Early this winter I started a project to add an extension to the existing chicken run. Last week I finished the extension, which adds an additional 672 square feet. I currently only have 34 birds, but this summer I will have 80-100 chickens, so it will be nice having the extra room. The chickens normally free range every day, but I worry about them being over crowded, so it will give them plenty of room when they are locked up for the day.
This week I finished phase 2. The existing run is 12 x 20 feet and I wanted to divide the run in half. I now have two 6 x 20 foot runs.
When building a house for chickens it is all about flexibility. Some of the questions I ask myself are:
Will I have enough room for the future needs?
Does the coop meet the needs for laying hens as wells brooding hens?
Is the coop designed to help integrate the younger birds with the older birds?
By dividing the existing run in half, it helps satisfy these questions. Dividing the run allows young birds to be outside without having to mingle with the older birds. A brooding hen can leave her nest without another hen laying an egg in her box (there is no need to mark eggs). Integrating young and older birds is much easier when they can see each other every day for six to eight weeks before the flocks are combined.
The space inside the coop is also divided for brooding hens to be sequestered so they can be left alone to be free from the drama from the other hens. They also can be left alone to care for their chicks.
Have a great day! Every comment is up-voted and thanks for your up-vote, Tim and Joann
