[kingbilly]

hi all after having a good read,on the site just to make sure ,i'm asking on here
i'm having 4 or 5 hens the weekend,i have a run 4 metres x 2 metres an a coop
 2 metres x 1 metre will this be plenty of space?

[joyfull]

Does the run size also include the coup being in there or will the run be attached on the end? As a rule of thumb the run size (excluding the coup) should be (according to defra) a minimum of 1 sq mtr per bird, however this really is too small and you should allow at least 2 square mtrs per bird. By the time you have the feeders, the drinkers, logs to vary the height and to perch on, dust bathing area and hiding places plus a covered area for them to keep out of the rain and wind and snow or even out of the baking sun in summer you have very little scraching area left.

[kingbilly]

thats the actual run size.its about 2 metres high partially roofed with mesh over about 1/2.
not a small enclosed timber built one ,it's made of dog run panels and are easily unbolted to be moved when necessary,do you think this is enough?

[joyfull]

ideal for 4 hens so if you also have a raised section such as a perch or lowish table with ramp (or log) leading up then you are increasing the available ground space and it should be fine for 5  . It is great that you can move it around this way it gives the ground time to recover. I have a similar set up for my sablepoots and that gets moved every couple of weeks  .

[kingbilly]

well its a blank canvas at the moment and those ideas can be added,and to be fair 4 will do for the moment,logs perches are a good idea as are the table etc many thanks for your replies,the more i can do before they get here the better,atb KB

[joyfull]

You are going about things the right way by asking before you start - so many folks don't and then have problems