You're going to get a lot of different answers on this one. If you choose to use a wire bottom cage, make sure that they have a dirt bath and places to get off of the wire so they can rest their feet.
Personally, I like open bottom pens so they can live on the ground. For their happiness, they should have a minimum of 1 square foot per bird, and remember to subtract space taken up by feeders, waterers, and dust baths from your calculations.
I’m fairly new to them too. While I have outdoor, on the ground, pens for growing out meat birds, they’re a pain to clean. My layers are 12 hens and 3 cocks in 6’ x 2’ coops. The enclosed side is a sandbox.
I’m fairly new to them too. While I have outdoor, on the ground, pens for growing out meat birds, they’re a pain to clean. My layers are 12 hens and 3 cocks in 6’ x 2’ coops. The enclosed side is a sandbox.