how big a space needed for chickens?

[The Cardinal]

I fancy getting 3 or 4 bantams. What's the smallest (ethically and practically) space I need? I was thinking of getting one of those triangular run things, but if I have to keep moving it around the garden every couple of weeks it'll eventually mean the whole lawns a mess and my missus won't allow that in all likely hood? Can they stay in one place, or will that result in a filthy health hazzard? Or can they go on some sort of hard standing?

[The Cardinal]

[GodfreyRob]

All chickens love to scratch - this means if the run is fixed they will quickly strip it unless its really big. If space is limited I would start with a fixed run (with a roof if pos to keep the harshest weather off it) that was covered in wood chips or even a hard surface and leading off from that at least 2 runs that you can give them alternate access to. 
If the runs are small then just let them in for a few hours each day - when one starts looking cut up - close it off for a few weeks for it to recover.
A bare run will get really muddy in wet weather and muddy feet = mucky eggs!

[jonny211]

You could put them on a hard standing and then fill the run with wood shavings (use the dust extracted ones though), then truf out the shavings when they get too dirty. That's kind of what I do but mine are on bare earth.

I allowed 10sq ft per bird for the run... but that may be too much for a bantam, but the more run space the better depending on how much garden you want to use.

Jon

[peasmad]

Bantams are easier to keep, just for their size, they are less damaging per pound of weight to the square foot of soil, if you get my meaning. They will need to be moved around regularly, maybe weekly, But they will do several things whilst on a patch. Your lawn will be scarified, de bugged (they enjoy leatherjackets) and they will also feed it with their manure.  There are many more positive results compared to the fewer negative problems.

[peasmad]

I forgot to say, one of those triangular thingys, (an Ark with attached run) would be just fine. And think of those eggs. Tell the missus to use three bantam eggs for a sponge instead of two bought eggs.

[kt.]

Mine is a fixed shed.  12 hens have a 8x10ft shed and probably 3x this again outside for the run area.   And Yes the ground is bare and the hen house will not be moving.

[gunnerbee]

i move mine around at the mo as the run they are in is small as ive just swapped there old run/coup for one largge coup, Now all i have to do is build a run!! it will be built, but it wont be getting moved anywhere! my chickens are always on curfew during the summer months, cause of the damage done to the garden, but winter time they free range everywhere, causing havok!