Coop/run size questions

[AliNaz]

The run would have hardware cloth at the top as well as the sides. Since the coop will be elevated 2', they would have 5'6" of run space that would be shaded. Would that be sufficient?

I'm a bit confused as to why the run would be small. Isn't the rule 10 sqft/chicken which for 8 of them would mean I need 80sqft? Wouldn't a 6' x 14' run give them 84sqft? Am I calculating it wrong?

Thank you all for all the help. I'm totally new to this and learning as I go.

 

[cmclean]

As to whether that size run is ok for 8 full grown hens, picture what it looks like. They will be moving around, scratching, digging dirt baths, looking for food. It may be plenty of room, or it may not! Really it depends on the behaviors of your adult birds. My buff orpintons are rather big and heavy. They need lots of room to spread out!

 

[AliNaz]

It's really hard to imagine how 8 grown chickens would look like in a certain space since I'm a newbie. This is so confusing. I have researched for weeks/months and went by the 4sqft/chicken in the coop and 10sqft/chicken in the run rule while I was planning things out. I guess I'm really back where I started.

If the 4/10 rule is incorrect, then what should it be?

 

[cmclean]

The rule doesn't always make practical sense because the chickens will need to move around. They will not stay in their allotted space. Really I'm sure you will be fine with your plan. The only lesson we learned when we started out was that we should have built BIGGER! If you have space and money, go for more!

 

[TXchickmum]

Really I'm sure you will be fine with your plan. The only lesson we learned when we started out was that we should have built BIGGER! If you have space and money, go for more!

Exactly! Your calculations are correct and you will probably be fine. It just depends upon preference. We have 7 standard and 2 bantam hens (plus a new bantam chick). Our coop is 8 x 12 and our run is approximately 300 sq. ft. (with plenty of roosts at different elevations). Everyone has plenty of room to roost, eat, drink, take dust baths, scratch and run about. Also, the larger coop comes in handy when the weather is bad. They are able to stay indoors if needed without being cramped. We started out smaller when they were chicks and soon decided to make more room. Again, it just is a matter of preference not necessity.

 

[AliNaz]

I do have space, but the money is lacking. lol. I have to hire someone to build this for me and I priced out a 5'x6' coop with a 6'x12' run for my original plan of only 4 and the price quoted was already over $1,000. I really can't go bigger than what I mentioned above. I'm afraid of what will be the price change for the new dimensions. I want to make it large enough for all 8 in case I can convince my husband to keep them all. I honestly don't even know if that is a task I'll be able to accomplish. Thank you all for the advice.

 

[Jersey Boy]

You will definatly fit 8 chickens in that size coop and run. Thats not going to be an issue. And more than likely they will all be healthy. What you have to keep in mind is that the more space your chickens have the happier and healthier they will be. The happier they are the happier you will be.

 

[AliNaz]

Thank you for explaining that to me Jersey Boy. I really appreciate it.

 

[gigelus2k13]

I do have space, but the money is lacking. lol. I have to hire someone to build this for me and I priced out a 5'x6' coop with a 6'x12' run for my original plan of only 4 and the price quoted was already over $1,000.

A thousand bucks! Most of that is surely labor, as a coop/run consist in some lumber, wire mesh and bits and pieces; no building permit involved and the ladies won't complain if the walls are a little crooked or the paint is not the right shade etc.

Depending how old are the kids in your sig, this could be a fun family project carried over a few weekends - definitely cheaper than a grand and you can have it exactly the way you want it.

 

[cmclean]

Right on! You may even have an existing shed you could build onto!