Coop height question

[paddyg84]

My coop is 4x4 with 3 external nest boxes and i have 8 hens (2 silkies) and they are happy as larry. Im in ireland tho so it doesnt get that cold. They also free range so only in the coop to lay and sleep.

 

[Ridgerunner]

I don’t believe in magic numbers as far as space for chickens. We keep them in so many different climates and conditions and use such a variety of management techniques one magic number can’t cover us all. You can follow the link in my signature to get my thoughts of what I think are important things to consider as far as how much coop space you might need in your unique situation.

Chickens normally like to sleep in the highest place they a can get. They also need ventilation over their heads so ammonia, which is lighter than air and is generated from their poop, can escape. If you are in a cold climate, it’s a good idea to have that ventilation high enough over their heads that they are not hit by a direct breeze in winter.

The way I decide on height is to look at how high the bedding is going to be, then put in the nests. Next I put the roosts noticeably higher than the nest so they are more likely to sleep on the roosts than poop all night in the nests. I use a foot. N a small coop less might be enough. Then consider what you need to do to get the ventilation over their heads when they are on the roosts.

Some other things to consider about the height of the roosts. The higher they are the more clear space they need to be able to hop down without hitting something like feeders, waterers, nests, or walls. Also the higher they are the more room they need to be able to spread their wings and hop/fly to the roosts. For both these reasons keep the roosts as low as you reasonably can.

Now, more directly to answer your question. I do think in certain circumstances roosts higher up help increase living space. When I integrate chickens I often find the young chicks up on the roosts when I open up in the morning. The younger chicks are staying out of the way of the older hens. If the roosts are not high enough that the hens can’t reach up and peck the chicks’ feet, it’s not a safe refuge. Also if I have an amorous rooster some hens are not happy with, they may hop up on the roosts to avoid him when waiting for me to open the pop door and give them room to run. So just making the coop taller will not increase the space in your coop on a square foot basis but it may make it more livable if your roosts provide a safe haven for chickens looking for a safer place. That’s if you have chicken looking for a safe haven.

Good luck!

 

[paddyg84]

I agree with that. No magic numbers. My hens are fine in the space they have as they are seldom in the house