I have a coop that is 120 square feet. It has 3 perches that are 10 feet wide, cascading. I haven't moved my hens into this new coop yet and currently they reside in my first coop that is kind of small. I have 12 adult birds and 15 juveniles. They say minimum 2sqft/bird with a recommended 4sqft/bird. Why is that? My birds now free range all day and the only time they go into the coop is to lay eggs and to go to bed. They don't normally hang out inside. Ideally my coop would fit 30 chickens at the 4sqft/bird rule. I was kind of hoping to do around 35-37 chickens as there are a few breeds I still want to add to my flock.
I guess what I'm wondering is what is the reasoning behind the requirements... is it for times when the weather is crummy and they have to stay inside all day? Well if anyone knows I'd appreciate it.
I guess what I'm wondering is what is the reasoning behind the requirements... is it for times when the weather is crummy and they have to stay inside all day? Well if anyone knows I'd appreciate it.