Cleaning the chicken coop questions...

[3KillerBs]

I'll take some pics tomorrow ! I'm hoping to use it permanently since we don't really need it for anything else. I did notice at the very top it has ventilation but I'm not sure if it will be enough .. I'll for sure add some pics to see what you guys think

The Usual Guidelines for space and ventilation are that every adult, standard-sized hen needs:

4 square feet in the coop,
10 square feet in the run,
1 linear foot of roost
1/4 of a nest box,
And 1 square foot of permanent, 24/7/365 ventilation -- best located above the birds' heads while they're sitting on the roost.

This is one of the places that climate matters, which is why we asked where, in general, you were located.

If you're in a severe winter area you'll want more room in the coop to help with the times that your chickens can't (or won't), go out in heavy snow.

If you're in a hot summer climate like mine you need more ventilation -- I put 16 square feet of permanent ventilation and 10 square feet of supplemental ventilation in a 4x8 brooder and still had to put up a shade canopy.

 

[Brooks_]

When in doubt, ventilate more!! A good rule of thumb is 1 square foot per chicken, but you should really do as much as you can, both to allow for chicken math and happier chickens.

I have ventilation for 26-28. Space for 18 max.

 

[black_cat]

The Usual Guidelines for space and ventilation are that every adult, standard-sized hen needs:

1 square foot in the coop,
10 square feet in the run,
1/4 of a nest box,
And 1 square foot of permanent, 24/7/365 ventilation -- best located above the birds' heads while they're sitting on the roost.

This is one of the places that climate matters, which is why we asked where, in general, you were located.

If you're in a severe winter area you'll want more room in the coop to help with the times that your chickens can't (or won't), go out in heavy snow.

If you're in a hot summer climate like mine you need more ventilation -- I put 16 square feet of permanent ventilation and 10 square feet of supplemental ventilation in a 4x8 brooder and still had to put up a shade canopy.

Agree with everything here, aside from "1 square foot in the coop''. I would usually cite minimum 3 square feet/bird, and preferably 5+ square feet per bird. @aart has an article linked in her signature that further explains all of the coop guidelines.

 

[Brooks_]

Agree with everything here, aside from "1 square foot in the coop''. I would usually cite minimum 3 square feet/bird. @aart has an article linked in her signature that further explains all of the coop guidelines.

Good catch. Benefit of doubt says 1 linear foot of roost was meant.

 

[black_cat]

Good catch. Benefit of doubt says 1 linear foot of roost was meant.

That makes sense and is definitely true!

 

[Vickischics]

Agree with everything here, aside from "1 square foot in the coop''. I would usually cite minimum 3 square feet/bird. @aart has an article linked in her signature that further explains all of the coop guidelines.

Space, Ventilation n space and Ventilation. This is because of the deposits create ammonia so ventilation is MUCH needed esp when they can't go or won't go outside. The space of 3-4 sq ft per bird keeps the pecking and bickering down so the ones on the lowest pecking order can live in peace and be somewhat safe from injuries when in close quarters. You have come to the right place to have all your questions answered.
Congratulations on your endeavor with chicken keeping.

 

[Ourminizoo2021]

The Usual Guidelines for space and ventilation are that every adult, standard-sized hen needs:

1 square foot in the coop,
10 square feet in the run,
1/4 of a nest box,
And 1 square foot of permanent, 24/7/365 ventilation -- best located above the birds' heads while they're sitting on the roost.

This is one of the places that climate matters, which is why we asked where, in general, you were located.

If you're in a severe winter area you'll want more room in the coop to help with the times that your chickens can't (or won't), go out in heavy snow.

If you're in a hot summer climate like mine you need more ventilation -- I put 16 square feet of permanent ventilation and 10 square feet of supplemental ventilation in a 4x8 brooder and still had to put up a shade canopy.

I think our shed is about 12 ft by 14 ft and I'm in Canada really cold winters so they'll have to be in for a good part of winter

 

[black_cat]

I think our shed is about 12 ft by 14 ft and I'm in Canada really cold winters so they'll have to be in for a good part of winter

That's a great amount of space!! You definitely want your ventilation to be high above the birds' heads, to help keep them safe from icy drafts.
The best ways to add ventilation are soffit venting, gable vents, and a cupola or monitor. Others here can probably explain the 'why' better than I can.

 

[3KillerBs]

Agree with everything here, aside from "1 square foot in the coop''.

Benefit of doubt says 1 linear foot of roost was meant.

Yes. Typo is now corrected.

Bad time for my dyslexia to pop out.

 

[3KillerBs]

I think our shed is about 12 ft by 14 ft and I'm in Canada really cold winters so they'll have to be in for a good part of winter

Sorry about the confusing typo above.

That's nice and roomy.

Here's BYC's best cold-weather chicken-keeping article: https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/cold-weather-poultry-housing-and-care.72010/