What size run?

[mrsteiner]

I have five hens who live very happily in the 3 X 5 hen house on wheels (Chez Shelly) that my husband built for me. My question is about the size of the run we attached. Since it's built on a wagon base, we move it every day to the pasture, the garden and in the yard. The girls get fresh green stuff to scratch and bugs to eat every day--but the run is only 3' X 6'. They don't seem to mind, but now that they are 18 weeks old they practically fill it up when they are all outside. Should it be bigger?

 

[galanie]

If I remember correctly, and I might not, the suggested space per chicken is 10 sq. ft., run and coop combined. Whether the most footage is in the coop or the run depends on the weather in your area. If you are in a warm climate, you need a smaller coop and larger run, etc.

I'd say yes, you do need a bigger run for them to be comfortable and avoid problems when they grow up.

 

[sumi]

Love that little hen house! It's cute!
The run is a bit small though...