A run for 20 chickens should ideally be at least 200 square feet, allowing for 10 square feet per bird to ensure their comfort and well-being.
Planning the right size run for 20 chickens is crucial for their health and happiness. A properly sized run prevents stress, reduces aggressive behavior, and maintains good hygiene. This guide covers everything you need to know about creating the ideal space for your flock.
Minimum Run Size Requirements for 20 Chickens
The absolute minimum run space for 20 standard-sized chickens should be 200 square feet (10 sq ft per chicken). However, most experienced chicken keepers recommend 400 square feet (20 sq ft per chicken) for optimal conditions.
| Chicken Type | Minimum Space per Bird | Recommended Space per Bird | Total for 20 Chickens |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Breeds | 10 sq ft | 20 sq ft | 200-400 sq ft |
| Bantam Breeds | 8 sq ft | 15 sq ft | 160-300 sq ft |
| Meat Birds | 12 sq ft | 25 sq ft | 240-500 sq ft |
Why More Space is Better
Extra run space provides several benefits:
- Reduces pecking order aggression
- Allows grass and vegetation to recover
- Provides room for enrichment activities
- Decreases parasite transmission
- Improves air quality
Run Design Considerations
Rotational Grazing System
If you have the space, consider creating multiple runs that you can rotate between. This allows vegetation to recover while still giving chickens access to fresh greens. A properly designed coop and run system makes rotation easier.
Predator Protection
Your run should include:
- Buried hardware cloth (at least 12″ deep)
- Secure roofing or overhead netting
- Lockable doors
Environmental Enrichment
Add these elements to keep chickens active:
- Dust bathing areas
- Perches at varying heights
- Hanging treats
- Scratch areas
Managing Vegetation in the Run
Chickens will destroy grass quickly in confined spaces. According to Backyard Chickens, even large runs can become bare within months. Here are some solutions:
Supplemental Feeding
Provide greens like kale or lettuce to reduce grass consumption. Learn more about safe foods for chickens.
Ground Cover Options
- Wood chips (replace annually)
- Sand (easy to clean but heats in sun)
- Straw (inexpensive but needs frequent changing)
Free Ranging vs. Confined Runs
If you have 10+ acres as mentioned in the source material, free ranging is ideal. However, consider these factors:
Free Range Benefits
- Natural foraging behavior
- Reduced feed costs
- Healthier birds
Confined Run Benefits
- Better predator protection
- Easier to monitor health
- Less property damage
Seasonal Considerations
Run needs change with seasons:
Summer
- Provide shade (trees or artificial)
- Ensure good ventilation
- Offer cool dust bathing areas
Winter
- Protect from wind with barriers
- Keep areas dry to prevent frostbite
- Consider covered areas for snow protection
Real-World Examples
From the source discussion:
- 20 chickens in 30×40 ft run (1,200 sq ft) maintained some grass for months
- 17 chickens in 20×30 ft run (600 sq ft) destroyed grass in 2 months
- 9 chickens in 50×50 ft run (2,500 sq ft) maintained grass for 2 years
As noted by The Happy Chicken Coop, rotational grazing is the most effective way to preserve vegetation while keeping chickens healthy.
Additional Space-Saving Tips
- Use vertical space with platforms and perches
- Create separate zones for different activities
- Implement a chicken tractor for movable grazing
- Consider automatic feeders to reduce crowding