Run help!?

[itokuzu]

I have a small salary and only 5 chickens (or what will be five chickens). I need to figure out how big (or small) to make my run, and I've found that I can't picture things without over exaggeration. I'm 5'8" and would like to be able to stand inside my run for easy cleanup, and catching of chickens if needed, so I was thinking 6' high with a covered roof.. and was originally thinking 9 wide by 14 long, but I'm thinking it's a bit excessive for 5 chickens.. (I would like a bit more space in case I somehow end up with more birds.. lol) I do know that I need to have the 1/2inch welded wire for at least the bottom area of the run, but should I use it for the entire area? I know for a fact I have hawks and foxes, and more than likely racoons, so I want to keep my flock as safe as possible. (I may also let them out onto my acre yard when I have time to watch them for fear of loosing birds) Any advice will help!

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

Build big - as you said, you may want to expand your flock, but even if you never get more birds, there is no such thing as offering your flock too much room or a run that is "too big" for the flock you have. That being said, rethinking the dimensions might help simplify your build and help the budget as working with more standard sizes can be helpful in reducing the number of cuts, the number of boards needed, etc.
How "handy" are you? This will play into the types of builds to suggest.

 

[itokuzu]

I don't think I'll be allowed by my parents to get more than maybe six. My father is excellent with building things, especially with a plan! I'm supposedly getting a free coop from someone as well.