[agapanthus]

Have just helped a friend build a 34' x 23' hen run. We used the large metal mesh fencing that are used on building sites. It is a huge run.....it's gonna eventually have 50 choox running around inside. I think we need to put some shrubs and bushes inside to give the girls a bit of shelter and also somewhere to hide if they need to. Any varieties we should avoid and any that will be beneficial? Ideas gratefully received.

[Bodger]

Fifty hens are too many for the size of run.
You are going to plant shrubs to supply shade so evergreens as long as they don't appear on the poisonous list

[agapanthus]

Fifty hens are too many for the size of run.
You are going to plant shrubs to supply shade so evergreens as long as they don't appear on the poisonous list

Do you really think the run is too small?

[Bodger]

It sounds big but its not really. Fifty would quite quickly turn it into a mud heap.

[Contadino]

I wouldn't put more than 15 in a run that size.  Like Bodger says, one bit of rain and it would become a mudbath.

Regarding plants, I'd avoid putting bushes per se in.  Just put a pile of branches down to provide a bit of interest.  They'll jump around on/in them to their hearts content.

[agapanthus]

I wouldn't put more than 15 in a run that size.  Like Bodger says, one bit of rain and it would become a mudbath.

Regarding plants, I'd avoid putting bushes per se in.  Just put a pile of branches down to provide a bit of interest.  They'll jump around on/in them to their hearts content.

15?
As for the mudbath....a 3rd of it will be covered.

[agapanthus]

With 750sq.ft. on offer that equates to 15sq.ft per bird....not enough?

[WG.]

DEFRA minimum recommendation is 1 sq m (10 sq ft) per free-range bird and up to 4 sq m (40 sq ft)

[Aunt Sally]

DEFRA minimum recommendation is 1 sq m (10 sq ft) per free-range bird and up to 4 sq m (40 sq ft)

That's what I thought too WG  

[agapanthus]

Thanks WG  

[jack russell]

My runs are made also from Heras Fencing and to give shade i have used some hazel screening from wilkos.  I have ran out and need to get some more so have put plywood sheets up temporarily to offer shade from the sun and the chooks take full advantage of it.


cheers

jr