Run size

[workindog]

So ive been looking for used dog kennels to attach to my shed that I am making into our chicken coop. What would be a good sized dog kennel for 11 chickens? 11 is assuming all are female. Roosters arent allowed.

For now, im looking for minimum size.. I will definitely make it bigger as time goes on. Adding 1 or 2 more kennels for more room as i stumble across used ones at good deals.

If i could, i would free range them but my neighbors dog would probably kill them if they went into their yard and my neighbor also has a garden, i would feel horrible if they ruined it on him, hes 80+ years old and spends all day puttering around out there. I love him, he is such a sweetheart.

Oh.. I also plan on making the pen with perches and things to walk on with poop boards under them so no one gets pooped on lol it will add some more room for them and things to do. I even seen a chicken swing Id like to get them!!!!

Ty in advance

 

[fldiver97]

Most recommended 10 square feet run space per chicken. My first kennel type run was 5x15 chain link type with the canvas type roof. That was for 8-10 chickens but they had a coop attached that was 8x12. They also have plenty of time with access to the fenced in backyard. So, if you could get at least 100 square feet run and add some enrichment like thick branches to roost on, old logs, chicken swing (easy to make with a branch and rope) that’s a good start. Consider some type of cover for shade as well as protection from owls and hawks, raccoons etc that can climb fences.

 

[mowin]

Rule of thumb is 10 SQ ft of run per bird. More is better.

 

[Shadrach]

You would need a massive dog kennel for 11 hens.
The BYC current guidelines for coop space is 4 square feet per chicken.
You can make do with less for bantam breeds and/or if you free range, but not much less.
If your chickens are going to be spending a lot of time in their coops, 4 square feet per chicken is the absolute minimum.

 

[workindog]

So assuming im doing the sq ft right.. if i get a 10x10 dog kennel (6ft high and will cover it also) that would be the minimum for 10 chickens, correct? Im SURE out of 11 chickens, i will end up with some roosters. So i think a safe bet is to look for a 10x10 MINIMUM. correct?

My shed will be attached to the run so they will be able to come and go as they please until bedtime of course.

 

[aart]

So assuming im doing the sq ft right.. if i get a 10x10 dog kennel (6ft high and will cover it also) that would be the minimum for 10 chickens, correct? Im SURE out of 11 chickens, i will end up with some roosters. So i think a safe bet is to look for a 10x10 MINIMUM. correct?

My shed will be attached to the run so they will be able to come and go as they please until bedtime of course.

Yes.

Might want to add an anti dig apron too...tho trickier to connect to chain link.
Good examples of anti-dig apron installation:
http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1110498/wire-around-coop#post_17093528
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/new-coop-project.1169916/page-2#post-18481208

 

[workindog]

Ty!! Already planned on doing adding a dig apron, help keep them in and bad critters out

 

[workindog]

So I think im going to go with this one from tractor supply. You can add panels to it! They have another one the same size a little cheaper ($200) but they aren't separate panels, so adding on to it won't be as easy. Unless anyone knows where to get one like this but cheaper than $270?

 

[mowin]

So I think im going to go with this one from tractor supply. You can add panels to it! They have another one the same size a little cheaper ($200) View attachment 1719445 but they aren't separate panels, so adding on to it won't be as easy. Unless anyone knows where to get one like this but cheaper than $270?

I've got the same for my dogs. Any panel will easily clamp on to the frame to expand it. I got a entire unit free from a client that purchased it from Walmart. It mated up to my tractor supply run perfectly.

 

[workindog]

So lucky to get a free one!!! I have a kennel too my dog is trained to go to the bathroom in it, the yard is for play not poop lol.

Ive been checking CL, fb and offer up for used kennels for my new babies. Nothing cheap other than ones that are small.