Coop ideas for 13 chickens

[Otjb]

Hi all, my chickens are starting to outgrow their coop i built them a few months ago and starting to need more room. What would be a simple and effective coop size for them? I have 13 chickens that will be going into it. A coop that they can grow into will work they’re about 2 and a half months old and will be going outside here shortly. I plan to free range them and only have them in the coop if they need shade during the day or need to come in during bad weather and at night.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

The standard recommendation I have seen around here is 4 sq. ft. per bird in the coop. But .... don't forget to consider what we all refer to as "chicken math." That is to say, are you sure 13 birds is all you're ever going to have, always and forever? What if one of your hens goes broody and you decide to hatch out a few? Or if a friend offers you half a dozen they can't keep any more? Or you see something here or in a catalog you just gotta have? Or, or, or? Best to plan ahead, 'cuz these things happen. Ask us how we know, lol!

 

[JDN]

8x8 would be the most "efficient."

 

[Feathered_Texans]

4-5 sq feet is recommended for the coop. Will you allow free range? If not you will need a run that is 10 sq Ft per bird. More is always better.

 

[Otjb]

4-5 sq feet is recommended for the coop. Will you allow free range? If not you will need a run that is 10 sq Ft per bird. More is always better.

Right now they free range and stay out all day unless its bad weather or time to come in at night.

 

[Otjb]

The standard recommendation I have seen around here is 4 sq. ft. per bird in the coop. But .... don't forget to consider what we all refer to as "chicken math." That is to say, are you sure 13 birds is all you're ever going to have, always and forever? What if one of your hens goes broody and you decide to hatch out a few? Or if a friend offers you half a dozen they can't keep any more? Or you see something here or in a catalog you just gotta have? Or, or, or? Best to plan ahead, 'cuz these things happen. Ask us how we know, lol!

I plan to hatch a few eggs and raise a few chicks, i plan to get more chickens in the future to add. But wanting to have a good idea of what to have right now for the current chickens i have. More chickens is better for sure!

 

[wamtazlady]

If you are not going to have an attached run then you will need more than the standard 4 square feet of space per bird. Suggested run size is 10 square feet per bird. Chickens need space or they develop behavior issues.

 

[aart]

I plan to hatch a few eggs and raise a few chicks, i plan to get more chickens in the future to add. But wanting to have a good idea of what to have right now for the current chickens i have. More chickens is better for sure!

If you're going to add birds, go big, with extra space to section off part for new chicks.
There are 3 good articles linked in my signature about space and ventilation,
I highly suggest you read them.

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