15 chicks coming - how big of a coop for 15 standard hens?

[AliP]

Hello, and Happy Friday!

I'm a first time (soon to be) chicken mom...and am getting a little crazy.

I bought/ordered a 4x6 coop from a local Amish gentleman and am scheduled to pick it up tomorrow. I decided this week that I want my girls to have more room and am "trading up" to either 6x8 or 8x8. (I think)

My questions:
~ what size would you recommend? I'm certain that it's not 4x6 which is what the man who sold it to me recommended for 12-15 hens.
~ will this crazy ever go away? Last evening my husband (God bless him) was talking to one of our friends who has hens - and 4 coops, to accommodate her ever growing flock - got off the phone and asked, "why is it that chickens make women nuts?" Of course he's also the one making a special trip to check on a larger coop (no phone for the builder)...good man I have there!

Thanks for reading and I'm looking forward to "meeting" you - I will (I'm sure) be here often in the coming weeks/months/lifetime!

Alison

 

[bdjh]

Hi Ali

I think the rule of thumb is 4 square feet per bird, so ideally, you'd be looking at 60 square feet. I would always opt for a size up from what you think you'll need.

We've got 7 hens in a 4x6 coop. They're fine, but it's not like they've got room for company.

If I were in your shoes, I'd go with the 8x8. The cost difference between 6x8 and 8x8 is likely minimal, and you'll be happy your girls have plenty of room.

 

[Percheron chick]

8x8.

 

[tcstoehr]

8' x 8' is a reasonable size. Standard lumber cuts make this practical as well. Make sure you put two roosting bars each 8' long across the whole coop for a total of 16' of roosting bar. In my opinion, safe and comfortable sleeping is the major function of the coop.

 

[Chickenshoe]

Ive got 13 chicks, with possible few guinea's to add to the mix.. 15 total.. I first built a 4x8 with thought of 10 birds,, that's turned into possible 15 now, having already framed out the 4x8, I decided to build "an addition" 4x5.. with a slightly higher roof,, that's gonna be the "bedroom" for the girls.. leaving the 4x8 for feed and nesting...they are going to have about a 10x20 run and will free range em most of the year, but for winter... funny how this has turned into bigger and more birds,, it is a lot of fun tho