So I have 9 adult hens and 2 babies to add in a few months. My inside coop is 6X8 and so is my run. I'm wondering if they need an addition to their run. I'm not able to let them out to free range everyday and they seem like they are bored and antsy lately. Some of them are getting their feathers picked at a bit, too. I was thinking of having my DH put a 12X6 with just chicken wire edges about 4" high and no top. Would that be okay for daytime while I'm at work? The main one has is totally enclosed. Comments or suggestions?
I've read that the rule of thumb is 4 ft2/chicken in the coop, 10ft2/chicken in the run (if you don't let them out). So, yes, you might be looking for a slightly bigger run.
This rule varies so greatly. On my UK forum the spaces for runs seems smaller. We are building a 7'x12' run for our six chickens. They will get limited free range time once the run is built, but they will get some. I've had friends tell me I could easily have 15-20 chickens in that space. It's always confusing to know who to listen to.
Until the addition is complete, you could try some chicken toys. Maybe hang a frozen chunck of meat for them to peck at, put a big leafy tree branch in the run for them to fly up onto, or make a wreath out of seeded grasses to hang. Has anyone ever tried any kind of chicken toy?
I have a 5 x 10 run for 4 hens, which is adequate, but had I to do it over again, I would make it bigger. I would say, that if you are able, make it bigger.
A 7 x 12' run has 84 square feet. At 10 sf per chicken that would hold 8 chickens. I don't believe in over crowding them. The toy idea is great to keep the occupied. A couple of cross branches for them to fly up to, things for them to explore, etc.
Thanks everyone!!! I'm going for an addition!! Yes, I have branches and such too. They do love it!!! Should I worry about predators during the day if I don't have it completely enclosed?
Quote:Yes, fox, dogs, and birds. I lost a few birds last year while I was in the yard building fence and laying skirting with the dog beside me. Until you're secure, you can't let your guard down
Have you considered fencing in the whole yard with solar electric fence, if your hawk problem isn't too bad? It's fast and probably cheaper than conventional construction. If you surrounded the yard, your run size would not be a issue and even the birds learn the respect the fence or you could hang some deer fence to keep them in. If you did this I would suggest starting at 3" off the ground and run a strand every 4" to 6" all the way to the top of the posts. (step in posts are inexpensive and make the job very quick especially combined with braided wire) And as for the occational hawk, give the birds a bush or something to hide in / under.
