The Right Run

Andy Cawthray advises on the best way to create a chicken run

- Andy Cawthray

Over the last few issues I’ve talked about the maze you enter when start out with chickens, looking at the reasons for keeping them and the pitfalls. I’ve also covered the essentials when it comes to housing. But what of the chicken run? Not everyone is lucky enough to free range their birds. Obviously, different breeds potentially have specific needs, but there are some general requirements that should be built into the enclosure.

First off, be realistic about the amount of space you have. Chickens thrive on space; they are by nature foraging creatures and tirelessly scratch around for insects. If the space provided is limited or overpopulated then it will soon be denuded of vegetation, insects, and tasty morsels. The ground will become littered with droppings that, come a heavy downpour of rain, will transform into a muddy mess, providing an ideal environment for disease. It can also cause behavioural problems, as the chickens become bored and begin to peck at each other. This pecking evolves to picking and pulling of feathers and exposed flesh, and can lead to full-blown cannibalism in extreme cases.

Location is key