Chicken run size guide (UK): how much space do hens need?
Run size isn’t a detail — it’s the difference between calm hens and constant problems. This guide helps you size realistically for UK gardens and UK weather.
The honest sizing rule
The more hours your hens spend confined to the run, the more space they need. UK winters (and occasional housing orders) can turn your “free-range plan” into a run-only reality.
“Minimum” vs “actually works”
There are welfare minimums. And there’s what produces calm birds, clean eggs, and a garden you can still use.
- minimums often lead to mud + boredom
- more space reduces pecking and stress
- bigger runs stay drier and smell less
The “mud maths” nobody does
If 4 hens are in a small run, every square metre gets walked, scratched, and pooped on constantly. Grass will not survive.
Your two levers are:
- more space
- better surfaces + roof/drainage (see mud control)
A practical UK starting point
There isn’t one magic number — because the “right” run size depends on how you keep your birds.
| Your setup | Run size reality | What to prioritise |
|---|---|---|
| Run most of the time | Go generous. Small runs create problems fast. | Space + roof + enrichment + dry surface |
| Hybrid: run base + free-range when home | Still size the run for winter / holidays. | Security + enough room to prevent pecking |
| Mostly free-range | The run can be smaller, but it must be secure and usable. | Fox-proofing + dry ground plan |
What changes the run size you need
- Breed size: heavy birds need more personal space.
- Age: young birds are chaos; space helps.
- Weather: wet months = more time confined.
- Layout: long runs with “zones” reduce bullying.
- Enrichment: perches, pecking blocks, hanging greens, dust bath area.
If you’re in doubt, default to more space. It’s the cheapest “behaviour fix” you’ll ever buy.
Design tips that make a run feel bigger
- Break line of sight: add screens/branches so bullied hens can escape.
- Create dry zones: roof at least part of the run.
- Add vertical interest: platforms and perches reduce crowding.
- Two feeders/water points: prevents dominant birds gatekeeping food.
Then make it predator-proof: fox-proofing guide.
The “run only” winter plan
If your hens can’t roam, the run has to do three jobs: security, stimulation, and hygiene.
Welded mesh, roof/cover, dig-proof skirt, strong latches.
Perches, dust bath, hanging greens, safe logs/branches, scatter feed.
Dry flooring strategy, drainage, routine scraping.