Chicken Runs and Their Benefits

Chicken runs are an essential part of any backyard flock. They provide a safe and secure place for chickens to exercise, forage, and explore, all of which are essential for their health and well-being. This leads to happy, healthy chickens that will enjoy the very best quality of life.

Still unsure of whether a chicken run is for you? Let’s take a look at some of the main benefits of chicken runs and why they should be high up on your list to invest in one for your feathered friends.  

Health and Safety

One of the biggest benefits of a chicken run is that it provides a safe haven for your chickens from predators. Chickens are prey animals, and they are naturally wary of danger. A well-designed chicken run will have secure fencing that will keep out unwanted predators such as foxes, coyotes, and raccoons. It should also be predator-proofed, meaning that there should be no holes or gaps that predators could use to get in.

In addition to keeping your chickens safe from predators, a chicken run can also protect them from the elements. Chickens are susceptible to cold weather, so a run with a roof will help to keep them warm in the winter. It can also provide shade in the summer, helping to keep your chickens cool.

Exercise and Enrichment

Chickens are active creatures that naturally need plenty of exercise. A chicken run gives them the space to stretch their wings, run around, and forage for food – a chicken’s favourite pastime! 

This is of course important for a chicken’s physical health as it helps to keep them fit and healthy, but did you know exercise is also important for their mental health too? When chickens are cooped up all day, just like humans they are prone to get bored and restless. Sometimes this can lead to stress and behavioural problems. A chicken run gives them a place to explore and play, which helps to keep them mentally stimulated and happy.

Egg Quality

Did you know that happy, healthy chickens produce better eggs? It’s true! A chicken run will be your secret weapon in producing the tastiest eggs you can get. The quality is improved by providing your chickens with a safe and secure environment, as well as plenty of exercise and enrichment. 

When chickens are stressed or bored, it’s common for their egg production to suffer. Providing an active and stress-free environment means more time producing delicious eggs. 

Gardening Benefits

Chickens are a great asset to your garden and they help to control pests, fertilise the soil, and aerate the ground. Chickens are natural foragers, and they will love to scratch around in your garden, looking for insects and bugs. This helps to control pest populations – something that your plants and veggies will thank you for.

Chicken manure is also a great fertiliser. It is high in nitrogen and phosphorus, which are both essential nutrients for plant growth. In addition to controlling pests and fertilising your garden, chickens will also help to aerate the soil. Their scratching helps to break up the soil and improve drainage.

Reduced Maintenance

A chicken run can also help to reduce the amount of maintenance required for your chicken coop. This is because you will reduce the amount of time you spend cleaning the coop by keeping your chickens in a run.  

Chicken runs also make it easier to distribute food and water to your chickens. Simply place the food and water in the run and your chickens will be able to access it nice and easily. 

Economic Savings

In the long run, a chicken run may even save you money on feed, veterinary bills, and coop repairs. By keeping your chickens in a run you chickens need less feed, they’ll be healthier and you’ll have less maintenance on your coop. All of this will add up over time and make for higher costs overall. 

Invest in a Chicken Run for Your Flock Today

Understanding chicken runs and their benefits is a great first step in buying one for your feathered friends. A chicken run is an essential investment as it will help to keep your chickens safe, healthy, and happy.

Invest in a chicken run today with Eggshell! We have a huge selection to choose from and all of them promise to deliver the highest quality and security. Choose a size and shape that works for you and buy online today. 

Contact Eggshell to find out more.