Okay, so... in the spring we will be setting up a new (hopefully permanent) chicken area. We will be using a 10 ft x 10 ft shed, split in half. I'm planning on at least a dozen chickens on each side. As for the run (the area outside the coop where they can run around and such)... I'm not sure how big each run should be. I plan on two runs, since there will be two different sections of chickens. Silkies on one side, and multiple breeds on the other side. The perches, nest boxes, and feeders/waterers will be inside the "coop". The outside area will be for fun and play, with plastic chairs, rocks, etc. So... picture it in your head please.... 10 ft x 10 ft shed, split in half. On each side (left and right) will be a run for the chickens. Each run will have at least a dozen chickens. How much space should be inside the run. *Notice: The chickens will not "free range" past this enclosure (run) due to too many predators (coyotes, hawks, crows, raccoons, dogs, cats, etc). The sides (down into the ground) and top will all be enclosed by fencing. (Yes... we already have some chickens now. And know how to secure fenced area for the chickens' safety.) I am not very smart when it comes to run size. Right now we have three chickens (1 roo, 2 hens) in a 16 ft x 9 ft enclosure. 8 ft x 4 ft of that is the coop, leaving them... basically... a run area of about 12 ft x 9 ft area. They are very happy, and the girls lay excellent eggs. (Nice, rich, deep yolk color.)
Advice is MUCH appreciated! Thanks everyone!
Advice is MUCH appreciated! Thanks everyone!
