A debate in the works, need others opinions.

[Kim2]

For coop space only not runs.

How many feet per bird for standards?
How much for bantams?

Thank all who post a reply.

 

[keljonma]

We gave our large birds 5 sq ft each in the hen house proper. There is no real maximum, but I think the minimum is 4 sq ft.

 

[chickiebaby]

Lots of people on here say four sq ft per large fowl (i.e. not banties). Many of us do just fine with less. I have had nary a fightin or pickin problem, and I am somewhere arond 2 sq ft per. But I have a lot of outside run space,and my birds do free range for at least the last few hours of the day.

But 4 seems to be the magic number lots of folks like on here.

 

[hinkjc]

You will get lots of different opinions on this question. In my personal opinion, I feel large fowl need at least 10 square feet per bird and bantam need 4 sq feet per bird. This can vary depending on breed - some are more pecky than others, some do really well in close quarters, etc. It also depends on your climate. If there is any chance your birds may be stuck in their coop (without access to the outdoors) due to heavy snowfall, extreme conditions, predator issue, etc ...you need to account for more inside space. Even if this is only for a day or two. Too little space is very stressful on birds and can lead to numerous problems in your management program.

Jody

 

[Anny]

The more space the better but no less the n4 square feet per bird. If you live some place cold take that in to account since they will be spending more time in doors in the cold.

 

[Cetawin]

Inside space for standards is (minimum) 4 sq ft per bird, if confined all the time 10 sq ft...run space 10 sq ft per bird. Banty I believe is 2 sq ft min but I am not sure as I have standards.

I know some get away with less and have no problems while others have problems...

 

[patandchickens]

If you're collecting opinions, personally I am not comfortable with less than like 8-10 sq ft per hen INDOORS (i.e. that's not including the run space); they just seem a LOT happier and more relaxed that way, to me.

Pat