chicken space

[happyfeet]

I have 3 acres in Ohio. We ordered 25 chickens in August of 2007. My girls are beautiful ladies and wonderful layers (even though we live in the snow belt of Ohio). I fell in love with them and want to get more in February. They have total control of my barn. I want to build them their own laying house, since we are getting some goats in the spring (and they will get the barn). I need to know how much square footage I need for a total of 50 hens. I have read anywhere from 2-4 square feet per hen. So my question is, what is it? 2,3, or 4 square feet per ladie?

 

[FutureChickenMan]

http://www.ext.vt.edu/pubs/poultry/factsheets/designs.html

See the first plan listed, they've figured it all out for you.

 

[ChickenSquat]

are they going to be cooped up? if so 4 per bird,if not and allowed out in a yard or free range, 2 should be alright.