Run size for 9 hens - Is this big enough?

[ChickenShepherd_6116]

I have 9 hens (6 are pullets that are not living in the run yet), and I have a run that is 22'9" in length and 13'3" in width; this includes coop space, but the coop is lifted so they have the space under it. When I got the chicks I had a much larger run for my hens, but they kept escaping and getting killed, so I had to lock them in the more secure, but smaller, run. Will this run work for 9 hens? I can try to let them into the large run for a few hours every day as long as the dogs are inside or I am watching them (the dogs were the ones killing the escaped hens).

I think the run size is 286 square ft (not 100% sure on that)
I think that would make it a little over 10 square ft per bird...?

Breeds are:
ISA Brown, Ameraucana, Buff Orpington - adults
Dark Brahma, Cuckoo Maran, Black Australorp, Olive Egger, Blue Laced Gold Wyandotte, Lavender Orpington - pullets.
(one of each breed, all are hens/pullets)

 

[ChaosMom]

22.75 X 13.25 = 301.438 total sq ft

301.438 / 9 = 33.493 sq ft per hen

Sounds fine. Be sure to include lots of features: tree branches up off the ground to run around and perch on*; lean-to areas where they can escape one another when needed (at least 2 exits.)

If you still have escape attempts, look at ways to enclose the top completely with hardware cloth etc., or at least have chicken wire etc leaning into the coop at the top of your fence. It’s harder and more intimidating to fly up and over when there’s additional width and height.

*If the run isn’t fully covered, keep these branches low, or else they’ll just become escape ramps

 

[ChickenShepherd_6116]

22.75 X 13.25 = 301.438 total sq ft

301.438 / 9 = 33.493 sq ft per hen

Sounds fine. Be sure to include lots of features: tree branches up off the ground to run around and perch on; lean-to areas where they can escape one another when needed (at least 2 exits.)

If you still have escape attempts, look at ways to enclose the top completely with hardware cloth etc., or at least have chicken wire etc leaning into the coop at the top of your fence. It’s harder and more intimidating to fly up and over when there’s additional width and height.

Thanks for the advice!... and the math

 

[ChaosMom]

Thanks for the advice!... and the math

Good luck! I added on a note about the tree branches as potential escape routes

 

[ChickenShepherd_6116]

Good luck! I added on a note about the tree branches as potential escape routes

I saw it, thank you!! It is a relief to hear that my girls won't be too crowded in their new run

 

[BigBlueHen53]

As a general rule, figure a minimum of 10 to 15 sq ft per bird in a run.

And a minimum of 4 sq ft of clear floor space per bird in a coop. Be sure to subtract space taken up by nest boxes, feeders, waterers, ladders or anything else that takes up floor space. Crowded birds are grumpy birds, and grumpy birds take out their irritation on their flockmates, resulting in anything from bullying to feather pecking to outright cannibalism.