[kyz1981]

Hi ,
I am about to get Chickens for the first time in a few months, After  finally deciding on an Omlet Cube or similar Plastic coop,  I am going to get a Walk in Run made, I would like to know how many Chickens I would be able to get in a 12ft by 6ft Run.

I would hope to Free range them for at least 2 hrs per day (supervised as we back on to a farm and don't trust there not to be day time foxes), but wan't to make sure that if I am unable to give them this on the odd day that they would have enough space in the run.

Thanks in Advance

Kyla

[GrannieAnnie]

Hi Kyla, the minimum run sized advised by DEFRA is 1sq metre per hen, but we try to get people to give them at least double that, so about 4 in a run that size.

They do like room to run and fly around.  Some people also, is they are short on space put things like little old tables, or a chair, shelf etc to give them things to fly onto, and it increases their space a bit vertically.

Our runs are large, but in one I've got an old nursery barrow frame.  the girls that live in that run love flying onto it for a snooze in the afternoon.

[kyz1981]

Thanks for getting back to me I want them to be happy so the more space the better, I may try and make it slightly bigger then as I am sure I will want more chickens as time goes by, Thanks for the tips a Table sounds like a great Idea and I am going to get some perches put in that can be moved around too.

I am going to get a company to build it as my husband is dismal at DIY and I am no better so I will see if I can get it as big as possible whilst not taking over my entire garden.

now to decide on the chickens, Thanks again.