What all goes in a run?

[landonjacob]

I'm completely new to chickens, but very excited! Building my coop with a run next month, and I've done a TON of research on this website (super helpful!), but my novice chicken brain has a question...
Does there need to be food, water, and roosting poles in the run or just in the coop? Are there any other things that should be in a run?

Thanks ahead of time!

 

[BrendaJ]

My run has food, water & places to roost . I cover the top & part of the sides for winter. I think everyones set up is a little different. Good luck

 

[landonjacob]

My run has food, water & places to roost . I cover the top & part of the sides for winter.  I think everyones set up is a little different. Good luck

Thanks! I live in the city and can only have 4 hens. So I was wondering if having food and water in the run would be overkill with that few of chickens? I think I'm definitely going to put a roost in there to given them something else to do in the run.

 

[Green Lantern]

In the nice weather I keep some food out in the run, but not if there is rain/snow in the forecast. I try to keep the food dry and, besides, my girls and roo like to stand inside their dry coop and "observe" the outside world when it is wet out. I always leave water in both the coop and the run. If there is any food left in the run when nightfall comes, I bring it into the coop nice or it attracts rodents and I would worry about that bringing disease...

 

[BrendaJ]

Thanks! I live in the city and can only have 4 hens. So I was wondering if having food and water in the run would be overkill with that few of chickens? I think I'm definitely going to put a roost in there to given them something else to do in the run.

I keep water in the run at all times & do feed them there but i dont keep food there overnight. Mine dont go back into the coop during the day unless they are going to lay an egg. 4 hens will go through more than you think but it really depends on your set up & what works best for you & the girls.

 

[TXchickmum]

-depends upon the run. We have a run (30 x 10) that includes the following: two feeders, large waterer, several roosts at different levels, and a "sandbox" for dustbathing. It is covered to shield the birds from hawks. -chickens roam the lawn when we're outdoors (which is frequently). If you have a coop/run combo for a small flock of four gals, it may be fine to provide feed and water in the coop (if they access both, regularly). I would definitely construct a small roosting place in the run. -best of luck and enjoy your chickens!

 

[landonjacob]

Thanks everybody!
Great info! I think I'm going to leave water in the run and have different roost and stuff for them to climb on. The run will first be on grass and I will probably add a sand box if the grass holds up. If it doesn't I'll convert the whole run to sand mix like I've seen in other runs.
For now I won't leave food in the run. The main issue that someone brought up is attracting rodents, and while I've had no problems, since I live in the city I know of neighbors with very nice houses get overran with rats. We also have a lot smart squirrels I'm going to have to keep an eye on to make sure they don't find a way to the food.
Thanks again everyone! I'll make sure to post picture when I finish the coop/run next month! Really appreciate your help!

 

[GoldDogsMom]

just a word from experience, unless you plan to move your run around like a tractor...your grass won't survive. My first run had to be redone with a sand and gravel "floor" because once the grass is gone all I was left with was mud. Good luck with construction-can't wait to see pictures!

 

[landonjacob]

just a word from experience, unless you plan to move your run around like a tractor...your grass won't survive. My first run had to be redone with a sand and gravel "floor" because once the grass is gone all I was left with was mud. Good luck with construction-can't wait to see pictures!

Thanks! It's not a tractor, so in that case, I won't plan on the grass lasting. I'm designing a detachable run for easy maintenance, so it will be easy to convert when the grass starts to go. Thanks for the heads up!

 

[The Lazy L]

1/3 of my secured run has a permanent roof over it, that's where their only feeder and water is hung.

Chicken door to the coop is open 24 x 7 so if they want a midnight snack they can leave the coop.

I also have a 8' diameter log in the run for them to peck at and sit on.

I didn't put any roosts for the fear they would not go in the coop at night.

Edited to included: Run walls and roof covered by 1/2" hardware cloth and feeder is suspended form roof. No problems with rodents or birds "stealing" feed.