What size hen run?

[Gryfon]

Thinking of getting a few chickens soon, and I was wondering if there was a certain size of space needed for each chicken?

Don't really want to give them free rein of the garden as we have loads of frogs I want to keep, and the dog would go ballistic

Thanks!

[rosiesmumof4]

the more space you can spare the better, some folk only have the little traingular coops, and move those regularly which can prevent any particular bit of ground getting really trashed.

[Gryfon]

Thanks, so as long as they have room to run I should be ok? I've got a space next to the shed which will be about 6' x 10', hoping that is big enough!

I probably will let them have a run around under supervision and with the dog shut inside

[Squirrel]

Gryfon - a lot depends on how few is a few hens! The size you mention should be ok for 3 or 4 normal size fowl. You might be able to put a couple more bantams in than that! Just be aware - chickens are addictive and the more you have the more you want! The books reckons 15 square foot per chicken. Of course the more chickens you have the smaller the square footage is because they share the coop space! Whatever you decide - enjoy!

[Gryfon]

Well it was between 4 and 6...though my little boy says 5! That's only a rough size and I think I can make it bigger.

15 square foot per chicken!!! Isn't that called a farm

Thanks

[Squirrel]

I must confess that I did a double take at the size suggested! I tend to keep my runs at 2 square foot per chicken but then I do have a very large shed that they live in as well! Also they go walk about late afternoons when possible - have to make sure that they don't get into the witch's garden down the end!

[Gryfon]

Heheh

Just suddenly had a vision of chickens with harnesses being walked down the road!!!