The Poultry Keeper

mich71 · Joined: 16 Apr 2008 Posts: 11 Location: bristol

Hi everyone, i am new in here! we have recently bought 3 hybrids and 2 bantums. they are just so lovely and can't wait to get some eggs! just wondered if you all thought this run and house size is suitable..... 7 1/2 ft length, 6 ft wide and 4 ft high, the hen house is within this size and 3ft wide, 2 1/2 ft deep and 3 ft high. this is a FAB site with loads of great advice Very Happy

mojo · Posted: Wed Apr 16, 2008 5:11 pm Post subject:

hi mich and welcome rough guide for chicken room...................1 square foot in coop per bird and 1 square yard in run area.......as long as its twice the height of your birds thats not critical........MINIMUM...sizes try to always give more

robgodfrey · Posted: Thu Apr 17, 2008 9:07 am Post subject:

Hens just love to scratch - they will soon strip bare the thickest turf in a fixed run unless its pretty huge. I have runs that are about 30' x 20' and 6 hens can strip them in a matter of weeks, especially between November-April when the grass is barely growing. When it rains it then becomes a mud bath! Messy and inevitably the eggs get mucky from their dirty feet.

If you have the space I would try and have either a moveable hut/ark or more than 1 run that you can alternate access to - this can allow runs to recover. Hens can survive in small areas but there is less chance of parasite build up if you can somehow alternate where they scratch.

loubielou · Joined: 18 Apr 2008 Posts: 25 Location: North Devon

I am looking for a house and run around that size, do you mnd me asking where you found it? I am finding it really hard to get the type I want! Thanks

mich71 · Joined: 16 Apr 2008 Posts: 11 Location: bristol

hi loubielou, my husband made it! really chuffed with it, they seem really happy in there and we can walk in too. the kids love taking their chair in and having a cuddle!!!!! Very Happy

good luck in finding your house and run.