amount of space

[PonderingHen]

hi there im reading you posts on how much space 4 ft coop and 10 ft outside im curious if this is per chicken? im going to have 5-6 hens just for laying eggs and im new to all this chickeny stuff lol

 

[Summerlove]

Yes per chicken, 1 nest box/ 4 hens, 1ft roost space/ chicken. Enjoy your birds

 

[chrispbrown27]

I am by no means an expert, but that estimate is not per chicken. That would be a total for the coop and enclosure/run. Someone else would have to chime in on exactly what size coop and run you would want for 5-6 birds. Personally I would go as big as you can. If you are anything like me you never know when you might see a couple cute chicks at the feed store and they somehow find their way to your house.
Chris

 

[PonderingHen]

roost space is the length of the roost ? lol thx for your help

 

[heby]

I have a question as well. If your chicks free range, do those coop dimensions still apply. Mine are going to free range everyday and just sleep and nest in the coop

 

[Bear Foot Farm]

Quote: Yes it is per chicken and yes it is 4 Sq ft in the coop AND 10 Sq ft in the run


Quote: Yes because they still need that much room
Draw a 2 ft by 2 ft square on the floor and put a chicken in the middle and you'll see it's NOT a lot of room

 

[PonderingHen]

now i gotta fiqure out ventilation light and heat lol let the fun begin

 

[Queen Bee]

I suggest you build your coop and run as large as you can afford to build it.. The 4 sq ft for coop, per bird and 10sq ft for the run, per bird is the recommended space... If you crowd your birds --even for short periods they may become aggressive. Less space means there is no where to get away from the bullies-- easier for them to 'own' the feeder and waterer! There is a much quicker build up of waste , the ground will become saturated with urine. And then there is always "Chicken Math"--- meaning you will never have enough chickens!!!

 

[Queen Bee]

Oh, for the roost-- I suggest at least one foot per bird-- EVEN tho they will squeeze in a tiny space...

 

[PonderingHen]

As far as winter is concerned I live in British Columbia,the hens need to stay in the coop all winter with a light? how does this work? and also which is better chick or adult? because as it stands I can get 3 Easter eggers also are adults ok with chicks if they r not their own?