run size

nic n dave · « **on:** January 11, 2012, 11:34 »

hi everyone, my run size at a guess is about 10 maybe 11ft long by about 6ft wide and 8/9ft high, i only have the 3 hens in there, would it be sufficient for more hens or would it need extending - only extending is out of the question for me, they are hardly in the run as they free range in my garden and i only locked them in the run when im out or worming. how many hens could i keep in there?

Lewjam · « **Reply #1 on:** January 11, 2012, 13:04 »

You have around 10m of run space, that should be big enough (bare minimum) for 5 hens.

Some may say you can get away with more if you let them out allot, but if they are to be confined in the run for any length of time, i wouldnt put more then 4 or 5 in it...

(2mSq run space is considered minimum per bird)

Cheers

Lew

bygrace · « **Reply #2 on:** January 11, 2012, 17:52 »

If you can't extend, why not increase the available area by building an upstairs? I increased my floor area by 50% by cannibalising some pallets that I got off a skip. Easy enough project for a female "non-technically minded but game for having a go" 60 something!! I used the thick bits as legs, and took the underneath plank bits off to fill in the big gaps on the top.

I can't saw straight or bang in a nail properly, but what the heck! It's pretty sturdy, stands about 18" high - and the chooks love it, going up the ramp and jumping off and getting lots of exercise! And it keeps the water and food from getting full of dirt when they do their scratching.
Just a thought.
BG

kegs · « **Reply #3 on:** January 11, 2012, 17:57 »

Quote from: bygrace on January 11, 2012, 17:52

If you can't extend, why not increase the available area by building an upstairs? I increased my floor area by 50% by cannibalising some pallets that I got off a skip. Easy enough project for a female "non-technically minded but game for having a go" 60 something!! I used the thick bits as legs, and took the underneath plank bits off to fill in the big gaps on the top.

I can't saw straight or bang in a nail properly, but what the heck! It's pretty sturdy, stands about 18" high - and the chooks love it, going up the ramp and jumping off and getting lots of exercise! And it keeps the water and food from getting full of dirt when they do their scratching.
Just a thought.
BG

Have you posted a photo anywhere of their climbing frame??

4chooks · « **Reply #4 on:** January 11, 2012, 18:57 »

I was going to say 1/2 dozen hen's to that seized coop. Go on get some more lol

joyfull · « **Reply #5 on:** January 11, 2012, 19:00 »

having too many in a small run will lead to bullying and boredom problems. For just short periods then yes do have another level with loads to keep them occupied and also remember the extra feeders and drinkers.

modified because of my very poor spelling

yorky · « **Reply #6 on:** January 11, 2012, 19:32 »

I agree with joyfull. I have four Warrens in a run 24' x 6' and it seems just about right. The hen at the bottom of the pecking order has plenty of room to stay away from the one at the top. Put anymore in there and it starts to become a problem.

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run size

nic n dave

run size

Lewjam

Re: run size

bygrace

Re: run size

kegs

Re: run size

4chooks

Re: run size

joyfull

Re: run size

yorky

Re: run size

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