Can chickens have too much room

[John Sanders]

I want to have 12 or so birds in the future but will start with 5 or 6. I'm thinking about an 8x8 coop and 8x18 run. I know that's extra room. What do you guys think?

 

[cholland]

That's not too much room and chicken math happens. As long as it's well vented and not drafty when windy and cold they will do fine.

 

[aart]

Not too much room for 5-6, matter of fact it's just right!
Not enough room for 12, IMO.
No such thing as too much space really).
Keep in mind that having 'extra' space will make adding/integrating new birds in the future much easier.

Excellent article on Space here:
http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/c...-go-out-there-and-cut-more-holes-in-your-coop

 

[B Redhawk]

I have always been told to build 4 sq. ft. minimum per bird and to build for the maximum number of birds wanted, that way you don't find out you need to build another coop. Along those lines 4 x 12 =48 sq. ft. minimum inside the coop, 8 x 8 = 64 sq. ft. so that would be ok. Our birds don't spend much time (sleeping and egg laying only) inside the coop. but I like to have at least 10 sq. ft. per bird incase they need to stay indoors for a whole day. (I now have two coops and building another but I also separate breeds)