This entry was posted on 4 September 2023 in Uncategorised.

Top Tips For Choosing The Perfect Chicken Run For Your Chickens

Congratulations on taking the first step towards raising happy, healthy chickens! Whilst it’s an exciting time you’re not done with the decision making yet. One of the most important choices you’ll make is choosing a chicken run that keeps your chickens safe and able to roam.

It’s important to do your research and understand the needs of your flock before you buy a chicken run. Here are a few things to consider:

• How many chickens do you have? The size of the run will need to be big enough for all of your chickens to have plenty of space to move around and forage.
• What kind of predators do you have in your area? The run will need to be secure enough to keep your chickens safe from predators.
• What kind of climate do you live in? The run will need to be weatherproof and provide shade in hot weather and shelter from the rain in cold weather.

Benefits of a Chicken Run

Once you’ve considered these factors, you can start narrowing down your choices. Here are a few benefits of having a chicken run:

• It gives your chickens more space to roam – Chickens are naturally active creatures and they need plenty of space to exercise and forage. A chicken run will give them the opportunity to stretch their legs and scratch around in the dirt looking for bugs and worms. This might not sound much to you and me, but this is pretty much heaven for your feathered friends. 
• It keeps your chickens safe from predators – A secure chicken run will help to protect your chickens from predators such as foxes, badgers or cats. Importantly, they do this whilst giving your chickens enough space to stretch their legs.   
• It provides your chickens with fresh air and sunlight – Chickens need fresh air and sunlight to stay healthy and happy. A chicken run will allow them to get some of both and will make a big difference to their lifestyle.
• It helps to control pests – Did you know that chickens are natural pest control agents? They will eat insects and other pests that can damage your garden and plants. Simply move your chicken run around daily to keep on top of pests.

Choosing a Chicken Run

So now that you’ve definitely decided to go ahead with adding a coop to your setup, it’s time to start the process of choosing a chicken run. Your chickens will have high egg-spectations after all – so you need to deliver a top quality run! 

Consider the Price 

The first aspect of choosing a chicken run is price. Chicken runs can range in price from a few hundred pounds to a few thousand pounds depending on variables like brand and size. It’s important to set a budget before you start shopping as it can be easy to spend more than you need. 

Read Reviews

Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, read reviews of different chicken runs and manufacturers. This will help you to get a sense of the pros and cons of each one and give you a clearer picture of what’s on offer. Remember; the odd review isn’t always an issue and you should look for recurring issues instead. 

Check the Wood Quality

The wood used to build the chicken run should be sturdy and durable to keep you chicken in, and predators out. It should also be treated with a sealant to protect it from the elements.

Make Sure the Run is the Right Size

One of the most important considerations when choosing a chicken run is size. The run should be big enough for all of your chickens to have plenty of space to move around comfortably. At Cocoon, our smallest chicken run – the Chicken Run Extension – 600/1000 Coop Model – is perfect for 2 larger or 4 bantam-size chickens. Alternatively, our Eco Big Barn Chicken House & Chicken Run is suited for 5 larger or 7 bantam-sized chickens. If you’re unsure of how big your chicken coop needs to be, always speak with your manufacturer. 

Consider the Security Features

The run should be secure enough to keep your chickens safe from any predators that are lurking in your garden. Our chicken runs are integrated with strong latches and locks on all opening aspects for example. Keeping your chickens safe should be your number one priority.   

Once you’ve found the perfect chicken run, you’re ready to start enjoying the benefits of raising happy, healthy chickens!

Contact Cocoon Today!

At Cocoon, we understand that buying a chicken run can be a daunting task, especially for new chicken owners. That’s why we offer a wide variety of chicken runs to choose from, all of which are designed to meet the needs of your flock. We also have a team of experts who can help you choose the right run for your chickens and answer any questions you may have.

To contact Cocoon today, please visit our website or give us a call at 01273 978 487. We look forward to helping you find the perfect chicken run for your flock!