Run size

[eschwaderer]

What benefits will a large run bring for my chickens when they are old enough to use it? I live out in the country and have plenty of space around my existing chicken coop (12x26) for a run of any size. I'll probably end up with a flock of about 25-30 birds after the excess roos are eliminated. Cost and time are the only real factors. A convenient size for a large area to be fenced in (because of some trees and a nearby barn) is about 40x80. Is it worth it? Would such a large area translate into any feed savings? What would you do in my circumstance?

 

[purecountrychicken]

I would think thats kinda big for 30 birds but hey,,its up to you. All I did was buy a 100' roll of fence and how ever big I could make with that is what I ended up with. I plan on having 40 birds myself.

 

[Chicken03]

With a run that size your chickens will definitly get some other food. I don't think it would be enough that you would notice them not eating as much. Also with a run that size maybe they won't wear the grass down so fast if they have more room.

 

[patandchickens]

Biggest benefit of a very large run is for YOU: it will stay un-thrashed and semi-vegetated for longer. Also makes it easier for birds not getting along with each other to avoid each other, e.g. if you are keeping more than one rooster. And of course it is MUCh more entertaining for the chickens.

OTOH it gets a lot harder to predatorproof great big enclosures.

So, personal choice, depending what you think is more important.

GOod luck, have fun,

Pat