coop for free range versus "run only"

[southernsibe]

I don't want to upset anyone by using the incorrect terminology, please bear with me I am quite new to chickens. I have read that grown birds need about 4 sq ft each of living space, I haven't seen anything for bantams. I have, ahem, 29 poultry personalities that live on my 5 acres. 27 are chickens, both standard and bantam, and two royal palm turkeys. They are all together and for 98% of the time they get along. My question is, if they are allowed to roam pretty much as much as they want, plus they have an enclosed run if I don't feel safe leaving them out all day, especially if I have to go into town and I'm not home, how much room does my winter time coop need? We do get temps down to freezing here, and frost pretty consistently for at least 2 months. Thanks for any help,
Rachel

 

[schmism]

I thought 4sqft was the rule of thumb for run area....

i thought coupe space was like 1-2 sq feet per bird.

remember
1 nest box per 3-4 hens (and they avg 1' cubes)

1 linear foot of roost per bird.

 

[MayberrySaint]

4 sq ft is the recommendation for coop space. However, you can reduce that to 3 sq ft is they have access to a run or free-range. Space for a run is recommended at 10 sq ft per bird.

 

[CtlisencedArborist]

My ladies all gather in one little roost in the top corner of the coop.I have a fairly large coop and this is were they go.They have a 8*8 outside pen which they go out into during the day.There is also a west wing which is a 10*10 dog pen with a wire top that i put sand in so they can take bath's.I do not free range.I give them two pails full of grasss a day,2 cups of oats and grain.I dont choose to free range because I dont choose to loose any of my baby's.I cant go to work knowing that my babys are in danger.Yes,if you dont believe that your sending them out in danger than you are nieve.Everyone who freee ranges has lost some babys,I have not.No they dont get to run around and be free but they get to live another day.Anyway 3-4 sqft is fine.Some breeds tend to get more rambunchtious than others.Look for breeds that like being confined.Hope some of this giberish helps ya.

 

[TreyClark281]

Quote:
do you let you girls free range sometimes when you are watching??

 

[domromer]

Quote:
What about in a chicken tractor if they are moved every few days? I'm building a tractor for 6 hens. My dimensions are 10x4ft. Do you think this is an ok size for hens that will have new pasture every few days? They will only be in the tractor during the day. At night they will stay in a separate coop.

 

[CtlisencedArborist]

Truthfully tray..i am scared to death to!I let the big black sexys out but the rest i cant find it in my heart to do so!i know this is wrong but i cant,I just cant lose them!

 

[TreyClark281]

how big is there run?

 

[CoyoteMagic]

Quote:
I've been thinking along some of these lines lately too.

I have a 10x10 Dog run that I have been using as a chicken run. I'm in the process of building a bigger coop (I'm using a doghouse right now but no one is laying yet)

Thinking...........8x8 coop, 10x10 run and 1/2 acre of free range. Should be plenty of room for my 8 to run.

4ft per bird inside is the standard. Dunno where you are but I'm in the piedmont of NC Some freezing weather, but just frost mostly. 10x12 would give you 120 sq ft should be warm and toasty enough

 

[CtlisencedArborist]

8*8 and 10*10..plus there 10*10 coop.I ambuilding a 50*50 bigger run atm.