Run size or Possibly Free Range???

[WVFarmgirl]

I currently building my chicken coop (8x12) for my lovely little black orpington cuties... the debate I'm stuck in is what size run I would need for 20-25 chickens... I plan on all orpingtons and a couple of silkies, so how tall does fencing need to be? (I found some 7ft tall rabbit/chicken red brand fencing pretty 'cheap' online...) I would free range, but the neighbor's nasty boxer would probably have a nice chicken dinner... not to mention I've got a road next to me... I want my chickens happy and healthy... the plan I've had so far was an 80'x80' run. I was hoping they wouldn't destroy all the grass at that size... Ideas??

 

[Beekissed]

That's a pretty generous sized run, I would say! I can't imagine that 25 chickens could denude that very quickly but you may have some areas that will become bare eventually....along the fenceline, dusting spots, along the building.

Welcome to BYC, BTW! Nice to meet another hillbilly on the site!

We have a sister site list on the bottom of your page, so feel free to jump on over to them and meet the folks.

 

[silkiechicken]

I'd say that is a great sized run. Bigger than a good number of properities that 3 bed 2 bath homes sit on! Their favorite spots would probably go a bit lean or dusty, but the majority would probably be fine.

Oh, and if you can pm a mod or report the thread if it's been posted in the wrong spot. That way we know faster and can move it for you.

 

[WVFarmgirl]

Thanks for the move!!!

Glad to know my girls will be happy! I've seen issues where people have kept chickens in snug spots... not pretty... they peck each other and develop all kinds of nasty habits. So I figured better to overdo it than have to little space!!! And, yuppers! always good to see fellow hillbillies using this new-aged hi-tech computer stuff!!!

 

[Beekissed]

After I took the Billy Bob Home Kompewter Coarse, I finally figgered out this goldarned thing!

 

[bluey]

With that much space for a run, maybe the best thing to do is to section it off into 2 runs and alternate the use to give the ground some time to recover on each side.

 

[Beekissed]

Rotational grazing for chickens....I love it! Good idea, Bluey! Say, bluey, when ya gonna slide on over and join www.SufficientSelf.com ? We need your quick wit and good ideas over yonder!

 

[WVFarmgirl]

beekissed, I know what you mean!!! His course is fantastic!!!

bluey, the only concern is with sectioning, is I've already got quite a bit of money in this deal, and that's with my awesome recently retired dad doing the grunt work... This Christmas present is getting really expensive... quick!!!

poor dh, he thought he was lucky for marrying a girl that isn't into jewelry, shows him!!!

 

[Beekissed]

Tell DH that jewelry has a mark up of 1000%! Chickens are a much better bargain!

And you can eat them! And they make you breakfast!

 

[AmazonDragon]

With that much space for a run, maybe the best thing to do is to section it off into 2 runs and alternate the use to give the ground some time to recover on each side.

I love that Idea!​