Run size for 6 chickens in MI

[mother_hen9]

We have 6 chickens, two of which are silkies. The original plan was to free range but that is no longer an option for us. So now we are wanting to build a covered run. We are thinking 6 ft wide, 10 ft long. Does that seem like enough space?

 

[DobieLover]

So now we are wanting to build a covered run. We are thinking 6 ft wide, 10 ft long. Does that seem like enough space?

According the "guidelines" it is but when you see the birds in that space, you quickly realize it isn't a lot of room.
I would make it as large as you can. It gives them more personal space, it will stay cleaner due to the lower population density per square foot, it will be easier to put things into the run for them to perch on and hide behind and improves your ability to maneuver around in there. More space is NEVER a bad choice.

 

[Sally PB]

"Gee, I wish I'd made my coop/run smaller," said nobody, ever.

Yes, go as big as you can! You will be glad you did.

Oh, and


And hello from another Michigander. Stop by the Michigan thread and say hi.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...ll-are-welcome.697050/page-5750#post-27974054

 

[Logar]

I have a ~60 sq foot run for my 6 chickens (it is 9x6 with an 2x3 foot add on connecting the run/coop) and I hate it more than anything. It is a pain to keep clean, feels cramped, and just is not ideal for anyone. I think something like a 10x10 or bigger would be much better.

 

[Penpal]

You can have a nice covered, predator proof run that is on the small side (60 square feet) but also have a door into an area made of portable electric netting. You can rearrange the el netting every week to give them a different area. This would give them the space they need, but also the covered protected run should that be necessary.

 

[avjudge]

We have an 8’x16’ (128sf) hoop run for 6 chickens and I wouldn’t go any smaller.

Of course my chickens are used to free ranging so they hate being locked in even that space. We don’t have a door between their coop and this secure run so every morning when they wake up they come to the door of the run and complain loudly until somebody lets them out.