The Best Chicken Runs and Pens

How big a run do you need?

Extension guidance for outdoor space ranges from 4–5 extra square feet per bird (NC State) to 8–10 (Oklahoma State) and 10 (Penn State and the Poultry Extension network). More room means fewer pecking problems and less mud.

Floor area is calculated from the listed dimensions.

The best chicken runs

Best for most flocks

Metal Walk-in Chicken Run with Cover, 9.8 x 6.5 ft

Listed size118 x 80 x 80 in

Floor areaabout 65 sq ft

Fits (8–10 sq ft/hen)6–8 hens

Meshhexagonal wire, 1-in steel frame pipes

A 10-by-6.5-foot run is the sweet spot for a typical backyard flock of six to eight hens. This one uses a 1-inch steel pipe frame and comes with a waterproof cover over the top, which also keeps hawks out.

Why it made the list

• Right size for 6–8 hens
• Cover included

What to watch

• Hexagonal wire walls: add hardware cloth at the bottom
• Needs anchoring in high wind

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Best large run

CAMMOO Walk-in Chicken Run, 13.1 x 9.8 ft

Listed size157 x 117.7 x 78.6 in

Floor areaabout 128 sq ft

Fits (8–10 sq ft/hen)12–16 hens

Featuresdouble lock, stainless steel ties

At about 13 by 10 feet, this run gives a dozen or more hens room to scratch. The listing highlights a double lock on the door and stainless steel ties, both of which matter against raccoons, which can open simple latches.

Why it made the list

• Room for 12–16 hens
• Double lock on the door
• Stainless ties resist rust

What to watch

• Large: check your yard and any HOA rules
• Add a buried apron to stop diggers

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Best small run

VEVOR Metal Walk-in Chicken Run, 6.56 x 6.56 ft

Listed size78.7 x 78.7 x 78.7 in

Floor areaabout 43 sq ft

Fits (8–10 sq ft/hen)4–5 hens

Meshhexagonal wire

A 6.5-foot-square run is right for a starter flock of four or five hens and fits most small yards. It includes a roof cover. The walls are hexagonal wire, so plan to add hardware cloth along the bottom.

Why it made the list

• Compact and affordable
• Roof cover included

What to watch

• Hex wire walls
• Too small for flocks over five

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Also great, large

VEVOR Large Metal Chicken Run, 13.1 x 9.8 ft

Listed size13.1 x 9.8 x 6.5 ft

Floor areaabout 128 sq ft

Fits (8–10 sq ft/hen)12–16 hens

VEVOR's larger run matches the CAMMOO in size. Choose between them on current price and availability.

Why it made the list

• Large floor area

What to watch

• Same mesh caveat as other kit runs

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The upgrade almost every kit run needs

Most walk-in runs ship with hexagonal chicken wire. Colorado State Extension recommends 1-by-2-inch mesh or smaller welded wire instead, and Maryland Extension warns that raccoons reach through wire to grab birds. The practical fix:

1. Wrap the bottom 2–3 feet of the run in 1/2-inch hardware cloth, fastened with screws and washers or heavy zip ties.
2. Add an apron: bury the wire about 12 inches deep and bend it outward 6–10 inches (Penn State and Maryland Extension), or lay it flat outward at least 12 inches on the surface (NC State Extension), so diggers hit wire.
3. Replace any simple hook latch with a two-step or locking latch.

Two options: Amagabeli 1/2-inch hardware cloth, 36 in x 100 ft and black PVC-coated 1/2-inch hardware cloth. Full details are in our predator-proofing guide.