how big a run

[JONANDJEN16]

we have 7 hens  (RIR X LIGHT SUSSEX) and want to move them to our allotments. we want to put a fixed run, how big would you suggest. :)

[JONANDJEN16]

[Old bird]

Depends how much space you have available.  I have just put up a run for 12 which measured approximately 6 metres x 4metres.  I would have preferred more but space is limited.

Good luck with it - Old Bird
;D

[GodfreyRob]

we have 7 hens  (RIR X LIGHT SUSSEX) and want to move them to our allotments. we want to put a fixed run, how big would you suggest. :)

If you can divide the run into two - then when one side gets scratched to death (this happens really quick in the winter when grass is not growing at all) you can let them into the other one whilst the first recovers.

[jonny211]

Is it 10 square metres per bird to be able to call them 'free range', that'd be 70square metres though!

I have 3 in 12 square metres and they seem to be fine, they have room to run around but they quickly stripped the grass off and I had to put in wood shaving to soak the mud up when it rained.

How much room can you spare for them?

Jon

[JONANDJEN16]

got about 6 x 4 m set aside

[jonny211]

That sounds fine to me... twice what I have and my three seem okay, maybe they'd need worming a couple of times a year but that's not too much hassle.