run size question

[domromer]

Next weekend I'm going to build a movable pen, so the girls peck around outside during the day. At night they will go back inot their seperate roost. How much space does each hen need in the run? They will only be in it during the day. Not sleeping in it.

 

[siouxbee]

I've read that you need at least 7 sq foot per bird. also will this run be portable? I think you can get away with a little less space if you're moving them to fresh ground every day or two.

we have 12 2-month old chicks in an 8 x 8 pen and I have to say that I can't imagine 12 full size chickens in there happily. I'm trying to figure out how I'm goign to expand it. This is a portable pen by the way, that I move daily.

I also plan to let them roam about the yard when we're home and outside, but for safety's sake, I need the portable pen.