Run Size --- Too Small?

[CrotonChickens]

My husband and I have been having an on-going debate about the size of the run. Currently it is about 116sq. feet, which, if you go by the forum should be enough for 10 chickens. However, now that I see the layout it seems REALLY small --- we will not be free-ranging, too many predators around. Your vote? Too small? Big enough? Thanks!!

 

[Meghalu]

Technically it is big enough....but it's always a good idea to build bigger if you have the space "just in case"

you decide to expand your flock. Turns out chickens are addicting, and there is a little something called chicken math which I'm sure you'll be familiar with in no time. Also, even if you don't expand the flock, your 10 chickies will appeciate every extra sq ft they have to scratch around in.
Welcome to BYC!!

 

[ECBW]

Plenty. If you still are weavering... put the birds in and observe. They should be fine. If not, even add on.

If they are in "captivity", they will pick the ground bare, regardless of the size of the run.

 

[cashdl]

I think 15 sf per bird for a run is minimum, for me at least. It also depends on the size of the birds.

Lanae

 

[swmalone]

I have a small yard and don't let mine out to free range all the time and I have a permanent 32 square feet of run under their coop/tractor and I built a PVC add on that can add about another 24 square feet or so. One thing that you might consider is if you don't want them free ranging all the time you can do what I do and let them out for a couple of hours in the evening right before dark. They love roaming around the yard and if you can stay out there and keep an eye on them you can worry less about the predators. Oh I have 3 chickens just so you can get an idea of the run size. If you want to see a picture of just the coop/run I have you can see it here. This is without the pvc addition because it just doesn't look as nice.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=535702&p=1