Space for chickens?

[OverWyreGrower]

How much space do you need for 3 to 4 chickens?

Is 36sq m enough? It will be securely fenced, with a wooden ark (which the chickens will be locked in at night.

It won't be a moveable run, but I had though of buying a little run to move the cluckies into the orchard once or twice a week.

I'm just not sure its enough room!

[Two_Sheds]

Has anyone tried a Chicken Tractor? I've ordered Andy Lee's book, but it'll be ages. I want to make one for my guinea pigs

[sanman]

Obviously the more space the better but I think that's enough especially if you can move them onto other pieces of land periodically.

[Birdie Wife]

General rule of thumb is at least 1.5sq feet each inside a house, and at least 3sq. feet each outside in a run (Bearing in mind the house doesn't count as living space during the day). But if you want to see them break into a run occasionally, make your run at least 10 feet long if you can (they are so funny when they run!!). I know it doesn't seem a lot but if you're short on space, this is the minimum they would require.

[lozza_9]

Hiya

I have just ordered chickens and house from omlet, the web site maybe able to give you some advice on how much room you need.

I would also recommend you make the house and run ( if make it yourself) fox proof!

We was going to make it ourself but decided to get a eglu - bit expensive but it was the best thing for us.

Good luck
Loz

[Brookfield Growers]

Our 6 heavy breed chickens have a 64sq mtr (24 x 24 feet) run although we rest a quarter of it at a time (so they have access to 48sq mtrs at a time) They are on our allotment and if when we are working down there we open the run and let them roam on the lottie. They are easy to catch as they will do anything for corn! The house is raised 75cm off of the ground (two sides are enclosed so there is a protected area for the birds during bad weather)and the food and water are hung under the house. Because it is dry under there it has made a wonderful dust bath over the winter. The run fence is 6 feet high with 2 foot of chicken wire sunk into the ground off of the base of the fence. This seems to work well for us - hope this is of some help. chickens are addictive and there is nothing like fresh organic eggs!

[Two_Sheds]

Got me copy of Chicken Tractor, hurrah. He says 3 to 4 square feet per bird. His worked example shows 10 chooks in a 4' by 10' pen. It's a great book, despite Americanisms, highly recommend it.