katieD Posted October 7, 2009 Share Posted October 7, 2009 hi just wondering how much room is reccommended per bird- run space? my run is 12 x 9 foot with and was just wondering what my maximum would be until i would need to make a WIR extention? no particular reason ... as when i had my other new ones i was swore that was my lot and i always stick to what i said it is definately not because someone i know has some Arucauna hens for sale Katie x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Space Chick Posted October 7, 2009 Share Posted October 7, 2009 OK, the recommendation is 1 square metre per chicken. You have 108 square feet which is 10 square metres, so you could have 10 girls. In fact your WIR is the same size as mine (only mine is longer and narrower), I also contemplated a WIR extension as I had the opportunity to have a Appenzeller and a Silkie (both of which I had been wanting), so I made an alternative to a WIR extension by adding an upstairs/downstairs. I have also added some tables aswell to increase floor space. I have added some pictures here to give you an idea on this thread: http://club.omlet.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=53328 With the large plastic pasting table, 3 smaller tables and the new upstairs/downstairs area I have been able to "Pimp my Run" to 14 square metres of "floor" space, so plenty for my 12, and also gives them lots of interesting levels to explore!! Hope this has helped! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
katieD Posted October 7, 2009 Author Share Posted October 7, 2009 thank you! now the only other issue... the husband!! will he notice another few hens thought i could make the bottom of the pyramid (in signiture) into a full floor if i fill it with a MDF panel? then make another level out of a load of wood ive got! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Space Chick Posted October 7, 2009 Share Posted October 7, 2009 I'm sure you will be able to sort something out, although you already have enough room for a few more without needing to "be creative". BTW - I LOVE your Pyramid I'm sure your husband would mind a few more hens. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sjp Posted October 7, 2009 Share Posted October 7, 2009 I wouldn't use MDF it's not damp resistant. exterior ply or wood from a pallet would be better Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted October 7, 2009 Share Posted October 7, 2009 Ok, I am going to be a grumpy grumpoid here...... Just because you can have x amount of chickens in a run it doesnt mean that you should. Based on the sqm 'rule' I could have 6 chooks in my walk in run but if I am honest 5 is a squeeze and I only get away with it because one is a bantam, not all of mine use the raised shelf and perches either so they are really of no benefit to them Use your common sense bearing in mind the lifestyle your chooks have and the amount of free-ranging they get, I have chooks penned closer than the 1sqm and I have some that get more than 1sqm it all depends on the individual circumstances Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Solitaire Posted October 7, 2009 Share Posted October 7, 2009 So why do Omlet say that you can have 6 hens in a cube with 2m run? That's way less than 1sqm per bird??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted October 7, 2009 Share Posted October 7, 2009 I think Omlets recommedations apply to the house not the run - someone feel free to correct me if I am mistaken Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Solitaire Posted October 7, 2009 Share Posted October 7, 2009 I think Omlets recommedations apply to the house not the run - someone feel free to correct me if I am mistaken That's what I thought, but why does it say that with a 3m run you can have up to 10 hens?! Surely the size of the cube doesn't change?! I'm confuzled... Am this is not going down too well with the "operation try to pursuade OH that chick-a-bids are a good idea"... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted October 7, 2009 Share Posted October 7, 2009 ....no particular reason ... That had me chortling. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Falkor Posted October 7, 2009 Share Posted October 7, 2009 http://www.omlet.co.uk/products_services/products_services.php?view=Eglu Cube&about=secure run It does say 2m run is room for six chooks and 1m extensions can be purchased to allow for more chooks. Ten being the max Omlet recommend for the cube i believe. I could not imagine my six LF girls in the standard Cube run...well i can but it would be very cosy! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Solitaire Posted October 7, 2009 Share Posted October 7, 2009 (edited) Ok, so judging be the responses, there is no way that I'll get 6 hens into a standard cube run. Soooooo.... How many would people have? 4, and throw the 1sqm per chook out the window OR 2, which will match (just about) the 1.95sqm run? Edited: Should have added - in summer they'll get about an hour a workday free-ranging, in winter less. At the weekends, about 2... Edited October 7, 2009 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Space Chick Posted October 7, 2009 Share Posted October 7, 2009 I had 4 in a cube run originally and it was a bit of a squeeze, 3 was OK after we lost one girl. However, as I wanted more girls, I took the plunge and built a Walk in Run, it was the best decision I made Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Solitaire Posted October 7, 2009 Share Posted October 7, 2009 I had 4 in a cube run originally and it was a bit of a squeeze, 3 was OK after we lost one girl. However, as I wanted more girls, I took the plunge and built a Walk in Run, it was the best decision I made Cross post... I've suggested 3... Realistically the garden won't take more than a 3m run. A WIR sadly is out of the question - the garden is a postage stamp with an extended kitchen in it! So start with a cube and 2m and maybe in future add an extention. It's better on the footprint than an eglu in terms of impact on space... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
katieD Posted October 7, 2009 Author Share Posted October 7, 2009 Ok, so judging be the responses, there is no way that I'll get 6 hens into a standard cube run. Soooooo.... How many would people have? 4, and throw the 1sqm per chook out the window ive never really understood the cube with the run to be honest? as like you say going with that rule you would only be able to have 2- so might as well save yourself the money and get a eglu surely? pretty pointless having a massive house and a tiny run? you would have to get endless amount of extensions- best with a WIR Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted October 7, 2009 Share Posted October 7, 2009 Sorry disagree, you have the height with a cube so can get in and out to clean and have more room to be creative using it. Not that I have much yet. When you clean the house you don't bend down which must be a bonus. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Solitaire Posted October 8, 2009 Share Posted October 8, 2009 I think I'm coming down on the side of the cube because of the better shaped and smaller footprint than the eglu... BUT - are 2/3 chooks going to be cold in the cube on their own? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jools Posted October 8, 2009 Share Posted October 8, 2009 I doubt very much they'll get cold in a Cube at night, they have their built in feather duvets to keep them warm. I am with Redwing on the original subject. The fact is that the MORE space chickens have to enjoy, the better. Instead of working on "how many can I fit in", it's more sensible to work on "how much space can I give them". The "regulations" are an absolute basic minimum and not a recommendation of stocking density for hobby keepers. The recommended number of birds given by chicken house manufacturers is way too high IMHO. I have a couple of Forsham 602A houses and they say they're suitable for 6-7 laying hens. Now I have 6-7 bantams using the sleeping quarters at any one time, but there is no way the run size is anywhere big enough - overstocking only ever causes health and behaviour problems. *steps down from soapbox* Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted October 8, 2009 Share Posted October 8, 2009 I had 3 sleeping in the cube over the horrible cold last winter and they were fine, toasty warm. I could have worn them as gloves. I reckon 3 would be happy in the standard run if they were Omlet hens. I had an extra 1/2 extension when I had 3 and it felt comfortable for them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
