Ariella26 Posted March 30, 2012 Share Posted March 30, 2012 I've ordered a cube with a 4m run and the plan is to extend to 5m in the autumn (once my funds are back up again after such a major spend! ). I'm planning on getting light breeds - hopefully a cream legbar, white leghorn, araucana or columbine, a welsummer and a couple of hybrids. (Yep, a variety of coloured eggs is the aim). Would 6 hens be okay in this space? I've already gathered together lots of enrichment for the run - a mirror, CD's to hang up, a parrot toy, a treat ball, a food ball for greens, a number of perches and pots to sit on and if there's room, a swing. They'll also have two glub/grubs to reduce any squabbling over the food. The hens won't be able to free range much during the day and only under close supervision at night as we're semi-urban and I've seen the foxes about and hear them too. I know that 1m squared is recommended per hen, so should I stick to 5 chickens or would 6 be okay? Thanks everyone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Henchanted Posted April 10, 2012 Share Posted April 10, 2012 Congratulations. Personally I would stick to 5, others may have different views. I have learned that the more space they have the better their life, less stress=better health. My one advice would be to get all 5 at the same time and of the same age so they might mix and get on easier, though its no guarantee, just more likely. Best wishes Enjoy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fluffy chick Posted April 10, 2012 Share Posted April 10, 2012 I'd stick to 5 too. Although the breeds you've mentioned aren't massive they enjoy as much space as possible and may turn on each other if they are confined. Hybrids can be characters (read stroppy! ) too. Before long you'll be able to extend and your lovely cube is large enough to sleep more Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ariella26 Posted April 11, 2012 Author Share Posted April 11, 2012 Thank you both for responding. I'm going to bring the run extension forward so I should be able to get it within the next few weeks. Would five hens be okay sharing the 4m run for a few weeks until I get the extension to bring it up to five metres? I was planning on getting them all together at the same time, so this would then save having to go through unnecessary introductions to new chickens. Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
