bird for my run. But once I add the dust bath, roosts, water...etc. is 100 sq feet still enough? I have 9 birds (Astrolops, Orpington, Faberelle) I have a 34sq foot walk in coop.

Will they be in the run all the time or free ranging most of the time?

 

[Sammster]

I have 8 RIRs in a run this size, with all the features you mention. They do very well. I do have a climbing play feature that they can go under or onto, as well.

Edit to add: I also , recently made a 50' chunnel, that I attached to the run. They do enjoy it - but mostly access it when we are outside, and they want to see what we're up to

 

[bear0806]

Will they be in the run all the time or free ranging most of the time?

Yes and Yes...we will let them free range by day when we are home...but we have foxes in the neighborhood and until I'm comfortable we wouldn't free range if we are not there, even by day.

 

[bear0806]

I have 8 RIRs in a run this size, with all the features you mention. They do very well. I do have a climbing play feature that they can go under or onto, as well.

Edit to add: I also , recently made a 50' chunnel, that I attached to the run. They do enjoy it - but mostly access it when we are outside, and they want to see what we're up to

Any pics available..I love to see how others set things up. Thank you.

 

[Auntiejessi3]

Yes and Yes...we will let them free range by day when we are home...but we have foxes in the neighborhood and until I'm comfortable we wouldn't free range if we are not there, even by day.

Just keep in mind just because you are out there does not mean they are safe. I had a coyote take one of my ladies a couple years ago, middle of the day, me, my husband, and our 2 dogs outside

 

[Auntiejessi3]

Okay...newbie New Yorker here. I know I need 10 sq feet per bird for my run. But once I add the dust bath, roosts, water...etc. is 100 sq feet still enough? I have 9 birds (Astrolops, Orpington, Faberelle) I have a 34sq foot walk in coop.

You are within the limits, but I've come to find with chickens more room is always better. And if you actually measure out 10sq ft, it is not a very big area.

 

[Sammster]

Any pics available..I love to see how others set things up. Thank you.

Sure. I'll take picks this afternoon.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Okay...newbie New Yorker here. I know I need 10 sq feet per bird for my run. But once I add the dust bath, roosts, water...etc. is 100 sq feet still enough? I have 9 birds (Astrolops, Orpington, Faberelle) I have a 34sq foot walk in coop.

I think it is a good question. It shows you are thinking and from reading on this forum you can get the impression chickens are out there with tape measures making sure they have the required room. Trust me, even if they had tape measures, they would not know how to read them. That 10 square feet is a general guideline that works well for many people. But it is just a general guideline, it may be overkill for many people but occasionally you may find that it is a little tight. It is not a law of nature.

One way to improve the quality of what space you have is to add clutter. Clutter is stuff that they can get under, behind, or over to break line of sight or get out of reach. The stuff you are worried about taking space away is most likely improving the room you do have. I do not see it restricting your room in any way.

 

[FunClucks]

If your gut feeling says you need to give them more room, I would do it. More room is better when it comes to chickens. I know they can perch on stuff, but mine don't do it as often as I think they should.