How big of a run for 10-12 chickens?

[TxChick77]

We began construction of our coop and run combo this weekend. I purchased plans for a 4×8 lean coop/run combo with a raised coop 4×4.

We modified the length on both the coop to 4x6 and the run 4x12 (6 ft included by the raised coop). Now that the framing is up, boy does it look tiny.

We have 8 chicks on the way but I also have some eggs incubating with plans to keep 2-4 (my neighbor is taking any others to add to her flock). There were so many beautiful birds, I want them all. An assortment of different breeds.

They will be able FR part of the day, but I'm thinking 12x4 is way too small. I have room to extend the run into a L shape, but wondered how much more so I can order the supplies.

In hind sight, I should have extended the width to 6 or 8 feet. Would have been so much easier, but the side wall framing is up and my happy trigger finger husband put a thousand nails down to hold the walls together with the nail gun. Duhh..and I've just squashed the chances of adding and more chicks down the road without having to build another coop.
That would be a hard idea to sweet talk my way into.

 

[bdjh]

You'd need a coop that was 6x8 at a minimum.....8x8 would be better......for the numbers you want. If they're too cramped, they'll just hurt each other. If you're only at the framing stage, it's certainly not too late. Better to waste a few 2x4's now than build a new coop the moment you finish this one......

 

[Percheron chick]

If the coop is only 4x6, you should only be thinking 6 hens. For 6 hens a 4x12 run is adequate however, half of that is under the coop and is not part of the equation.

 

[Mtn Laurel]

A general rule-of-thumb seems to be to allow 10 sq. ft. of run space per each standard sized bird.

 

[Sonya9]

IMO if you have the space the bigger the run the better. You say they will free range "part" of the day, I assume that is so you can watch them? Or put dogs up during that time?

A large run that can support live grass and such will make your life much easier in the future and makes for happier chickens.

 

[TxChick77]

You'd need a coop that was 6x8 at a minimum.....8x8 would be better......for the numbers you want. If they're too cramped, they'll just hurt each other. If you're only at the framing stage, it's certainly not too late. Better to waste a few 2x4's now than build a new coop the moment you finish this one......

This is my thoughts exactly... think I'll have to find a sledge hammer while he's at work. Or go puchase a reciprocating saw

 

[TxChick77]

If the coop is only 4x6, you should only be thinking 6 hens. For 6 hens a 4x12 run is adequate however, half of that is under the coop and is not part of the equation.

After mapping out the interior for my 4x6 coop, I cant figure out how the original plans for the 8x4 combo was good for 10 chickens. Grrrr

 

[Sonya9]

After mapping out the interior for my 4x6 coop, I cant figure out how the original plans for the 8x4 combo was good for 10 chickens. Grrrr

Seems to me it would be very easy to wall in the rest of that coop/run to accomodate twice as many birds and just add a large wire run for foraging.

 

[TxChick77]

IMO if you have the space the bigger the run the better. You say they will free range "part" of the day, I assume that is so you can watch them? Or put dogs up during that time?

A large run that can support live grass and such will make your life much easier in the future and makes for happier chickens.

Yes, they will be able to FR in the evenings or part of the day so I can watch them. We dont have a fence separating one of neighbors. They dont mind if they wander over but I'm thinking that might change the first time they get into their vegetable garden.

 

[TxChick77]

 Seems to me it would be very easy to wall in the rest of that coop/run to accomodate twice as many birds and just add a large wire run for foraging.

good point..... hmmm