8x8 or 6x6 coop??

[Ragfrey]

Live in South Louisiana.
Very hot and humid.
Plan to get 8 hens.
Building a coop under oaks trees (shady).
Run will prob be 10x20.

Initially thinking of building a coop 8x8 for the extra room to move around in and then if chickens don’t work out for some reason, it can easily be converted into a shed.

Question is:
Is there any reason why a 8x8 would be too big for 8 hens and need to shorten down to 6x6 or the more space-the merrier the hens?

Thanks.

 

[ShrekDawg]

Live in South Louisiana.
Very hot and humid.
Plan to get 8 hens.
Building a coop under oaks trees (shady).
Run will prob be 10x20.

Initially thinking of building a coop 8x8 for the extra room to move around in and then if chickens don’t work out for some reason, it can easily be converted into a shed.

Question is:
Is there any reason why a 8x8 would be too big for 8 hens and need to shorten down to 6x6 or the more space-the merrier the hens?

Thanks.

No such thing as too big! They will LOVE the extra room and it will be useful if you ever decide to get more! Go bigger!

 

[MamaFox78]

I say the more the merrier! That way you've got room if you ever expand your flock - I mean, how many of us see those little chicks at the ranch supply store and go SQUEEEEE I need all the chickens!!!

 

[DobieLover]

Not only is 8x8 better for the birds it is more efficient for building. You will never regret making it bigger.

 

[Isadora]

8x8 for sure. There's no such thing as too much room.

 

[woodworm]

As ply comes in 8x4 sheets there is less cutting with an 8x8

 

[Ridgerunner]

Question is:
Is there any reason why a 8x8 would be too big for 8 hens and need to shorten down to 6x6 or the more space-the merrier the hens?

If you follow the link in my signature below about room you might see why the more space (within reason) the merrier the human, let alone the merrier the hens. I find the tighter I pack them the more behavioral problems I have to deal with, the harder I have to work, and the less flexibility I have to deal with problems. Those are about making your life easier. An 8x8 and a 10x20 should be plenty big enough but I don't consider them unreasonably large at all. Actually a nice size.