Chicken Living Space Size

[ChunksHouse]

Hi. I am new to chickens - don't have them. We are planning the layout of our home and want to include them. I had some trouble finding this information so sorry if it has been asked a million times.

We want to have chickens for eggs. maybe up to 12. I want to plan a space for the coop and a chicken yard/run for them. This way they are already incorporated into our plan. I am in Florida so I plan to have a tree in the yard to give additional shade. I am in zone 8B.

My question comes down to what is the best size for the coop and the best size for the yard/run?

I have seen some conflicting advice out in the cyber world. TIA for your advice

Chunk

 

[Ihavesomechickens]

If you get 12, I would make a 64 square foot coop. If you have twelve, I would make a 600 square foot run.

 

[3KillerBs]

The usual rule is 4 square feet per standard size bird in the coop and 10 square feet per standard sized bird in the run.

In Florida you will probably want a coop that is more wire than wall -- but possibly prepare storm panels for when you get hurricanes.

 

[Ihavesomechickens]

If you can free range any birds you get, you can get away with 10 square feet. If you keep them in the run all the time, I would give at least 50 sq ft per bird in the run.

 

[Parront]

Hi. I am new to chickens - don't have them. We are planning the layout of our home and want to include them. I had some trouble finding this information so sorry if it has been asked a million times.

We want to have chickens for eggs. maybe up to 12. I want to plan a space for the coop and a chicken yard/run for them. This way they are already incorporated into our plan. I am in Florida so I plan to have a tree in the yard to give additional shade. I am in zone 8B.

My question comes down to what is the best size for the coop and the best size for the yard/run?

I have seen some conflicting advice out in the cyber world. TIA for your advice

Chunk

Since you are in the planning stage, I would take a look at the local city/county rules & regs.
I would not want to plan something that was not allowed. There are lots of things on the internet, I do not blame you for being confused. You might see 4 square feet/bird on here a lot for the size of the coop. But you will also want space to store food, supplies & all the endless stuff you will get for them. Like -- "Where do I keep all these heat lamps and brooder size food dishes until next spring when I order more chicks?" "Where do I put these 50 lb. bags of feed? A large extra cage for transport/isolation. These things are using about half of my 8x10 shed right now! Advance planning would allow this stuff to be in the chicken house of my dreams. I had to start with what was here when we moved in.

 

[Tre3hugger]

A good starting point is 4 sq. ft per bird in coop, and 10 in run. More space is always better, especially in the run. They will mostly just use their coop for sleeping and laying eggs. In your area, they get four seasons to be outside most the time.

 

[David61]

https://www.calculator.net/square-f...t=feet&calctype=rectangle&x=43&y=22#rectangle
This is what I have found to be minimum for happy stress free birds. I stayed at a Holladay Inn but others will be close to this number as well.

4 sq. ft. Per bird for roosting coop. (sleep in only must be turned out daily.)

8 sq. ft. Per bird for day coop. ( can stay in coop for bad weather days.)

40 sq. ft. per bird for outside run turn out

.

 

[aart]

Good article on SPACE linked in my signature.

Here's great hot weather coop/run build:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/texas-coop-build-pic-heavy.1371038/

 

[Folly's place]

Love that coop in @aart 's link above! Basically you want a three sided shed, with very good predator protection all around, as large as you can make it.
Drainage!!! That isn't addressed in those pictures, but consider what happens in storms, worst case, and plan for the birds staying dry. Also predators, everything from rats and weasels, to huge dogs, and do you have bears, cougars, or alligators? Plan for whatever you have!
Mary

 

[ChunksHouse]

The usual rule is 4 square feet per standard size bird in the coop and 10 square feet per standard sized bird in the run.

In Florida you will probably want a coop that is more wire than wall -- but possibly prepare storm panels for when you get hurricanes.

Thanks. Yes. looking into all possible solutions from too much sun to how cold zone 8B can get. We are moving to mid-state reducing our hurricane chances but are looking to cable the coop for that reason.