Question about run size

[Raubkatze]

Hello all, I am looking to get back into chickens after not having them for 10-ish years. Starting totally from scratch. I found a local person who can make me a coop with attached run that fits into my small budget. Question is, this picture is similar to the style that he offers. I do wonder if this is going to be enough run space for 2-3 chickens? I have mixed feelings about allowing them to be free ranging with all the foxes and coyotes I have around me.

 

[black_cat]

No. That will not be enough space for 2-3 chickens, and it is also too narrow to be of real use. For 3 chickens, you need 30 square feet of run absolute minimum, and I would recommend having it in a 5'x6' square, not a long, skinny shape. You also need 15 square feet of coop space minimum, not including nest boxes or space taken by feeders and waterers.

 

[Raubkatze]

No. That will not be enough space for 2-3 chickens, and it is also too narrow to be of real use. For 3 chickens, you need 30 square feet of run absolute minimum, and I would recommend having it in a 5'x6' square, not a long, skinny shape. You also need 15 square feet of coop space minimum, not including nest boxes or space taken by feeders and waterers.

The run is 76 inches long by 36 inches wide. Each nest box is 12 inches by 12 inches. I am not sure on the size of the coop itself.

 

[arwoon]

It does not look big enough, is is possible to build a secure run attached?
Foxes and chores are not typically out in the daytime, so you can let them out during the day.

 

[JacinLarkwell]

It depends on the twmperment of the birds and their size. Bantams? Absolutely, get 3 or 4. Small LFs? Sure, 2 would more than likely be fine as long as one isn't a total bully. Large LFs? Only if they are quite calm with each other. I've had breeding pairs housed similarly and they do just fine, but I also make sure that The birds are docile and not temperamental

 

[black_cat]

The run is 76 inches long by 36 inches wide. Each nest box is 12 inches by 12 inches. I am not sure on the size of the coop itself.

That's three by six feet, which is 18 square feet. That's half of what you need.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

2-3 hens will only use one nest.

 

[Alaskan]

The run is 76 inches long by 36 inches wide. Each nest box is 12 inches by 12 inches. I am not sure on the size of the coop itself.

A 3 x 6 foot run is big enough for 3 chickens IF, they are mellow breeds and you move it often.

The rule of thumb is 10 square feet of run per chicken,minimum... however, moving the coop every 2 or 3 days gives fresh grass and bugs and distraction, and helps a smaller space work.

However.... if you live in a climate where grass doesn't grow all year... you might have issues when winter comes.

Also, the coop in the photo IS NOT strong, and would not hold up to a dog or a racoon.

Often... you get what you pay for.

 

[aart]

The run is 76 inches long by 36 inches wide. Each nest box is 12 inches by 12 inches. I am not sure on the size of the coop itself.

Looks to be 36 x 18-24".
Tiny!
Hold off for now, get bigger and better housing first.

Welcome to BYC! @Raubkatze
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[Acre4Me]

It could work as noted with calm or good natured birds. However, with canine predators, you would want to put something like that into a dog kennel type enclosure to keep the canines away from birds. You can attach an anti dig apron or other product around the perimeter to assist in keeping them away, or an electric fence. The kennel area can provide more room to roam too.

My neighbor used a similar coop at first, then built a taller basic coop up against his shed. He left the original coop in the run, and it was helpful bc the chickens could get away from each other as they could fully walk around the coop, and into the coop (and on top of the coop), but were contained by the larger run fencing.