[daisy1990]

We are new owners of three chicks and bought a coop with attached run which the manufacturers said was big enough for six hens.  Ideally we would have liked them to be free range but our meadow has been visited by a fox in the past (fur on the style being the give away!) I am now worried the run isn't big enough for them to live in full time.  Any recommendations for size? Any suggestions for building something else that would be fox proof (I am happy to turn an area of the meadow over to them if I can be sure they are safe and it doesn't look too unsightly!
Thanks Daisy

[sneezer]

Hi there recommended size of run according to defra  is 1 sq meter per bird (just over 3 ft square), but on this forum they all say at least twice that per bird, also you will have feeders, dust bathing area etc. so will need a bit more space!good luck with your new girls! they are quite addictive

[daisy1990]

Thanks will check out the DEFRA site too

[daisy1990]

thanks compost queen for sending the message with great advice, as a new member I am not permitted to reply to you direct, but you have given me some good ideas and I can start building while my little ones grow!

[themagicaltoad1]

Many of us made the same mistake when we started out and believed the words of the coop sellers about the number of birds the run will hold. I think we've all had to extend the runs as they were pathetically small. It won't be long before you start to think "hmmm maybe just a couple more would be nice", so think bigger than you currently need.

[daisy1990]

sound advice but I would like a bit of garden left to grow veg in (which is another passion!)