Im not sure and have not had any good info on that. I know through reading all kinds of posts that they travel a mile/s. So is you use one mile as a reference than you would need about 25 acres. However, if you are in a rural setting with lots of acreage around they will rom. And there is no way to stop them traveling from place to place for food. Some other info I read is that a wooded area is best as this is close to the natural area. My real concern is that dont become invasive to local habitat, but wild pheasant are set loose for hunters and I feel that this type of chicken will be no difference. Im part of over 1800 acres both farms and a fowl reserve. I will look into local laws before I do anything.