Run design question

[Dixidarlin89]

My husband and I are in the planning stages of converting an 8x10 shed into a chicken coop, and then building the run off of it. The questions I have are about the run:

What is an appropriate size run for 5 chickens? I would like there to be some greenery in there, but am willing to supplement with tractor time periodically.

We have some free 3 or 4 foot chain link fence to make use of, and we're thinking to make that the sides of the run (one long side will butt up to privacy fence). The dilemma comes in with covering the run with netting or something to keep them in and predators out. At 3-4 foot chain link height, we wouldn't be able to walk into the run. How necessary is that? I see the tiny coop/runs that are very short and you couldn't get into at all, and. Then I see the huge ones you could cartwheel through.

I do have one coop question as well; how many ventilation windows do we need to add? There is some natural tree shade, but we. Live in Florida and it gets HOT. now, during the day, I imagine the ladies will want to be outside, but, I don't want it to get too hot in there just in case. There are currently 2 tiny vents that came with the shed.

Thanks!

 

[jetdog]

10 sf per bird so 5 will need 50 sf minimum, if you go with the short fence you can make bows with pvc or metal conduit high enough so you can walk in. You can never have enough ventilation especially in Florida I would add more than you think you need the windows will definitely help. Don't forget to cover the bows with netting or wire. Just a option.

 

[Irishhenman]

50 sq feet minimum!! for five birds but more is much better. The more ventilation the better, put on as much as you possibly can. Unless the run is very small so that you can reach in to catch the birds 4' is too low. You could use the chain link as a base and then get some more wire so you can have the run at about 6 feet tall so you can go in.

 

[Dixidarlin89]

Thanks for the responses! The area we are looking at right now for a run is about 125 square feet I think. I've only ever had free ranged chickens before, so this whole backyard chickens thing is new territory for me. :/

So , how do you ensure adequate ventilation for the coop without letting too much rain in? We were thinking of cutting several small windows in right under the eaves, but that may not be enough.

 

[Irishhenman]

Put vents under the eaves of the roof and for all other vents put a piece of plywood or something similar at an angle over the vent to stop rain getting in

 

[JanetS]

Here's a picture of our ventilation. Hope it helps.

 

[Dixidarlin89]

Thanks guys! My husband and I looked at the building again, and since the coop is so large for the number of hens we are getting (8x10 shed for 5 hens), we think we can arrange everything so that we can remove one of the doors and frame in a permanent "screen door" to let in plenty of light and air.