Run size and ability to keep some grass

[McKinneyMike]

I am trying to decide how large of a run I will need to keep 5 large hens in and hopefully maintain some amount of grass. I have 15 x10 area that I can enclose and could go up to 15x15. Is there any chance that this amount of space (plus the 50 ft in the main coop area of my Wichita style design) I might be able to expect to keep some grass?

 

[aart]

Probably not.

Might try some grazing frames if it's grass for the chickens you want.

But if it's lawn you want, you're gonna need a way, way bigger paddock.
Or several large paddocks you can rotate them thru to let the grass regenerate.

 

[Fred's Hens]

No. I have a layer run twice that size and it is bare dirt. They accomplish this task in less than a month. Taking in variables such as soil, grass type and rains and still….. Not much chance at all.

 

[McKinneyMike]

Oh well it was a thought anyway

OK for 5 hens would two of these grazing frames (3'x5') be worthwhile?

 

[aart]

Oh well it was a thought anyway

OK for 5 hens would two of these grazing frames (3'x5') be worthwhile?

Sure, why not? Worth a try, I've not used them yet so can't speak from personal experience.
But it seems they do need some maintenance and rotation.
Read thru that article and all the comments, he's pretty good at answering questions as you can see.

 

[McKinneyMike]

Your right aart. It sounds like an easy enough option and beats not having any grasses for them to graze on. Worth a try. Thanks for the link too!

 

[yogifink]

The chicken garden beds have worked for me.




This is a bit barren in the picture, we just planted in it a few weeks ago.