Run Size: How big is too big, Diminishing returns, cost analysis, roofs

[KydenfarmsG]

Hello everyone. I have 2 chicken runs, one is 500 sq ft and the other is 3000 sq ft.

The small run: Welded wire+chicken wire walls, 4x4 posts, 2x4x16 boards going across, a chicken wire roof. It cost about $400 to get together

The big run: Welded wire+chicken wire walls, same posts, same boards, but a plastic chicken wire ceiling. Big rocks stacked along the sides. It cost about $ 850

The reason I mention this is, the bigger I went, the more cost effective it was for the space I was able to give the chickens. When they have 30 sq ft per chicken, they still pick all the grass and leave the ground brown. They seem kinda happy. When they have 80 sq feet per chicken they run and fly around more. The cliques are more developed. Some chickens hunt all day for bugs, others rest together under the rabbit hutches.

With the quarantine I feel the itch to make another 3000 sq ft run. Is it overkill? I've got 18 chickens and 10 chicks, Bresse and Autrolorps

 

[Mamatomany123]

I think if you have the means then go ahead. We have 7 chicks (9 weeks old) in a 35 x 20 x 8 run. They love flying around or chasing bugs. I still let them out into the yard when I'm out there but they are perfectly happy inside their run.

 

[ColoradoPip]

When has bigger ever not been better?!?

You are on a chicken forum asking if giving chickens more space is a good idea? I think you and I both know the answers you will get!! hahah, I think that would be like asking on a car forum if you should buy another hot rod. Of course you should!!

I guess it depends on what you want to do. If you're bored and asking if the chickens will like it, probably the answer is yes. If you are looking for something to do, then do it, lol.

It gives you options if you want to let an area rest. More room for more chickens all kinds of good benefits.

The downside is, if you do not plan on more chickens, space is limited, and/or you want more animals then building bigger may not be the best option.

 

[Panhandler80]

500 square feet for $400. Dang... you sure have me beat. Mine is about 400 square feet and I don't even want to think about what I spent. Just my hardware cloth for roof and walls was that much (1,200 square feet). Uprights are 4x4, then I have a mid level 2x4 all the way around, 2x4s for the roof, and 2x4s down the centerline of the roof. I also trimmed entire thing out with 1x4 trim boards. One people door, and one little chicken door at the end of the run.

 

[CatsandCrops]

*chants* do it do it do it do it do it

more space means more chickies in the long run right?

 

[aart]

Hello everyone. I have 2 chicken runs, one is 500 sq ft and the other is 3000 sq ft.

Got pics?

Welcome to BYC! @KydenfarmsG
Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!