[rcandy2001]

Hi guys, just about to begin building my enclosed chicken run. My question is how tall is the average chicken? And how tall should i make the run?

[WhatCameFirst]

As tall as you can really.  It is much more convenient to to have proper access to it yourself.  Ours is 7 feet tall. It has a net cover over the top so this morning I got a headful of snow, but hey.   

[rcandy2001]

Well im trying save on costs so did not want to have to make it too tall. Just tall enough for the chickens to be confortable really.

[poultrygeist]

I would go with WCF's advice but if you can't run to full height then I would have said abotu 1m high would give them a bit of space.

But make sure you can take the cover off to get access if needed. At this time of year, you don't want to crawl around in a low run to grab a poorly hen 

What sort of area are you covering ?

Rob

[rcandy2001]

Ok i think ill go for about 1m high. Its going to be 3m long and 1m wide for 2 hens. With the house built above on one end. Im just drawing up some plans before i start construction and will post them later tonight if i can 

[poultrygeist]

Will they be able to get outside the run at any time ?

3m x 1m will get a bit cramped even for 2 hens.

Rob

[rcandy2001]

Yep the run is just for when there is nobody home. Theyll have the whole garden when somebody is home.

[poultrygeist]

   Lucky blighters !

At least you'll be pest free. And flower free. And vegetable free. And grass free. :happy:

Rob

[rcandy2001]

Which is fine  my garden is just a big lawn which we never use and a patio which we eat dinner on in the summer.......if its ever warm enough!

[stamford]

Thats OK then, they dont poop on the patio 

[rcandy2001]

HaHa. Sure!

IF bark ok for in the run once theyve killed the grass or do i need wood chippings?

[poultrygeist]

We use the softwood bark chippings you can get from most DIY places. They don't last long but provide temporary respite from mud.

Rob

[matthew2riches]

As tall as you can really.  It is much more convenient to to have proper access to it yourself.  Ours is 7 feet tall. It has a net cover over the top so this morning I got a headful of snow, but hey.   

My run where it was extended has a mesh net roof (until I get some more chicken wire) and it was almost touching the ground this morning!!

[poultrygeist]

Ours was last year but I've covered most with corrugated plastic now. Still a bit of sag but it should hold