Check out my 1st coop

[aart]

We're in south Florida

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[ChickenDaddy911]

In inclement weather, yes, chickens will hang out on the coop floor. However, if the run is roofed you may be able to get away with a smaller coop footprint. In your climate you will want an open air style coop https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/wanted-open-air-coop-pics.1489579/.

Thanks for the link! Maybe I'll do big double doors on the front and leave open.

 

[Skacha23]

I hear ya on the 6 boxes but hey, maybe they will like more options. Too late now. I've read the 4 sq/ft suggestion. That just seems like a lot of space. Do chickens typically hang out on the coop floor or is it more for nesting and roosting?

Nah, chickens will all fight over the same nest box.

 

[paintedChix]

10x8 run - also 8 chickens. Recommended minimum - 10sf/bird.

Always recommend more space than bare minimums as chickens get bored.
Then, they can become aggressive w/ each other. Corner each other, peck damage & feather pulling are real.

If you cut nest boxes to 2 in the coop, you have place to put feed & water or a dust bath during Hurricane season - when they may/will spend time locked up.

 

[paintedChix]

14-16 wouod be great. I made a 10x8 run. I'll probably double it. (2) 8ft bars is no problem. How often are they hanging out on the coop floor?

Any time they are closed in past daylight, during storms. When they aren't actually roosted to sleep at night.

 

[Sefirothe]

How often are they hanging out on the coop floor?

Any time the weather is inclement and they don’t feel like going out.

Sunny but cold day, my run is roofed…but they still preferred the coop floor.

 

[McChooky]

Chicken bully each other and pull feathers out when crowded. Once they draw blood it can lead to serious injuries,death or cannibalism.
Some breeds need more room than others.Open spaces where they have a line of sight are the worst.They need plenty of room to move about with hiding places

 

[Daisy June]

I have 6 laying hens and three readied nesting boxes, of which only one ever gets used. The hens will go up and down the ramp waiting for the occupant of that one beloved box to finish up and come down to the run. It's so funny to watch. It reminds me of when my six siblings and I had to share one bathroom. Of course, we didn't have a choice but to wait our turn. Our run is 10 x 10 and covered, not counting the 8 x 4 run under the closed coop area. They get about two hours of free ranging time per day, but I stay within sight of possible predators while the hens are out.