Chicken run for 12 hens: size and plans

12 hens need at least 120 sq ft of run (10 sq ft per hen). Our walk-in run plan for 12 hens is 8' x 15' and 6' tall, with 1/2 in hardware cloth on every side and the top, about $583–$991 in Economy materials.

Free preview for 12 hens

Every run model for 12 hens

Chicken run models for 12 hens
Model	Size	Area	Height	Est. materials
Covered walk-in run	8' x 15'	120 sq ft	7' 10 7/8"	$973–$1,768
Run for your existing coop	8' x 15'	120 sq ft	6'	$580–$1,084
Low movable run	–	–	–	Up to 6 hens
Walk-in run, wire top	8' x 15'	120 sq ft	6'	$583–$1,084

What the walk-in run costs for 12 hens

Economy materials

$583 to $991

Zinc-plated screws, hinges and latches. Safety parts are the same.

Lumber: $177–$287
Hardware cloth: $292–$475
Fasteners and hardware: $114–$229

Durable materials

$635 to $1,084

Coated screws, stainless hinges and latches. Safety parts are the same.

Lumber: $177–$287
Hardware cloth: $292–$475
Fasteners and hardware: $166–$322

Estimates from typical US home-center prices; your local prices will vary. Prices last updated: Oct 23, 2026. Not included: sales tax, delivery, tools, gravel/base material, paint or stain.

How it is built

1. Set the posts and base railsMark the run on level ground, set the pressure-treated 4x4 posts plumb on their ground stakes, then screw the pressure-treated 2x4 base rails on edge between them, flush with the outside.
2. Add the rails and purlinsScrew the 2x4 mid and top rails between the posts, then the purlins across the top that carry the roof wire.
3. Wire the sides and topCover every side and the top with 1/2 in hardware cloth, never chicken wire. Overlap neighboring courses by about 1 in and fasten with screws and washers into the frame. Wear gloves: cut ends are sharp.
4. Build and hang the gateBuild the gate frame with its diagonal brace, wire it from the outside, hang it on the hinges and fit the two-step latch and the hasp.
5. Lay the apronLay the 24 in hardware cloth apron flat on the ground around the outside, fasten it to the base rails, pin it down with landscape staples and cover it with soil or gravel.

Plan specifications & limitations

Run space per hen
10 sq ft (8-10 sq ft guidance; we use the top)
In this plan: 120 sq ft for 12 hens · Source: udel.edu
Mesh
1/2 in hardware cloth on every side and the top, never chicken wire
In this plan: All sides, the top and the gate · Source: the-chicken-chick.com
Apron
24 in of hardware cloth laid flat outside the walls
In this plan: All four sides · Source: the-chicken-chick.com
Posts
Pressure-treated 4x4, at most 96 in apart
In this plan: 8 x 15 ft frame · Source: Our design choice
Gate
36 in clear opening, two-step latch and hasp
In this plan: One framed wire gate · Source: Our design choice
Walk-in height
6 ft at the wire top, so an adult can stand inside
In this plan: 72 in · Source: Our design choice

Sizing rules used by this plan, with sources
Rule	What every plan uses	In this plan	Source
Run space per hen	10 sq ft (8-10 sq ft guidance; we use the top)	120 sq ft for 12 hens	udel.edu
Mesh	1/2 in hardware cloth on every side and the top, never chicken wire	All sides, the top and the gate	the-chicken-chick.com
Apron	24 in of hardware cloth laid flat outside the walls	All four sides	the-chicken-chick.com
Posts	Pressure-treated 4x4, at most 96 in apart	8 x 15 ft frame	Our design choice
Gate	36 in clear opening, two-step latch and hasp	One framed wire gate	Our design choice
Walk-in height	6 ft at the wire top, so an adult can stand inside	72 in	Our design choice

Predator protection
1/2 in hardware cloth on every side and the top, never chicken wire. A 24 in apron lies flat around the outside against diggers.
Ground
Assumes level ground. The pressure-treated posts stand on ground stakes and the base rails sit on the ground; level a strip under the rails first.
Coop
A run gives daytime space only: your hens still need a coop to sleep and lay in.
Snow and wind
Snow, wind and soil conditions are not checked. Check local snow and wind loads, and ask your local building department about the roof and anchoring.
Permits and HOA
Many cities and counties require a permit for structures above 120 sq ft. Some require one for smaller ones. HOA rules may limit size, color or materials. Checking permits, setbacks and HOA rules is your responsibility.
Not an engineered plan
The plan is a general guide for a small backyard structure. It is not stamped or engineered, and it is not a substitute for engineering or local approval.

Run for 12 hens: questions

How big should a chicken run be for 12 hens?

At least 120 sq ft: 10 sq ft per hen, the top of the 8 to 10 sq ft range. Our plan is 8' x 15'.

Should the run be covered?

A wire top keeps hawks and climbing predators out; a solid panel roof above it adds shade and keeps the run drier. The covered walk-in run has both.

How tall should a walk-in run be?

Our walk-in runs are 6' at the wire top, so an adult can stand inside to clean and collect hens.

Other flock sizes: 3 hens, 4 hens, 6 hens, 8 hens, 10 hens.

All 4 run models: chicken run plans.