Need Quick Run Advice - Hubby on way to hardware store

[MelindaK]

How big should run be? (We have 6 Barred Rocks, maybe 5 if roosters :0 with a 4x4 coop (that is size Hubby built so no comments about it being too small), plan to water outside and pcv pipe inside to conserve space).

How high should run be?

How long should run be?

Coop is off ground and plan to utilze that space.

He is getting ready to leave to hardware store, HELP!

 

[MelindaK]

Okay, I figured out how to do search and found that about 10 square feet per bird in run. That height is for us not to crouch while cleaning.

 

[brandyb]

We have 6 Partridge Rocks which are about the same size as Barred Rocks and we had to build a bigger run because they were pecking each other's feathers out because there was not enough room. There old run was 60 sq feet. There new run is (12x20) 240 sq ft. They have quit pecking one another and started laying more often. It is also 6 feet high so we can walk around it. Hope this helps. My best advice is to build it big from the beginning so you don't have to add on later. I learned from my own mistake.

 

[CityChook]

I have 4 standards in a 6x8 run, which is about 12 sq/ft per bird. I WISH it was about twice that size so that I didn't feel bad when I left them in rather than let them free range. Seriously, though, I really wish it was substantially bigger. And if you can, try to make it big enough to walk into. Crouching down is a bummer.

 

[Uzuri]

Make it bigger than you think you need.

Mine's "big enough" at the moment, but after 6 months of "big enough" I'm rebuilding. It's going to be 3 times the size of what I have now and I only plan to add 1/3 again as many chickens to the group.

 

[Kittymomma]

I'd go a little bigger then average because your coop is a bit small

Also if you can do it I'd put a cover on at least part of it so that they can use it in bad weather. If you can do that it will offset the coop size nicely and should avoid pecking issues down the road.

 

[MelindaK]

Thanks for the advise!!! Even person under the chair

For the coop. I am planning on making a pcv feeder. I would also like to try the rabbit water attached on wall for more floor space.

I am reading the comments to my husband about the run. Thank you! You have all been very helpful!!!

 

[MelindaK]

My Husband has another suggestion . . . get rid of 2 chickens (no!!!!).