Need input on Run Design

[valentinebaby]

Hi Jimmy -

Love your design, but I do agree with the tight corner Pat mentioned above - if you set those back corner posts in (like the sad lil drawing I did), it will prevent the 45 degree corner.

Most people here highly recommend no less than the 5/10 rule: 5 s.f./bird in the coop and 10 s.f./bird in the run. I think the run is even more critical, since my chickens spend most of their waking hours outside (even in the rain). My chickens are now 13 and 14 weeks old and have about 14-15 s.f. in the run, but only 3 s.f. in the coop (I based my coop on older plans and they recommended 2 s.f.). HOWEVER, if I were planning that coop now, it would allow at least 4-5 s.f. per bird. So far my girls are getting along very well. We'll see how they do when they start laying and when winter comes, but I'm not going to cull any at the moment!

Since you previously said money is not a problem - think big! And the main reason isn't only to allow for the 5/10 rule, but for your future wants - I wish now I had figured out a way to do the kind of run you're doing because I'd like to have more than the 11 pullets I have!

If I find that design that allows for 4 runs with a coop smack dab in the middle, I'll send it to you. I think the rotating runs is a GREAT idea, so keep planning!

Gail

 

[BroomFarm]

Jimmy,

When I saw your question I just had to reply because my wife and I designed our coop and run to be exactly as you mentioned. We built a 6X8 elevated coop (on 4X4 stilts) with a 6X8 run that is permanently attached to it. We then built an 8X8 run that is lightweight enough for two people to easily reposition. On three sides of the permanent run are openings that can be closed off, depending on where the mobile run is attached. Our plan is to move it every 2 months, except during the winter, as we live in Indiana. Obviously, you'll need to build your run much larger. because our 8 chickens quickly consume every bit of greenery in the 8X8 enclosure; usually in less than a month. We've started free-ranging them several days a week to reduce the impact on the smaller area and we are now considering other options, such as an electric fence.

If you can get to our page (below) you can see how it is set up. We are just getting ready to move the run for the first time.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=30118

 

[jdcallahan]

Well, I did a lot of soul searching here and re-visited the reasons I wanted to raise chickens. After discussing it with my DW I have decided to go a whole different direction. I'm gonna build a chicken tractor and a mobile run instead of a fixed coop and run. I will be staying at home when I return, not working outside the home. so I will have time to move the tractor/run daily if needed. I'm considering a 4'X8' mobile coop (elevated) with a 8'X10' mobile run. I'm thinking 6 or 7 birds total.. If I want more I'll build additional tractors.

Thanks again everyone for helping me think this through. You've all been a great help