Getting set up to adopt hens
What type of accommodation do I need for my hens?
One of the most important (and exciting!) parts of rehoming hens from the BHWT is deciding what type of accommodation you’d like for them.
Of course, this largely depends on the space you have available and how many hens you wish to rehome but, regardless, you’ll need to provide a secure hen house for sleeping and laying and an area for them to range outside during the day.
The BHWT rehomes hens from different farm systems which will also affect how much space they require in their retirement homes. During the day, the ex-caged hens we rehome need a minimum of 1 square metre of clear floor space per bird, and all other hens need a minimum of 2 square metres per bird, plus ideally the opportunity to free range.
So, what should hen accommodation include?
At night
- A secure, lockable, and sturdy hen house, which provides protection from the weather and predators
- Wooden and plastic varieties are available, or you may prefer to convert a shed/outbuilding or even build your own
- It should incorporate nest boxes and roosting bars/perches
- Our hens require a minimum of 30 sq centimetres of floor space per hen, and 25 centimetres of perch space per hen
In the day...
- An enclosed area where the hens can explore but are also contained and as safe as possible from predators
- Our hens require a run which allows 1 sq m of clear floor space for each ex-caged hen, or 2 sq m for hens from other types of farming system
- Clear floor space does not include the space under the coop, or where drinkers/feeders will be placed, as this is not usable space for the hens
- A roofed run allows shelter from the weather and helps prepare in case of an avian influenza housing order
And / or...
- A free range area for maximum exploration!
- Even when free ranging, hens should be safely fenced in or enclosed so that they cannot go beyond your boundary/into danger such as roads
- In some instances, you may consider stock fencing or electric fencing, especially if you are aware of local predator populations such as foxes
What else should I know?
It’s worth considering that ex-commercial hens are considered medium size, so when purchasing a coop or run, always look at the smallest number of hens suggested by the manufacturer. For example, for a coop which houses 3-5 hens, we would recommend it is suitable for 3 ex-commercial hens. Also of note is that each manufacturer differs when it comes to recommended sizing for coops and runs; however, we are unable to rehome hens to anyone who does not adhere to the sizings mentioned on this page.
Some wooden coops come with a small run attached which are not suitable for chickens as they need much more space.
Finally, if your hens will be free-range most of the time, we ask that there is some kind of enclosure around the coop when you first rehome your hens, so that they become ‘homed’ and learn where to eat, drink and go to bed. This area should still provide the minimum spacing requirements above, in order to reduce the possibility of stress or bullying as the hens establish their pecking order. We do recommend having a secure enclosed area to keep your hens in when you are not at home during the day to ensure their safety.
Looking for more information?
We hope you enjoy planning your new hens’ accommodation, and if you have any questions that our Rehoming Team can help with don’t hesitate to give us a call on 01884 860084.
Alternatively you can check out our Hen Keeping Starter Guide. This page provides a comprehensive starter guide for anyone new to keeping hens. It covers the basics of hen care, from setting up a proper environment and feeding, to understanding their behavior and health needs. It’s a great resource for ensuring a smooth transition for both first-time hen keepers and their new feathered friends. You’ll also find advice on hen welfare and creating a safe, happy home for them.
