What is a Chicken Run & How Big Should It Be?

If you’re raising a flock of backyard hens, giving them a safe, spacious outdoor area is essential for their health and happiness. A chicken run lets your chooks roam, scratch and peck freely during the day without wandering too far.

In this guide, we’ll explain the benefits of a chicken run, what materials to use and how much space your flock really needs. We’ll walk you through how to set up a run that keeps your hens safely contained.

Key Takeaways

• A chicken run is a secure outdoor space that lets your hens safely roam, forage and exercise during the day.
• Chicken runs stop your hens wandering too far, protect your garden from damage and stops predators from accessing your flock.
• High-quality runs use rot-resistant timber and galvanised wire mesh for long-term durability and predator protection.
• Choose a flat, shaded location for your run, sheltered from wind and away from trees. Keep it close enough to your house for easy monitoring.
• Runs are low maintenance. Occasionally rake the ground, fill in holes and use wood shavings after heavy rain to manage mud.
• Aim for at least 1m² per chicken but give more if they don’t free range often. Adjust size based on yard space, breed and flock size.

What is a Chicken Run?

A chicken run is a confined outdoor space where your backyard chickens can roam and exercise safely during the day.

It’s usually built as a rectangular frame with wire mesh along the sides and roof. Most chicken runs are open at the base with no flooring, so chickens can peck at the ground naturally.

They can be a standalone run or attached directly to an existing chicken coop to give your flock extra space.

Benefits of a Chicken Run

A chicken run offers several important advantages for both you and your flock.

Encourages Natural Behaviours

A chicken run gives your hens extra space to walk, scratch, forage and dust bathe. These are all natural behaviours that support their health and overall well being. Daily fresh air and exercise help reduce the risk of bumblefoot, respiratory issues and egg binding.

Prevents Hens from Wandering Too Far

Allowing your hens to free range without a run can lead them to stray beyond your backyard. In residential areas this can cause issues with neighbours, increase the risk of injury from traffic or predators, and expose them to parasites carried by wild birds. A chicken run helps keep your flock safely contained within your property.

Keeps Out Predators

A chicken run can help protect your flock from predators that may injure or kill them.

Use wire mesh that is at least 0.9mm thick with holes no larger than 1cm² to help prevent rats, mice, snakes, cats and foxes from entering through the sides. A wire mesh roof will keep out wild birds of prey.

If you’re concerned about predators digging underneath, consider placing the run on a solid base like pavers or installing a wire mesh floor. You can then cover it with soil so your chickens can still scratch and have dust baths.

Protects Your Garden

Keeping your backyard chickens contained in a run helps protect your garden from damage.

Free range hens will scratch through garden beds, often uprooting flowers and vegetable plants you’ve worked hard to grow.

They may also dig through compost piles, creating a mess.

Chicken Run Materials

High-quality chicken runs are typically made with a strong timber frame. At Somerzby, we use Chinese fir timber, which is naturally resistant to rot and performs well outdoors without the need for harsh chemical treatments.

Our runs are finished with a non-toxic, water-based stain. If you’re building a run yourself, you’ll need to stain or paint the timber to help protect it from the elements.

Wire mesh is required for the sides and roof. We use galvanised wire mesh, which resists rust. This is important because rust can weaken the wire over time, increasing the risk of predators getting in.

Chicken Run Location

Before purchasing a chicken run, consider where it will be placed in your backyard.

We recommend installing all Somerzby chicken runs on completely flat ground to ensure the panels align properly. If your property slopes, you may need to build a levelling frame to create a stable, even base.

Select a spot that receives some shade during summer and is sheltered from strong winds. Avoid positioning the run directly under trees, as falling leaves and branches can accumulate on the top. Also, choose a location not too far from your house so you can easily keep an eye on your hens and stay motivated to check on them regularly.

Chicken Run Maintenance

Chicken runs generally require minimal maintenance compared to the coop.

Your chicken coop demands more attention since it’s where your backyard chickens sleep and deposit most of their droppings. With its enclosed design, solid floor and limited ventilation, it needs more frequent cleaning.

In contrast, the run usually has a dirt ground, so chicken keepers rarely need to do much. Simply rake the area every few weeks if it starts to look untidy and fill any large holes your hens have dug. After heavy rain, if the ground becomes very muddy, spreading wood shavings can help it dry out faster.

Regularly inspect the wire on your run for any rust or damage. Repair any issues immediately to keep predators out.

How Much Space Does My Chicken Run Need?

Understanding the space requirements for your chicken run is important for happy, healthy hens. Ideally, pet owners should make their chicken run as big as possible. But you may find yourself limited by a few crucial factors:

Yard Size

Start by considering how much outdoor space you have available. Measure your yard and, if you already have a chicken coop, measure the area around it where you plan to place the run.

If your yard is small, avoid letting the chicken run take over the entire space. Make sure there’s enough space to open the run doors, access the run easily, and move comfortably around your yard.

Flock Size

The size of your chicken run should reflect the number of backyard chickens you have now, as well as any you plan to add in the future.

Free Range Time

If your flock spends all day, every day inside their run, you need to provide them extra room. They will need a larger space to exercise, spread out without getting in each other’s way, and without overgrazing the area.

However, if your flock is regularly let out to free range, you can get away with a smaller run since they’ll be getting extra space and stimulation elsewhere.

Our Exciting Range of Chicken Runs

At Somerzby, we offer 4 sizes of chicken run, designed to suit most backyard or flock sizes. Whether you’re just starting out or expanding your current setup, you’ll find something to suit your needs in our range.

Many of our runs can also be paired with specific Somerzby chicken coops, giving your birds a complete and secure outdoor home.

Somerzby is proudly Australian owned and operated. We understand the unique needs of chicken keepers in Australia and design our products with local conditions in mind. Our chicken runs are built from quality materials, with sturdy timber frames and galvanised wire mesh to keep your backyard chickens safe from predators.

All our chicken runs arrive in flat packages ready to assemble, making it easy to set up at home with just a battery powered screwdriver. Each run includes clear instructions and all screws needed.

We ship across Australia using the most reputable carriers, ensuring your order arrives quickly and in excellent condition. Our entire team (including shipping and customer service) is based together in our Central Coast NSW warehouse, so if you have any questions before or after your purchase, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

Toni’s Wrap

A chicken run is an enclosed space that gives your backyard chickens the freedom to move around, scratch and forage safely during the day. It helps to keep predators away, stops your hens from wandering too far and protects your garden.

For best results, place your run on flat ground with some shade, away from strong winds and overhanging trees, so it stays easy to access and maintain. Unlike the coop, the run doesn’t need much upkeep—just an occasional rake and a quick check for muddy patches or holes.

The amount of space you’ll need depends on your yard, how many hens you have, and how often they’re allowed to free range.

As a chicken owner myself, I’ve found that giving your flock a safe, well-planned run makes a big difference to their health, happiness and daily routine. Which is exactly why at Somerzby we continue to offer quality runs in a range of sizes to suit different backyards.