What size house and run to ex-battery hens need?
When you buy a chicken house, the manufacturer will usually state how many chickens they can house. Some manufacturers will always go for a higher number than is comfortable so it’s always a good idea to stock your house with less hens than is recommended. The main requirement is sufficient perch space for the hens because normally they will be outside during the day. You need to allow 30cm of perch space per hen to make it comfortable for them. It is good to be able to have enough space in the chicken house to hang a feeder if you don’t have a covered run since you will want to keep their food dry and away from the wild birds who will soon empty an open feeder left outdoors. Chicken runs come in many sizes but the more space you give the hens the better. If you have a very small run, they will get bored quickly and will soon pick up bad vices like feather pecking.
