How much room do my chickens need?

There are no specific regulations for backyard owners regarding the stocking density – the amount of space each chicken needs.  However as a guide most experts would recommend that you have at least, but probably more than 1 sq metre of space per bird.  When thinking about the number of chickens and the space required it is important to think about the winter and the amount of time they spend in the run and ensure there is ample space.  Clare Taylor (The Chicken Whisperer) recommends that a run of 3m x 3m is appropriate for approximately 4/5 chickens.