8 by 8 coop question

[Super Admin]

How many chickens would an 8 by 8 coop hold? I am a math dope and need some advice.

We have 7 chickens. Thanks!

 

[anthonyjames]

The rule is 4 sq ft per bird in a coop. You could 16 comfortably or so. Possibly more depending on layout.

 

[Judy]

It would be great for 7, gives you space for inside storage, and a few more chickens later, if you want them. And very efficient use of materials.

 

[teach1rusl]

Yep...agree with other poster. Everything I've read says 4 sq. feet per chicken in the henhouse...10 sq. feet per bird in the run...

 

[cybercat]

Right now in mine 8x8 coop I have 24 chickens but they are only 13 weeks old. Since I am free ranging ( no pen or fence) I can do more than 16.

 

[patandchickens]

Yeah, but guys, this "4 sq ft per chicken indoors, 10 sq ft per chicken outdoors" is meant as a MINIMUM.

It is really better to give them more than a bare minimum of space. Management is easier, and chickens behave differently and in a more relaxed and natural way.

I think 8x8 for 7 chickens is really a pretty decent arrangement for a typical nontropical climate, and I would be in no hurry at ALL to stuff more chickens in there.

JMHO,

Pat

 

[chookchick]

Yes, what Pat said! I have an 8 by 8 and 6 chickens, and they are very comfortable in there. I think 16 would feel WAY crowded--give them a little room, more than the minimum.

 

[cmom]

I agree with the other posts. I have an 8x8 coop too. I had 20 in it but currently 15, due to predators and one that dropped dead for no apparent reason. My birds are out free ranging most of the day from dawn to dusk. Also my birds have a 6x20 covered run off their coop. I have enough roosts in the coop for more birds and nest boxes for 30 birds but I live in Florida. I will be building a new coop 8x22 approx. I can go 10x32. We have a couple of months to build it.

 

[wombat]

If you're in a climate where you will get inclement weather in the winter, expect to have more sq. feet per bird available, as they will likely need to spend more time indoors.

Less crowded coops are less messy, and the birds are less stressed and less prone to disease.

Many of the problems with keeping chickens stem from or are at least exacerbated by crowding.

If you're in a cold climate, you can always add a large crate with pine shavings for them to huddle in if the weather turns very cold, and remove it when it isn't needed.

 

[eggsforsale]

I totally agree with PatandChickens and Chookchick. The more room the better. The more chickens stuffed in a small space, the more poop to clean up. I have a dirt floor and do the deep litter method. Works great! Chickens poop alot however and I don't do the clean everyday thing. I just stir it up every couple of days and sometimes add more bedding. The more chickens the more maintenance, the bigger possibility of odor, boredom, etc. My coop is 8x10 with 8 chickens. The roosts, nest boxes, feeder, waterer, storage, all take up floor space. It goes fast. Wish I'd added a few more feet. However, a large run takes the pressure off the coop. Free ranging is also great. I didn't realize how much fun they seem to have exploring around.