Did you know for the first time in many generations, more people are moving to the countryside than leaving it and keeping chickens is the UK's fastest growing hobby?
The Chicken Run is your next biggest investment to the Chicken House. The answer to this question is of course is the biggest run possible however practically most of us have space limitations. There are two main possibilities here - the first is to give them a movable run that is large enough for them to exercise in (fat hens don't lay eggs!) and light weight enough for you to move regularly. This refreshes the grass underneath, providing fresh grazing for your hens. An area of one meter squared per pair of hens is reasonable with a height that allows hens to jump up in the air to peck at greens etc that can be hung in the run to give them more exercise. The second option is to fence them into a corner of the garden or use a larger fixed run that is big enough to give them exercise and to supply them with extra greens. This type of run will unfortunately soon turn to mud and many poultry keepers cover the floor of their run with bark chippings or similar so that they can be cleaned out regularly. With either type of run, there is nothing better than to see your chickens free ranging around the garden from time to time when you are around to keep an eye on things. This will benefit them enormously and within minutes of being allowed out, you will see them exhibiting their natural behaviours.
Keeping Chickens 
