run

[worms7]

how much space in run I know people say 10 sq foot per bird but can you get away with less say 8 sq ft
I have a 8x6 shed attached to run
cheers phil

 

[TalkALittle]

It depends on the birds. Really docile breeds, smaller breeds, you'll probably be able to, providing they can actually access all the square footage. Make sure waterers and feeders aren't subtracting any space. Be willing to part with some birds if it doesn't work out.

It also depends on the size of the space. The larger the run, the more flexibility you have, I think. Say you had a 10x10 run. According to the guideline that's ideal for 10 birds. I think you'd see a little pressure if you tried for 12 in that space. Double the space to 20x10 for 20 birds and I think you won't see the same pressure even if you increased your number proportionally to 24.

In more instances the size of the coop is the limiting factor. How many birds are you planning on putting in your 8x6 shed?

 

[snow5164]

It's also a good idea to use the height in the coop and run . We have a six foot climbing structure in the run that keeps many birds busy and off the ground. But I agree it depends on the birds our Icelandics are a smaller breed but they love to run ,
our comets out more docile , don't think I've ever seen them race around.

 

[worms7]

It depends on the birds. Really docile breeds, smaller breeds, you'll probably be able to, providing they can actually access all the square footage. Make sure waterers and feeders aren't subtracting any space. Be willing to part with some birds if it doesn't work out.

It also depends on the size of the space. The larger the run, the more flexibility you have, I think. Say you had a 10x10 run. According to the guideline that's ideal for 10 birds. I think you'd see a little pressure if you tried for 12 in that space. Double the space to 20x10 for 20 birds and I think you won't see the same pressure even if you increased your number proportionally to 24.

In more instances the size of the coop is the limiting factor. How many birds are you planning on putting in your 8x6 shed?

I was thinking 10 birds (hybrids )
Cheers Phil

 

[TalkALittle]

I was thinking 10 birds (hybrids )
Cheers Phil

What kind of hybrids? Some of those production lines can be aggressive and more apt to engage in picking and other behaviors that are exacerbated by crowding.

 

[worms7]

What kind of hybrids? Some of those production lines can be aggressive and more apt to engage in picking and other behaviors that are exacerbated by crowding.

I was thinking of warrens/nova brown or am I better with rhode island reds

 

[snow5164]

I'm a fan of heritage Rhode Island reds, nice solid birds , nice large brown eggs and my 20 rir all get along great!! Mine are laid back and would be ok with less space .

 

[worms7]

what about light sussex are they ok in confinement
cheers phil

 

[snow5164]

You know everyone will have a different opinion and crowding chickens is never a good idea, I googled docile birds for you:

Some of the most popular chicken breeds fit this particular bill nicely, including Cochins, Orpingtons, Australorps, Wyandottes, Plymouth Rocks, Sex Links, Delawares, Faverolles and Sussex. These birds tend to be heavier, dual-purpose birds (suitable for egg or meat production) with a mellow personality.Mar 5, 2014

 

[snow5164]

And you have heard of chicken math right??? You WILL end up with more chickens then you planned on.... it's guaranteed