what should the dimentions of my run be?

[lilchicklover]

I am soon to be a new chicken owner!!!

but i have a few concerns. My first concern is that im not quite sure what would be the best sized run for 7 chickens to be in 24/7. I want them to be as happy as possible but i cant let them free range, i have heard many different people say many different things but i dont know whats right. I have lots of space so thats not a problem but i am just a little confused. Also will having 2 bantam silkies, 1 bramha, 1 salmon faverolle, 2 silver laced wyandottes and a buff orpington will this be a problem for the bantams. (being smaller than the rest and all) Thanks.

 

[froggiesheins]

OH BOY you don't know about chicken math yet

I have seramas, bantams and LF in my coop/run so that is not a problem IF they have enough room. Since space is not a problem built that coop/run as big as your budget will allow and them make sure you build it with future plans to expand it.

Cuz you will be doing that. I think it is 5 sq. feet per birdie..but think BIG! The more room the better. I have 8 birds and 95sq ft of run space, my coop is a tad small for all but I live in southern CA where they are outside 90% of the time. Oh, and they are in there 24/7 unless I can be home to guard them if they free-range the rest of my city sized back yard.
Hope that helps.

 

[froggiesheins]

BTW>>>>>

 

[crazyhen]

General agreement is that you need at least 10 sg. ft. of run area for each hen. Having different sized hens is no problem if reared together; unless you get a large roo.

He could hurt the smaller ones. I wish you lots of fun and enjoyment from your new venture.

Gloria Jean

 

[lilchicklover]

Thank you!!

IM no longer so confused

 

[patandchickens]

As big as you can manage, given the space available and the funds available and whether you want to put a top on it or not.

There is a lot to be said for building your run so that it uses fencing in 50 or 100' increments (those bieng the usual sizes of rolls of fencing). I mean, if you design a run that uses 37 linear feet of fencing, you're wasting 13 (of course it can still be used for other projects) and if you design one that uses 56 linear feet then you have to buy a whole second roll (unless you can find someone to sell it by the foot, which is not always the case especially if you are picky about what kind of fencing and what height) and not use most of it.

I would suggest allowing AT LEAST 10 sq ft per chicken.

Good luck, have fun,

Pat