Coop For 17 Chickens

[5SweetChicks]

16 Hens

1 Rooster (One lucky boy)

I currently have a 8ft by 6ft coop. Only 3 birds in it right now.
But I bought 10 more chicks this year and my neighbor bought 4 to add to my coop so they can raise chicks and get eggs too.

So my questions are:
How many nesting boxes should I have?
How much should I add on to my coop?

*They also have an outdoor run and will be able to wander my yard when someone is available to check on them every now and then.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

4 boxes should be plenty. 8X6 is a little tight but could hold them if only in for the night. I recommend 4 sq. ft. per bird.
The higher concentration, the more frequent cleaning is required and the greater need for larger ventilation openings.

 

[loveourbirds]

I would add a 160 -200 square foot run. in the run, cover part of it, and add an outside roost. when its warm they will roost outside, when its cold they will go inside. (usually)

 

[ChickenCanoe]

The outside roost is a good idea under a covered portion of the run.
Not as cold here in MO as MI but still quite cold. Friends of mine here have a nice coop and covered pen with a roost in the predator proof pen. Every one of their chickens chose the roost in the run to sleep on every single night this past winter. That, and my own experiences are some of the reasons I don't subscribe to the philosophy of 'no drafts'.